Supporting People with Disabilities to Work in Artificial Intelligence – Empowering Innovation in AI
Since 2024, we have been training People with Disabilities (autism, mental health conditions, motor disabilities) in data annotation for Artificial Intelligence systems. They then take on real projects in collaboration with research teams and businesses.
In the first two phases (2024–2025), 39 People with Disabilities and 20 mental health professionals were trained. They delivered approximately 1,500 hours of supervised work with excellent results.
Phase 3 (2026): Independence and Sustainability
This year, we are increasing the independence of our workers and the sustainability of the initiative, moving along four key areas:
- Systematic work: 10+ People with Disabilities completing approximately 2,000 hours of paid employment, with the gradual step-back of mental health specialists.
- Annotation management digital platform: an open tool that makes it easy for employers to organize annotation work.
- Sustainability and scaling activities.
- Communication and dissemination: reaching out to technology companies, research institutions, and European Digital Innovation Hubs.
This project is part of SciFY’s “Pioneers for AI in Greece” initiative, which has been included in UNESCO’s IRCAI Global Top 100.
A valued partner throughout this project has been the Child and Adolescent’s Center.
We would also like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their collaboration: the Panhellenic Union for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Work Integration (PEPSAEE), the Social Cooperative Enterprise KoiSPE Diadromes, IASIS NGO, Panagiotis Pitsiniagkas for the motor disabilities, and Early Intervention.
Watch the video
Support
The 3rd phase of the “People with Disabilities Pioneers in Artificial Intelligence” program is being implemented with the support of METLEN Energy and Metals and Athens International Airport.
The previous phases were implemented with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and Metlen Energy & Metals.
Supporting People with Disabilities to Work in Artificial Intelligence – Empowering Innovation in AI
Because People with Disabilities can and want to work in Artificial Intelligence.
People with Disabilities face serious difficulties in finding employment. At the same time, the rapid growth of AI is creating an increasing need for people who will “train” these systems.
From the first two phases, we have very clear indications that the model works: People with Disabilities can and want to work in AI; they earn income, gain skills, and build confidence, while researchers and companies find reliable annotators and the support they need.
Why phase 3 is critical
We have strong indications that the model works. Now we are addressing the next critical questions:
- Can People with Disabilities handle systematic, daily work?
- Can we reduce the need for supervision to make the model sustainable and scalable?
- Can we simplify annotation for researchers and companies through a suitable platform?
- Can the model find stable funding sources and be expanded?
Our goal is to transform a successful pilot project into a sustainable ecosystem of inclusion in technology.
Supporting People with Disabilities to Work in Artificial Intelligence – Empowering Innovation in AI
From research to scaling, and now to independence.
Phase 1 — Exploration (2024)
- 9 professionals from organizations supporting People with Disabilities were trained in Artificial Intelligence (Child and Adolescent Center, Early Intervention, Panhellenic Union for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Work Integration (PEPSAEE)).
- 12 People with Disabilities were trained in 4 types of annotation.
- 8 People with Disabilities worked on a pilot project with the NCSR “Demokritos”, completing 570 hours of supervised work.
- A survey was conducted during the training and pilot work of the Disabled, with important findings! (See the results here)
Phase 2 — Further Study and Scaling (2025)
- 11 additional professionals from new organizations supporting People with Disabilities were trained in AI (Child and Adolescent Center, IASIS NGO, Social Cooperative Enterprise KoiSPE Diadromes, Panagiotis Pitsiniagkas for the motor disabilities).
- 27 new People with Disabilities were trained, including people with motor disabilities.
- 25 People with Disabilities worked for 6 research teams from NCSR “Demokritos” and the Athena Research Centre, completing approximately 1,000+ hours of work.
- Research was conducted on the training phase. (See the results here)
- Research was conducted on the work phase and the annotation market. (See the results here)
Phase 3 (2026) — Our Goals
Phase 3 is currently underway. Our goals are:
- 10+ People with Disabilities in systematic, paid work (approximately 2,000 hours).
- An open annotation management digital platform, available to the research and business community.
- A sustainability and scaling study.
- New partnerships with companies, research institutions, and European Digital Innovation Hubs.
Τα αποτελέσματα θα ανακοινωθούν το 2026.
