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Towards equitable artificial intelligence for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) and disabled communities: ethical challenges and co- development

Loughrey, David G., Brosens, Caro, Moiselle, Rachel, Shterionov, Dimitar orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-6300-797X, Vandeghinste, Vincent, Way, Andy orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-5736-5930 and Leeson, Lorraine (2026) Towards equitable artificial intelligence for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) and disabled communities: ethical challenges and co- development. AI and Ethics, 6 (336). pp. 1-14. ISSN 2730-5961

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies offer the potential to reduce barriers to communication and facilitate greater participation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and disabled communities in society. However, there is a risk that such technologies could have a disproportionately negative impact on these communities and exacerbate existing social inequities. In this narrative review, we examine key ethical issues surrounding AI use in the context of DHH and disabled communities. These include issues related to bias, accessibility, equity and privacy, and others. We propose a grounded, co-constructed participatory approach that focuses on the ethical co-development of these technologies through the active involvement of DHH and disabled individuals in interdisciplinary research. This inclusive approach is imperative to tailor AI solutions to the unique perspectives and experiences of DHH and disabled individuals and ensure they reduce, rather than perpetuate, societal barriers experienced by these minority groups.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH); Hearing loss; Disabled people; Artificial intelligence; Ethics; Machine learning
Subjects:Computer Science > Artificial intelligence
Computer Science > Machine translating
Humanities > Translating and interpreting
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health
DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Nursing and Human Sciences
Publisher:Springer
Official URL:https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007/s43681-026-...
Copyright Information:Authors
Funders:Research Ireland, European Union
ID Code:33038
Deposited On:24 Jul 2026 10:08 by Andrew Way (emeritus prof) . Last Modified 24 Jul 2026 10:08
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