Mr Chair,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Rehabilitation International is a global advocate for rehabilitation, inclusion and human rights for persons with disabilities. Highlights of the more than 100 years of RI’s history are the promotion of the UN-CRPD and to develop the global symbol for accessibility – the so-called wheelchair logo.
The development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most dynamic technical tool with enormous influence on all life areas. Also for persons with disabilities AI technology can have a huge impact on daily life and potentially foster rehabilitation and inclusion. For these purposes, AI should not be used to gather information and solve daily life problems. AI tools should be specifically developed to support learning for children and adults with disabilities, to support actively rehabilitation processes and to minimize health risks. Another important function is to support participation in all life areas such as health, education, labor and employment, political and religious life as well as leisure and sports activities.
However, the so-called large language models also have inherent risks. This includes the risk to repeat main stream narratives on persons with disabilities or even discriminatory statements. As underlying algorithms are not public nor controlled, there is no mechanism to prevent disruptions of human rights in general and the principles of the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD).
In order to support the beneficial use of AI for persons with disabilities and to prevent discrimination RI claims the following:
A. Ensure that AI tools are designed according to the principles of universal design and made accessible, affordable for persons with disabilities
B. Develop a Charta for the use of large language models on the basis of the UN-CRPD and develop guidelines for the use of AI tools
C. Include persons with disabilities in all stages of development if AI tools
D. Do research on potential disability exclusive mechanisms or even multiplication of discriminatory narratives on disability
E. Develop specific AI-based programs for the support of person with disabilities in the areas of education, health, employment, justice and other relevant life areas.
Geneva, July 6, 2026
Prof Christoph Gutenbrunner
Rehabilitation International President
This content is restricted to site members. If you are an existing user, please sign in. New users may sign up below.