Risk
Accessibility features are typically priced at premium tiers or released only in major languages, putting them out of reach in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Once a person with a disability has become dependent on an assistive AI tool, vendors can raise prices, change features, or discontinue support—leaving the individual stranded.
Mitigation
Accessibility features should be required at the base tier, free of charge. Availability in minority-language should be required in procurement contracts, and data and configuration portability should be required by law. Vendors of assistive AI should be subject to service-continuity obligations.
Illustrative Examples
Education
Accessibility limited by cost and platform dependence
Accessibility features in educational tools are often only available in higher-cost versions or in widely used languages. This may limit access for students in lower-resource settings and can create dependency on tools that may change or become unavailable over time.
Employment
Workplace accommodations tied to costly tools
AI tools that support workplace accommodations are often only available in certain regions or languages, or at higher cost. This may limit access for workers in lower-resource settings. Over time, individuals may become dependent on specific tools that may change, become more expensive, or be discontinued.
Healthcare
Care tools dependent on costly systems
Many AI health tools are developed for well-funded systems and may be costly to use or maintain. Clinics with fewer resources may not be able to continue using them if prices change or vendors shift direction. This can interrupt care, especially for tools that support people with disabilities over time.
Services
Public services tied to limited or high-cost tools
Services. Accessible AI tools for public services may only be available in widely used languages or higher-cost systems. This can limit access in lower-resource settings and create dependence on specific vendors. If these tools change or are removed, users may lose access to important services.