An early 2026 webinar hosted by NSITE featured a panel of experts who shared their perspectives on a wide range of questions related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies organizations need to consider, practical workplace applications of AI for employees who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired, how AI can level the playing field, how employers can upskill their employees, and the lasting impacts of AI on the workforce.
Click here to listen to the discussion.
Panelists included:
Doug Goist, NSITE program manager, workforce development,
Skylar Covich, Access technology professional, political scientist, and AI educator,
Dr. Jonathan Lucus, NSITE’s executive director.
The discussion was moderated by Samantha Williams, NSITE’s director of organizational strategy and program innovation.
For a sample of what you’ll hear in the webinar, here’s howJonathan Lucus kicked off the discussion with his answer to the overarching question, “How Does Artificial Intelligence Connect to NSITE’s Mission?”
“First and foremost, AI is no longer optional in the modern workforce. It’s rapidly becoming a baseline skill across all industries. For individuals who are blind or have low vision, accessible AI tools can either reduce barriers or deepen inequalities, especially if this inclusion is not intentional.
“NSITE sits at the intersection of technology, accessibility, and workforce readiness, making AI a critical strategic priority. We see AI as a possible equalizer for blind and low-vision talent. It can increase productivity through screen-reader-compatible tools, voice input, summarization, visual transcription, and automation to support and expand careers. It also has the potential to reduce the need for job carving — customizing duties or creating specialized jobs for people with disabilities –by enabling individuals who are blind or visually impaired to perform at scale and speed just like anyone else. So NSITE’s role is to ensure AI adoption expands opportunity rather than excluding talent.
NSITE as an organization is positioned to do a couple of things:
- Translate emerging AI tools into practical accessible workforce training and help employers to better understand how AI could be implemented to support employees.
- Prepare participants not just to use AI but to work alongside it in a responsible and competitive manner.
The bottom line is that AI is reshaping the workforce globally, and NSITE wants to ensure that blind and low-vision talent are reshaping it, too, and usr this tool as a competitive advantage.”