We train People with Disabilities in AI
In 2024 we started an extremely innovative project, even by global standards… And we are happy to continue!
We train People with Disabilities (PWDs) so that they can work “training” Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Afterwards, PWDs (people with autism, mental disorders and motor disabilities) undertake to carry out supported work in real conditions! That is, to implement projects in collaboration with research groups and companies. In the first phase of the program, we collaborated with NCSR “Demokritos” .
Thus, for the first time, a very innovative way of employing them in a rapidly developing sector was studied! (See the detailed results of the research here .)
Our valuable partner in this project is the Child and Adolescent Center throughout our journey.
This year we also have the pleasure of accompanying PEPSAEE for the second year and inaugurating our collaboration with the following organizations: IASIS , KoiSPE Routes , Greek Association for Asperger Syndrome , as well as Panagiotis Pitsiniagas for motor disabilities.
In 2024 we also collaborated with Early Intervention .
We share with you the experiences of participants from the first phase of the program.
Disability Support Agencies, researchers from NCSR “Demokritos” and our organizing team share their experiences.
Watch the Video!
Support
The program is implemented with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and METLEN .
We train People with Disabilities in AI
People with Disabilities face difficulties in finding employment, with significant economic, social and psychological impacts on their lives. Also, the explosive growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems creates an ever-increasing need for people to “train” these systems.
So we decided to innovate and venture in new directions!
Our goal is for people with disabilities to acquire new, in-demand professional skills and at the same time participate in the development of AI systems by performing Annotation (preparing data for training AI systems). In this way, they will be able to contribute to the digital transformation of the country.
We train People with Disabilities in AI
During the first cycle of the program:
- The educational program “Development of Annotation Skills for People with Disabilities” was developed and is aimed at organizations supporting people with disabilities.
- 8 professionals from disability support organizations were trained in Artificial Intelligence. [ Child and Adolescent Center , Early Intervention , Panhellenic Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Vocational Reintegration (PEPSAEE) ].
- The professionals trained 12 selected people with disabilities at Annotation for 3 months.
- Those trained annotators who responded to the needs of such a project implemented a project with real data from the NCSR “Demokritos” .
- This pilot action was analyzed to formulate the terms and conditions to effectively scale up the project.
- The employment prospects of people with disabilities in AI projects were investigated, based on the knowledge and experience acquired.
- A survey was conducted during the training and pilot work of the Disabled with important findings! ( See the results here )
During the second cycle of the program:
- 11 professionals from new disability support organizations were trained at AI. ( Child and Adolescent Center , IASIS , KoiSPE Diadromes , Greek Association for Asperger Syndrome , Panagiotis Pitsiniagkas for motor disabilities).
- 27 young people with disabilities were trained, including people with mobility disabilities.
- Young and old disabled people were employed for approximately 1000 hours in total.
- New jobs were found for 25 people with disabilities who progressed to the part-time employment phase: They undertook projects serving the needs of 6 research groups from the NCSR “Demokritos” and the ATHENA Research Center .
- We investigated the needs and opportunities of the market for certification and built partnerships with prospective employers.
- A survey was conducted during the training. ( See the results here )
- A survey was conducted during the pilot work. ( See the results here )
