Figure 1
A diagram of the intersection of artificial intelligence and the ability divide. The diagram represents a process involving diverse human capacities and contexts, the ability divide, and normative ideal user capabilities. On the left, diverse human capacities and contexts are depicted, including neurodiversity, physical variation, and socio-cultural factors. These capacities interact with artificial intelligence systems, which are shown in the center. The interaction can lead to reinforced exclusion and limited agency if the AI affordances are misaligned and filtered through techno-ableist perspectives. This is indicated by blocked or misinterpreted affordance perception, friction or denial in interaction, and outcomes of marginalization. On the right, normative ideal user capabilities, which are standardized cognitive, physical, and linguistic profiles, interact with artificial intelligence systems.AI and the ability divide: Intersection of affordances and normative design. Source: Authors’ own work