The Human Code
The Human Code" podcast unravels the intricate blend of technology, leadership, and personal growth, featuring insights from visionary leaders and innovators shaping the future. Host Don Finley dives deep into the human stories behind technological advancements, inspiring listeners at the crossroads of humanity and tech.
The Human Code
Dr. Kirk Adams: The Intersection of Humanity and Technology for the Visually Impaired
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Focusing on Technology and Inclusion
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Kirk Adams as he discusses the powerful intersection of humanity and technology, particularly for the visually impaired. Dr. Adams, who became totally blind quickly in kindergarten, shares his journey, beginning with his first electronic reading system, the Opticon, in 1968.
Dr. Adams explores how technology allows people with visual impairments to "customize the fit with the world" and move from disabling situations to environments where they are not disabled. We dive into the future, discussing the promise of Agentic AI for increasing autonomy and privacy in daily tasks like paying bills and filling out medical forms. We also tackle the critical risks of bias in AI systems, noting that the lived experiences of people with disabilities are currently underrepresented in the data that undergirds AI tools.
Dr. Adams emphasizes the urgent need to address the disability employment gap—only 35% of people with significant disabilities are in the U.S. workforce, compared to 70% of the general population. He provides actionable advice on how everyone can engage with and support a more inclusive world.
Connect with Dr. Kirk Adams:
Website: drkirkadams.com
LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/kirkadamsphd
Table of Content
I. Introduction & Personal Story
- 0:00 Dr. Kirk Adams' Story: Loss of Sight in Kindergarten and Starting with Technology
- 0:12 Defining Impairment vs. Disability: Technology Customizes the Fit with the World
- 2:05 Dr. Adams' First Electronic Reading System: The Opticon (1968)
- 2:46 Using the Mini-Guide, an Early Sonar-Type Wayfinding Device
- 3:55 Example: Braille Materials Prevent a Disabling Situation in a Board Meeting
- 4:38 The Exponential Acceleration of Technology and Different Symbol Systems (Braille vs. Print)
II. The Promise and Risks of AI
- 6:18 The Future of AI: Benefits and Risks for People with Disabilities
- 7:16 Excitement over Independent Transportation and Autonomous Vehicles
- 8:18 Current Tech: Image Description with Meta Ray-Ban Glasses and Open Source Apps
- 9:17 The Next Big Leap: Agentic AI for Increased Autonomy, Support, and Privacy
- 14:13 The Risk of AI Bias: Stereotypical Career Suggestions (Massage Therapist, Musician)
- 15:39 The Root Cause of Bias: Underrepresentation of Disabled Persons' Lived Experience in Data
- 16:27 Combating Bias: The Be My Eyes and Be My AI Data Set Initiative
III. Employment and Overcoming Misperceptions
- 19:46 Hurdles to Overcome: Attitudes, Misperceptions, and Misconceptions
- 20:29 Addressing the Disability Employment Gap (Only 35% of people with significant disabilities are in the U.S. workforce)
- 21:18 Unique Strengths Developed by People with Disabilities (Resilience, Creative Problem Solving)
- 22:32 The Apex Program: Training Blind People for Cyber Security Jobs
- 26:06 Recommendation: The First Step to Inclusion—Connect and Engage with Disability Organizations
IV. Conclusion
- 29:16 Where to Find Dr. Kirk Adams (Website and LinkedIn)
- 29:39 Dr. Adams' Ethnographic Study on Blind Adults in American Corporations
Sponsored by FINdustries
Hosted by Don Finley
