Artificial intelligence is changing how people with disabilities access information, navigate physical spaces, and participate in education and the workplace. However, as these tools become more widespread, important questions arise regarding who designs them and whether they ensure genuine inclusion.
On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Kellogg College at the University of Oxford - in collaboration with the AI Competency Centre - hosted a panel discussion to address these issues, titled "Access for All? The Promise and Perils of Assistive AI."
Dave Williams, Customer Experience Manager at Dot Inc. and Chair of the Braillists Foundation, joined the panel to share his perspective on tactile technology and user experience.
The discussion, attended by students, academics, and the public, focused on the balance between personalized AI support and the risks of algorithmic bias, data privacy concerns, and the technical burdens placed on individual users.
Reflecting on the evening, Dave Williams noted:
"I was honoured to participate in a panel discussion in front of a live audience about the perils and potential of AI in accessibility. The event was followed by a formal dinner where I was invited to sit next to the College President, and I also met many other dignitaries, including a Welsh member of the House of Lords."
The event was introduced by Professor Susan Downes (Professor of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences) and moderated by Ben Tillyer (Head of Digital Accessibility, University of Oxford).
The panellists brought together perspectives from industry, academia, and governance:
The full recording of the panel is now available online for those interested in the technical, ethical, and institutional requirements for creating truly inclusive AI.
🎥 Watch the full event here: Access for All? The Promise and Perils of Assistive AI on YouTube