Artificial Intelligence and Health Equity for People with Disabilities: An Integrated Framework for Disability-Inclusive AI Design

Abstract

People with disabilities (PWD) face persistent health and rehabilitation disparities, including poorer health outcomes often driven by non-inclusive healthcare and technologies that overlook their unique needs and values. Artificial intelligence (AI) holds opportunities to transform health and rehabilitation services; however, without inclusive, participatory, and disability-centered design efforts, AI tools risk perpetuating existing health and rehabilitation disparities and inequalities. This paper introduces an integrated framework for disability-inclusive AI design grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Self-Efficacy Theory (SET). The framework aims to guide the design, development, and implementation of inclusive AI tools for PWD. It also outlines implications for public health, workforce, training, and policy, supporting the integration of disability-centered AI in health and rehabilitation.