Use of Wearable Devices and Generative AI in the Workplace by People with Visual Impairments.

Abstract

Introduction: This study's purpose is to describe the use of two novel technologies - wearable devices (wearables) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) - in the workplace by people with visual impairments.

Method: Primary data was collected via a survey conducted in late 2024 from a volunteer sample of 254 workers in the U.S. and Canada about their use of assistive technology at work. Survey data obtained from the same participants, plus an additional 60 people, in 2021 were also used. Six research questions were investigated. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Use of wearables at work increased to 10.2% in 2024. Almost all wearables utilized were smart glasses. Most people used their smart glasses frequently and considered them important to functioning both at and outside of work. GenAI was used at work by 66.7% of participants, with Be My AI the most common tool. Most people reported positive impacts of GenAI on their lives. A majority of impacts were related to visual impairment, with improved accessibility the most common, but many were unrelated to visual impairment.

Discussion: The introduction of an affordable, mainstream option for smart glasses in 2024 may explain their increased popularity among workers with visual impairments. GenAI use at work by this population was much higher than the general population, with the gap only partly attributed to incorporation of GenAI in assistive technology.

Implications: Smart glasses and GenAI are new technologies that may be beneficial to improving efficiency at work in addition to improving daily life for people with visual impairments. Smart glasses were not widely used by workers in 2024 but were beneficial to most who used them; thus, they should be considered as a potential accommodation.