Technological advancement brought by artificial intelligence in disability: a case of Bindura

Author
Tamai, Adlite
Title
Technological advancement brought by artificial intelligence in disability: a case of Bindura
Abstract
The study evaluated the technological advancement brought by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in persons with physical and sensory disabilities in Bindura Urban. To fully conduct the study, it was conducted using three objectives: to identify the life experiences of persons with sensory and physical disabilities without access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistive devices, to analyze the opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistive devices for persons with sensory and physical disabilities and to develop effective interventions aimed at improving access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistive devices for persons with sensory and physical disabilities to reduce vulnerability. The Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) was utilized as the theoretical framework for this study. The study employed the interpretivism research philosophy, which emphasizes that reality is socially constructed and can only be understood through the perspective of the people who live within it. The study utilized an inductive research, approach which enabled the research to gain more insight and understanding of the meaning and context of social phenomena by collecting and analyzing non-numerical data in order to gain a more insight and understanding of participants’ social reality. Bindura Urban in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe was the study setting, targeted the population with sensory and physical disabilities as well as social workers from the Ruvimbo Simulation Centre organization in Bindura with a sample size of 10. Purposive sampling and snow balling sampling which are non-probability sampling techniques were utilized in the study. The study utilized data collection tools such as participant in-depth interviews using the interview guide research tool, key informant in-depth interviews using interview guide research tool, observation, and secondary data. The data was analyzed using thematic data analysis. The findings revealed the life experiences of persons with sensory and physical disabilities in Bindura Urban, in which indicated that most of them rely on informal jobs due to mobility and communication challenges. Accessibility of Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistive devices is a challenge due to poor legal and policies implementation, which makes persons with disabilities to be more vulnerable. For those who have Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistive devices, they indicated the transformation these devices have brought in their lives including enhancement in mobility and communication as well as independence. The study, however, recommended the practicability of legal frameworks and policies to enhance the accessibility of Artificial Intelligence (AI) devices in disability.
Date
June 2025
Publisher
BUSE
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence
Technological Advancement
Supervisor
Mr. J. C. Magocha
Item sets
Department of Social Work
Media
Tamai, Adlite .pdf

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