[Athen] ChatGPT accessibility

[Top Tech Tidbits via athen-list]

Locating accessibility information such as VPATs or ACRs for generative AI platforms like ChatGPT has been challenging. We’ve tried. OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, has not publicly released a VPAT or ACR for their AI models. This absence makes it difficult to assess their compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 AA.

 

Regarding testing ChatGPT for accessibility, there have been informal evaluations by individual users and organizations. Users have noted that while ChatGPT's interface is relatively straightforward, it does not always fully support screen readers or other assistive technologies, posing challenges for users with disabilities. But again, this information is sparse, vague and not well documented. And, the interface keeps changing. Most recently with the new Canvas feature.

 

As for generative AI tools built with accessibility from their inception, there is limited information available. Most AI development has prioritized functionality and performance, with accessibility considerations often addressed afterward. We might consider Be My Eyes or Aira in this case, but their functionality was built on top of these same base models.

 

The new advanced voice mode for ChatGPT definitely goes a long way towards accessibility, especially for persons who are blind or low vision. Albeit indirectly. But that does not eliminate the need for the web interface to be fully accessible as well. 

 

I’ll be sure to share any updates around this, both here and via the newsletters, as any new information becomes available.

 

Aaron Di Blasi,  <https://www.pmi.org/> PMP

 

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From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> On Behalf Of Hayward, Elizabeth via athen-list
Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 1:47 PM
To: Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [Athen] ChatGPT accessibility

 

As a tool for accessibility, ChatGPT has a lot of opportunities. Thanks for the reference to its alt text feature, Tamara.

 

Gian, we’ve not yet been successful locating ANY accessibility information (VPAT/ACR) on generative AI platforms like ChatGPT. 

 

Would love to know if anyone has tested ChatGPT for accessibility or has access to vendor VPAT/Accessibility Conformance Reports for any of them.

 

Has anyone here encountered any GenAI tools that were “built accessible” from their inception -- whose design/development teams actively focused on accessible/WCAG 2.1AA-compliant user interactions? Any gen AI vendors who have published accessibility statements?

 

Following this thread with interest.

 

Elizabeth Hayward

CPACC, MBA, MA
Digital Accessibility Manager, ITS

Southern New Hampshire University
snhu.edu <http://www.snhu.edu/> 

 

From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu <mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> > On Behalf Of Mariotti, Tamara via athen-list
Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 1:21 PM
To: Eileen Berger <eileenberger33 at gmail.com <mailto:eileenberger33 at gmail.com> >; Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu <mailto:athen-list at u.washington.edu> >; Gian Wild <gian at accessibilityoz.com <mailto:gian at accessibilityoz.com> >
Subject: Re: [Athen] ChatGPT accessibility

 

Has an awesome alternative text feature for photos and graphs, etc. I’ve used it for that recently. https://chatgpt.com/g/g-bqbZtTpHb-alt-text-generator-assistant <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/chatgpt.com/g/g-bqbZtTpHb-alt-text-generator-assistant__;!!BeImMA!6f4w2S57ptMprxhuFNa_CVVFuQwwd2IAq1lv9rqT3D2MP8DiXFuDuC8rraDVfT6WLns7lSp6n1OGJSFNx6SuaG-xnItKOGs$>  

 

Tamara Mariotti

 

From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu <mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> > On Behalf Of Eileen Berger via athen-list
Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 12:44 PM
To: Gian Wild <gian at accessibilityoz.com <mailto:gian at accessibilityoz.com> >; Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu <mailto:athen-list at u.washington.edu> >
Subject: Re: [Athen] ChatGPT accessibility

 

Does anyone use ChatGPT, perplexity or other generative AI tools in providing accessibility or determining accessibility for students with disabilities?

Eileen Berger

ADOSA/ADSAdmin.Harvard GSE/ret.

Co-Author/ co-editor “Crucial Collaborations, A Practical Framework to ensure Access, Equity, and Inclusion for Students with Disabilities” 2024

Sent from my iPhone

 

On Oct 9, 2024, at 1:28 AM, Gian Wild via athen-list <athen-list at u.washington.edu <mailto:athen-list at u.washington.edu> > wrote:

 

Hi ATHEN

 

Does anyone have any experience with the accessibility of ChatGPT, or been able to find a VPAT?

 

Thanks!

 

Cheers,

Gian

 

 

Gian Wild, CEO

AccessibilityOz

Company Twitter: @accessibilityoz

 

Email:  <mailto:gian at accessibilityoz.com> gian at accessibilityoz.com 

 

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