Grand Challenges

In 2023, more than one million people in Washington state — nearly 14% of the population — had a disability. While disability is part of so many individuals’ lived experiences, the majority of technology design addresses accessibility as an afterthought, if it addresses it at all.

For example, many AI systems generate code and media that is inaccessible or biased, yet data about disability and accessibility is lacking; most mobile apps and websites are inaccessible, yet accessibility verification and repair is neither well understood nor supported by modern tools; and repairing this puts a high legal and cost burden on all of the organizations adopting such technologies. Allen School researchers are pursuing “accessibility first” to ensure all technologies and related educational experiences reflect the vast array of human experiences and preferences — which ultimately benefits everyone.