Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming workplaces, reshaping how tasks are performed and opening up new possibilities for inclusion and innovation. For workers with disabilities, AI represents both opportunity and challenge—a tool that can break barriers while also exposing gaps in equity and access. In India, the story is one of remarkable progress, with individuals leveraging AI to foster accessibility and productivity at levels that often outpace global trends.
Insights from our latest Randstad Workmonitor Pulse Survey on AI and Equity sheds light on how these workers perceive and engage with AI, emphasizing its dual role as a facilitator and a reminder of the work needed to ensure equitable inclusion.
AI: a catalyst for accessibility in India
In India, workers with disabilities are embracing AI at an impressive rate, underscoring its transformative potential for fostering accessibility and inclusion. 68% of Indian respondents with disabilities feel AI has improved accessibility in their roles, compared to 46% globally. This optimism is fueled by tools like text-to-speech applications and smart scheduling assistants, which are increasingly tailored to diverse needs.
Indian professionals with disabilities are also outpacing their peers, both globally and within India, in leveraging AI. 86% use AI for problem-solving, compared to 72% of their non-disabled counterparts, and 89% rely on it for job applications, far exceeding the global average of 51% (to delve more into the global findings, read here). Additionally, 62% of Indian talent with disabilities express optimism about AI’s potential to improve workplaces by reducing bias and supporting personalized learning—a higher level of confidence than seen globally.
However, this growing reliance on AI comes with expectations. Nearly half (49%) of Indian workers with disabilities say they would leave their jobs if employers failed to provide AI training opportunities, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive upskilling initiatives. By embracing this proactive engagement, organizations have a unique opportunity to close workplace gaps and empower talent with disabilities to thrive.
addressing challenges: bias and accessibility in AI adoption
AI's potential to transform workplaces is undeniable, but its success hinges on addressing the challenges of accessibility and bias for workers with disabilities. In India, 61% of workers with disabilities report receiving opportunities to upskill in AI—a notable improvement over the 42% global average. Despite this progress, 67% still feel the need for greater accessibility support at work, even though nearly half (48%) acknowledge their employers have made reasonable accommodations.
Concerns around AI bias also persist, with 51% of Indian respondents with disabilities suspecting or experiencing bias in AI tools like chatbots and recruitment algorithms. This figure stands significantly higher than the 31% global average, highlighting a pressing need for organizations to address these biases to ensure AI systems foster, rather than hinder, workplace equity.
To also know more about how discrimination against PWDs manifests itself in the workplace, read our report Embracing all Abilities.
Another key finding from the Indian context is the role of managers in fostering inclusion. 63% of talent with disabilities in India (vs 52% globally) believe that their manager’s approach significantly impacts their sense of belonging at work. This highlights the human element of inclusion, underscoring that technology alone cannot address the broader challenges of workplace equity.
By prioritizing accessibility and transparency, businesses can help bridge these gaps, creating an inclusive environment where AI serves as a tool for empowerment, not exclusion.
generational perspectives: accessibility gaps and workplace adjustments
As organizations work toward greater inclusivity, disparities in AI skilling and workplace adjustments across generations reveal key areas for improvement.
A significant proportion of employees with disabilities believe their non-disabled colleagues have better access to AI upskilling—45% of Gen Z, 59% of Millennials, 51% of Gen X, and 75% of Boomers share this concern. Beyond skilling, generational differences also emerge in workplace accommodations. While 58% of Millennials and 60% of Gen X feel their employers have made reasonable adjustments for their disabilities, this figure drops to 50% for Boomers and just 26% for Gen Z. On a global scale, these patterns are consistent across generational cohorts: 36% for Gen Z, 45% for Millennials, 47% for Gen X, and 44% for Boomers.
Calls for better accessibility support are loudest among 72% of Millennials and 55% of Gen Z, compared to 73% of Gen X and 50% of Boomers. These findings underline the need for targeted strategies that address generational disparities, ensuring that workers with disabilities across all age groups feel supported and included.
To discover the manifestation and impact of ageism, and learn how leveraging age diversity can drive positive change, read our report on Ageism.
the path forward to inclusive AI
To fully realize the transformative potential of AI, businesses must take deliberate steps to address the challenges and disparities faced by workers with disabilities.
Here are key recommendations to create an inclusive and equitable AI-enabled workplace:
- Invest in Inclusive Upskilling Programs: Tailor AI training initiatives to meet the diverse needs of workers with disabilities, ensuring access to tools and resources that foster their productivity and growth.
- Prioritize Accessibility in Workplace Policies: Go beyond basic accommodations by incorporating advanced accessibility features into workflows, leveraging AI-driven tools like assistive technologies to empower employees.
- Address Bias in AI Systems: Establish processes to monitor and mitigate biases in AI tools, especially in recruitment and performance evaluations. Transparency and ethical design must guide AI integration to prevent discrimination.
- Foster Managerial Support and Inclusion: Equip managers with the knowledge and resources to support workers with disabilities. Recognizing the importance of human connections, leaders must actively promote a culture of belonging and equity.
- Adopt a Generational Lens: Acknowledge the varying needs across generations. While younger employees seek more accessible support, older workers require training opportunities tailored to their experience levels.
- Integrate AI with Intentional Human Efforts : Technology alone cannot create a truly equitable workplace—it must be guided by human intervention, empathy, and intentional efforts. By combining AI's capabilities with inclusive practices and ethical leadership, businesses can foster workplaces that are innovative, diverse, and empowering for all employees.
As India continues to integrate AI into its workforce, it holds the promise of setting a benchmark for inclusive technology adoption. By addressing current gaps and fostering equitable practices, businesses can not only enhance productivity but also create workplaces where everyone, regardless of ability, thrives.
The story of AI and disability equity in India is one of progress and potential—an inspiring chapter in the global narrative of inclusion.