As global leaders, tech CEOs, and policymakers from the United States, European Union, and international institutions debate the future of artificial intelligence, a growing call for an AI development moratorium is gaining traction. But disability advocates warn: a sweeping pause could set back decades of progress for people with disabilities—especially in countries where inclusive technology is just beginning to level the playing field.
By Ariana Aboulafia, Travis Hall – Tech Policy Press
The idea of pausing the development of advanced AI systems, including generative AI and large language models, was sparked by high-profile voices in Silicon Valley and echoed in international forums like the EU AI Act and U.S. Senate hearings. While intended to address safety and ethics concerns, critics say the proposal overlooks the lived realities of disabled communities, who have benefited immensely from AI-enabled tools.
Across the globe—from North America to Europe, and in growing tech hubs in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia—AI is powering accessibility breakthroughs:
- Voice recognition for non-verbal users
- Smart navigation for blind or low-vision individuals
- Adaptive learning for neurodivergent students
- Real-time translation and captioning services
A halt in development could stall this momentum, especially in underserved regions where public policy and tech access are still evolving.
“The people pushing for an AI pause often have full access to existing tools,” says a disability rights expert. “But for disabled communities globally, this tech is still rolling out. A pause could freeze innovation where it’s needed most.”
The article also raises red flags about the lack of representation in AI policymaking bodies, where decisions are often made without disabled voices in the room.
Instead of a blanket moratorium, disability advocates call for:
- Inclusive AI governance with global representation
- Continued funding for accessible AI tools
- Ethical frameworks that advance—not restrict—disability rights
As the world grapples with AI’s impact, the message is clear: responsible innovation must include the 1.3 billion people with disabilities around the world, not leave them waiting in the wings.
