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Cultural Talk For Diversity Hosts 23rd Cultural Talk: A Deep Dive into Inclusive Tech and Neurodiversity

Cultural Talk For Diversity announced the successful conclusion of its 23rd Cultural Talk, an online event held on November 22, which focused on the critical and timely themes of "Inclusive AI and the Power of Assistive Technology for Neurodiversity."

The event, marked by active participant engagement and deep dialogue, featured insightful presentations from two prominent experts:

Dr. Allysha Maragh-Bass, a leading voice in technology ethics and a multifaceted professional in psychology and leadership, and Hwee Peng Tan, an author and dedicated advocate for neurodivergent children.

The talk underscored the foundation's commitment to fostering mutual understanding and promoting collaboration across diverse communities by addressing complex societal challenges through a technological and ethical lens.

The 23rd Cultural Talk provided a comprehensive look at how technology can either perpetuate bias or become a powerful equalizer for individuals with diverse needs.

Dr. Allysha Maragh-Bass, a seasoned Psychologist, Professor, and Leadership Coach, initiated the discussion by sharing "Lessons About Human-Centeredness, AI, and Inclusive EdTech.

"She detailed her framework, categorizing AI into various functional "buckets," including Analytic AI, which specializes in data insights and predictive/descriptive analyses for decision-making.

Crucially, Dr. Maragh-Bass emphasized that AI itself is merely a tool.

The critical issues of bias, accessibility, and inequity do not originate from the algorithms but from the human-made structures surrounding the technology's deployment and commercialization.

She stressed: "The core issue lies not in the technology, but in the structures surrounding its commercialization—the companies, policies, and individuals profiting from it."

These commercial structures introduce inherent biases and access challenges that must be critically interrogated to ensure technology is truly built with inclusivity at its core.

Her presentation urged attendees to look beyond the surface of the technology and examine the ethical and policy frameworks governing its use, ensuring that technological advancements benefit everyone equitably.

Hwee Peng Tan shared her extensive expertise on assistive technology (AT) and neurodiversity, focusing on "AI for Neurodivergent to build a Better Support." Ms. Tan provided a detailed historical overview of AT's evolution, demonstrating its continuous role in simplifying life across generations.

She broke down assistive technology into two main categories:

Low-Tech Solutions: Simple, readily available tools. Examples included basic pencil grips for individuals with poor motor skills, and the use of pictures and diagrams (POTS - Picture/Object Token System) as a universal visual aid.

High-Tech Solutions: Advanced digital platforms like ChatGPT represent the next evolution, enabling individuals to learn at their own pace and greatly simplifying daily tasks.

Drawing on her experience as a parent of a neurodivergent child, Ms. Tan provided practical insights into how these simple and advanced AT solutions facilitate daily living for individuals with diverse needs, profoundly empowering them and reducing stress on their families.

Cultural Talk For Diversity is a platform dedicated to hosting regular, high-impact talks and seminars.

Our mission is to foster dialogue on critical social, cultural, and technological issues, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration across diverse communities globally.

By bringing together leading experts and engaged participants, we aim to drive change and advocate for a more inclusive future.

C Talk Group:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14364384/Cultural Talk is monthly sessions are held via Zoom and are open to individuals passionate about diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding.

For those interested in joining future Cultural Talk for Diversity events or collaborating as a speaker or participant, feel free to reach out:janekimjh@naver.com