**Cyprus Looks to AI to Improve Access for People with Disabilities**
Cyprus is actively exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual and hearing disabilities. This initiative is part of the National AI Strategy, which aims to integrate AI solutions into everyday life, education, employment, and public services, according to a recent announcement from the Office of the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology.
Key discussions regarding the strategy were held with Pelagia Karpasiti, director of the Ayios Varnavas School for the Blind, and Kika Hadjikakou, director of the Georgios Markoudeaf School. These meetings focused on identifying the daily challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and exploring how AI can provide practical support.
A central theme of the discussions was the importance of incorporating accessibility features into digital services and applications from the outset, rather than retrofitting them later. The Office emphasized that the design process should actively involve individuals with disabilities and their representative organizations to ensure that the solutions developed are effective and user-friendly.
For those with visual impairments, several AI-assisted applications were considered. These include tools for accessing documents and information, providing descriptions of images and surroundings, offering navigation support, and converting educational materials into accessible formats more rapidly. Additionally, AI technologies could facilitate greater participation in the workforce through accessible meeting platforms, document description tools, and voice-assistance applications.
However, the Office cautioned that while AI can enhance accessibility, it should not replace essential human support in areas such as orientation, mobility, rehabilitation, safety, and critical decision-making processes.
The discussions also addressed the needs of individuals with hearing disabilities. AI's potential to enable real-time communication between deaf and hearing individuals was a focal point. Tools under consideration included live subtitling in both Greek and English, speech-to-sign-language technologies, and applications capable of converting sign language into text or speech. These innovations could significantly benefit services that require regular interaction with citizens, such as healthcare, social security, taxation, and education.
Special attention was given to Cyprus Sign Language, highlighting that solutions developed for other sign languages may not be suitable for use in Cyprus. As a result, any effective system would require local data and should be co-designed with the School for the Deaf, organizations representing deaf individuals, and the users themselves.
In sensitive contexts, such as healthcare and legal proceedings, AI could improve accessibility while still ensuring the presence of certified interpreters when necessary. The importance of protecting privacy and human dignity was also emphasized, particularly when technologies rely on cameras or real-time image processing. The Office stressed that such applications must operate transparently and remain under the control of the users.
Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist and president of the National Action Group on AI, stated, “The real measure of the success of an AI strategy is not only how advanced the technology becomes, but how substantially it improves people’s ability to participate in society and the economy.” He further emphasized that AI must serve people, maintaining human control while ensuring that technological progress broadens participation rather than creating new barriers.
The meetings with the two schools are part of a broader consultation process for the National AI Strategy 2032. In August, the National Action Group on AI also engaged with ministers, public administration officials, professional organizations, and representatives from various sectors, including education, energy, trade, healthcare, tourism, shipping, and taxation. This comprehensive approach reflects Cyprus’ ambition to establish itself as a reliable AI hub in the Eastern Mediterranean and a European jurisdiction for AI services.
As the National AI Strategy continues to develop, the focus remains on creating an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of society, supported by innovative technological solutions.