In January 2025, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) drove forward into another frontier, launching the first phase of its artificial intelligence research through AFB’s Public Policy and Research Institute (PPRI). This study examined how AI can both positively and negatively impact people with disabilities. Together, this research offers a roadmap for developers and policymakers to embed inclusion at the core of technological innovation.
“Through our in-depth interviews, we were able to identify the most significant opportunities and issues that all of our experts could agree upon. This agreement offers us a clear path forward on where we can gain the greatest momentum so as not to be left behind in the current AI revolution rapidly changing our world.”
— Stephanie Enyart, AFB Chief Public Policy & Research Officer
AFB’s findings underscore a simple truth: the technologies shaping tomorrow must work for everyone. By driving this conversation, AFB is ensuring that the concerns and needs of Americans with disabilities are not left on the side of the road. As AFB progresses into FY2026, PPRI’s research will continue with extensive quantitative and qualitative studies from both persons with and without disabilities, providing the most accurate insight into how the areas addressed in phase one of PPRI’s research are already being felt across our country.
“We are excited by the support we have received toward creating this groundbreaking research. Our findings will not only serve as a compass for the blind and low vision community, but will also serve the broader society as we all try to measure the impact that AI will have during these historic times.”
— Dr. Arielle Silverman, AFB Director of Research
Special Thanks
This critical research has been made possible through the support of the Delta Gamma Foundation, with additional thanks to the Ford Foundation.
