Artificial Intelligence and the Rights of Autistic People (AIRA)
Developing new knowledge, training and advocacy resources
AIRA is a three-year project (2023-2025) with the aims of mapping the uses of artificial intelligence that affect the lives of autistic people, and building up the capacity of autistic people to advocate for themselves.
The work carried out in AIRA has focused especially on the uses of artificial intelligence in diagnosis, treatments, interventions and augmentative & alternative communication for autism. These were mapped in the project’s literature review, initiated in early 2023. For more information, see this page and the article about the first project year.
However, other more general uses of AI involve risks we share with various different minorities and disability groups, and the project addresses these, as well.
The ultimate goal of AIRA is to develop the capacity of EUCAP member organisations and the wider autistic community in Europe to advocate for autistic people in matters related to AI, supporting them to influence legislation, policies, research and industry.
AIRA in Action: Summary of Activities
Throughout the project, we have hosted hosted a range of impactful activities, including:
Webinars featuring leading experts, researchers, and disability rights advocates
Training sessions for autistic activists across multiple countries
Workshops and knowledge-sharing events focused on AI policy and rights
For further details and access to materials from past events, visit our AI Resources Page.
Questions or comments?
For inquiries about the AIRA project, feel free to contact us at aira@eucap.eu
To explore further materials and recordings, visit our AI Resources Page
Images: The second year of AIRA culminated in groups of autistic activists gathering in Berlin and Helsinki to learn about the project results, to embark on their own journeys of advocacy in their own countries and internationally.
Our Expert Contributors
AIRA has collaborated with a diverse group of professionals in AI policy, healthcare, and disability rights. Read more about our speakers below, and explore their webinar keynote recordings on our AI Resources Page.
Kave Noori
AI Policy Officer at the European Disability Forum, advocating for disability-inclusive AI and digital rights. His background in Swedish administrative law and IT support provides a unique perspective on AI policy.
Dr. Zuleima Morgado Ramirez
Senior researcher and consultant with nearly 20 years of experience in user-centered research across industries. She specializes in accessibility, inclusion, and evidence-based decision-making in policy and design.
Hannah van Kolfschooten
AI policy consultant at Health Action International, advising on AI safety in healthcare with a focus on patients’ rights. She is also a lecturer at the University of Amsterdam and has completed a PhD on EU regulation of AI in healthcare.
Eva Fialová
Attorney specializing in information technology law, focusing on AI regulations, data protection, and privacy. She has authored several books and academic papers on modern technology law.
David Gollasch
Research Associate at the University of Dresden, leading the AutARK research project on assistive technologies for autistic individuals. His expertise lies in human-centered design, digital accessibility, and software variability.
Milana Trucl
Senior Policy Officer at the European Patients’ Forum, where she advocates for patient rights in digital health and AI. She chairs EPF’s Digital Health Working Group and coordinates the Data Saves Lives initiative.
Andrew Hundt
Researcher in AI and robotics at Carnegie Mellon University, focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion. His work has exposed bias in AI-driven robotics and been featured in major media.
Ashley Peacock
Inclusive user research specialist at AbilityNet, with expertise in AI and assistive tech. She has developed autism simulations and reading tools for neurodegenerative conditions.
Ly Xīnzhèn Zhǎngsūn (published widely as Lydia X. Z. Brown)
Director of Public Policy at the National Disability Institute and founder of The Autistic People of Color Fund. They focus on disability justice, intersectionality, and algorithmic bias in AI.
Johanna Virkki
Associate Professor at Tampere University, researching AI-assisted independent living solutions, including smart textiles for communication and accessibility.
Contact
Project Management,
Based in Finland
M.Sc., Social Work and Human Rights & M.Sc., Management
