Telehealth and incipient technologies, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), are revolutionizing accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities (PwDs), offering transformative opportunities to overcome historical barriers. While telehealth continues to expand globally, with varying levels of integration, it remains a critical component of e-health initiatives, especially for individuals with disabilities. AI, with its capacity for natural language processing, data analytics, and machine learning, holds immense potential in reimagining the support and empowerment of disabled individuals, mainly by providing personalized, tailored solutions beyond traditional physical accommodations. This shift from conventional impairment-focused interventions to a more holistic approach considering environmental, technological, and social factors has redefined disability in a technology-driven world. In this context, information and communication technologies (ICT) and assistive technologies offer new pathways for PwDs to engage in education, employment, and social activities. However, while these innovations create new possibilities, they also introduce challenges that must be addressed to ensure equal participation and inclusion. This chapter explores the opportunities and challenges of technological advancements in fostering social development for PwDs, specifically focusing on the Asian and African continents. Examining how ICT and assistive technologies can bridge gaps and promote inclusion aims to provide insights into how technology can improve the lives of disabled individuals in these regions and contribute to an equitable, inclusive society.

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Technological Innovations and Their Impact on Disability in Asian and African Continents

  • Ramakrishnan Veerabathiran,
  • Sheena Mariam Thomas

摘要

Telehealth and incipient technologies, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), are revolutionizing accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities (PwDs), offering transformative opportunities to overcome historical barriers. While telehealth continues to expand globally, with varying levels of integration, it remains a critical component of e-health initiatives, especially for individuals with disabilities. AI, with its capacity for natural language processing, data analytics, and machine learning, holds immense potential in reimagining the support and empowerment of disabled individuals, mainly by providing personalized, tailored solutions beyond traditional physical accommodations. This shift from conventional impairment-focused interventions to a more holistic approach considering environmental, technological, and social factors has redefined disability in a technology-driven world. In this context, information and communication technologies (ICT) and assistive technologies offer new pathways for PwDs to engage in education, employment, and social activities. However, while these innovations create new possibilities, they also introduce challenges that must be addressed to ensure equal participation and inclusion. This chapter explores the opportunities and challenges of technological advancements in fostering social development for PwDs, specifically focusing on the Asian and African continents. Examining how ICT and assistive technologies can bridge gaps and promote inclusion aims to provide insights into how technology can improve the lives of disabled individuals in these regions and contribute to an equitable, inclusive society.