WIP: Moving from Accessibility to Anti-Ableism through the Explication of Disability in the AI Ecosystem

This work-in-progress innovative practice paper builds on existing studies highlighting the significant lack of diversity in the field of artificial intelligence (AI),with a particular emphasis on the role of identity in shaping biases, inequalities, and ethical considerations within AI systems. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into society, it is essential to critically examine its impact on disabled individuals. This paper advocates for the adoption of an anti-ableist framework, emphasizing the inclusion of disability perspectives throughout the AI development and deployment processes. Central to this position is a critical examination of the AI identity ecosystem, which includes the creators of AI, the technologies they produce, and the societal implications of these technologies-all viewed through a lens that prioritizes disability rights and perspectives. We introduce a conceptual framework designed to center disability within the AI ecosystem, particularly in educational settings. This framework aims to teach students the importance of accessibility and anti-ableism in AI, equipping them with the tools to integrate these principles throughout their work. By promoting an anti-ableist approach and integrating accessibility education, this paper seeks to inform future policies and initiatives in human-centered AI. It contributes to the ongoing discourse on ethical AI, urging a reevaluation of how disability is integral to AI's identity and its future trajectory.