PLDT, Smart Launch AI Workshop to Empower People with Disabilities and Break Digital Barriers

PLDT and Smart are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable more persons with disabilities to access digital innovations. The move expands the PLDT Group’s efforts to reduce inequality and narrow the digital divide.

“Technology is the great equalizer,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. Through AI, we’re creating a future where persons in challenging circumstances can participate in a digitally powered economy, and where ‘All are Included’.”

To mark the 14th Global Accessibility Awareness Day, the PLDT Group partnered with long-time ally ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired) to launch an AI for Accessibility training module tailored for persons with disabilities. ATRIEV is a pioneer in ICT-based solutions for persons with disabilities, those affected by chronic illness, as well as stakeholders working for and with persons with disabilities.

“Assistive technology can open doors for persons with disabilities. AI can boost independence among persons with disabilities in performing day-to-day activities. The digital innovation can also help improve communication between learners with disabilities and their teachers or carers,” said Carolina C. Sam, Chief of Operations at ATRIEV.

To widen the program’s reach, PLDT and Smart piloted a workshop for trainers attended by SNED (special needs education) teachers from the Department of Education schools divisions of Makati, Taguig City and Pateros (TAPAT), and representatives from the National Commission on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Resources for the Blind, and Parents, Advocates for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC). Using a hands-on, rotating station setup, participants experienced AI-powered apps, guided by instructors who themselves are visually impaired.

The module included exploring ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that helps in writing, translating, researching, and more, all in human-like text conversation.

Participants also explored Seeing AI, a mobile app that “speaks” the world -- describing people, objects, text, barcodes, currency, and even emotions – via smartphone camera.

The workshop also covered applications for persons with hearing and speech impairments like Live Transcribe speech-to-text transcription and Speech Assistant AAC text-to-speech app.

One station also demonstrated how voice-activated smart speakers can control home devices to turn on lights, play music, set alarms, read out the news, and even answer general knowledge questions.

“In our school, we have Deaf learners who are not familiar with Filipino sign language which makes it hard for us to communicate with them. I often use white boards to converse with them but it’s quite cumbersome. Now, with speech assistive applications, these tools will make it easier for me to teach the lessons to my students,” said Karen Rose Sumandal, SNED teacher at Western Bicutan National High School in Taguig.

“In our division, SNED teachers often handle students with different disabilities. These intuitive digital applications can help our SNED teachers choose the right tools to communicate more effectively with their students,” said Dr. Osarlo Cantos, EdD, Public Schools District Supervisor/ Division SNED Coordinator, DepEd Schools Division of Makati City.

In the past two years, PLDT and Smart’s partnership with ATRIEV has helped train and digitally upskill persons with disabilities, preparing many for employment or entrepreneurship, and transforming them into confident professionals.

Through their pioneering IDEATe (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Advocacy through Technology) program, the PLDT Group reaffirms its mission to uplift the lives of persons in challenging circumstances and to support the country’s pursuit of UNSDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and UNSDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities.