For Immediate Release: November 3, 2023
Contact: jdavidson@aapd.com
WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, October 30th, President Biden signed Executive Order (EO) 14109 -Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. This EO focuses on eight key themes: Safety and Security, Protecting Americans’ Privacy, Advancing Equity and Civil Rights, Standing Up for Consumers, Patients and Students, Protecting Workers, Promoting Innovation and Competition, Advancing American Leadership Abroad, and Ensuring Responsible and Effective Government Use of AI. The EO was followed by a memo from the Office of Management and Budget which details policy guidance for the use of AI within the federal government.
Of the EO and OMB Memo, American Association of People with Disabilities President and CEO Maria Town said,
“AAPD appreciates President Biden’s Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence, which comes at a crucial time as artificial intelligence and related technology continues to evolve in ways that can be detrimental to people with disabilities. We admire the bold leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration in implementing necessary safeguards – for disabled people and all Americans – as the nation continues to grapple with the transformational power of artificial intelligence.”
Town continued, “It is particularly encouraging to see the administration calling on all parts of government to take specific actions to protect civil rights against the harms of technology, many of which are already occurring to disabled and multiply-marginalized individuals. The executive order discusses how artificial intelligence impacts experiences with housing, employment, and government benefits – all areas where people with disabilities can and do face significant barriers as a result of these technologies.
We are energized by the specific mention of people with disabilities within the Executive Order, especially the provision that states that people with disabilities should be able to “benefit from AI’s promise while being protected from its risks.” As our nation continues to grapple with legacy issues of accessibility, and as it takes on new concerns related to technology and disability, including those related to biometric data and privacy, agency action is particularly critical.”
AAPD looks forward to working with the Administration to ensure that effective implementation of this executive order leads to meaningful and necessary change for people with disabilities.
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