Nearly four in five visually impaired adults in the UK now rely on artificial intelligence in their day-to-day lives, according to a study of 500 people commissioned by ChatGPT creator OpenAI. The research found that 91 per cent say the technology has allowed them to tackle tasks they previously needed a sighted person to help them complete.
Comedian praises AI as a game changer
Comedian Chris McCausland, who is blind and uses voice-activated AI every day, described the shift as "pretty nuts" and said it is revolutionising daily life. "For me, the biggest impact using AI has had on my daily life is the independence it's given me in so many areas," McCausland said. "There are so many things I might previously have needed to ask for sighted assistance with, but now, I can just get AI to see what I can't, and have a conversation about it. In a nutshell, it is honestly the biggest game changer in the world of accessibility since the iPhone."
The stand-up star revealed he leans on the software for practical jobs including sorting clean clothes, assembling flat-pack furniture, and navigating hotel rooms on tour. More poignantly, he said it has unlocked treasured family moments: "I've used it to describe my daughter's drawings to me, and it has allowed me to enjoy personal photos in a way I never could before."
How blind users rely on AI daily
According to the research, 97 per cent of blind and visually impaired users say AI makes routine chores faster and easier to complete alone. Half use it to pull up information rapidly, 49 per cent to shop and compare goods, and 46 per cent to describe their surroundings. Another 43 per cent use it to conquer tricky admin like online forms.
Nine in 10 have ditched typing in favour of hands-free voice tools to get things done on the go.
AI fuels careers and business ambitions
The tech is also fuelling career ambitions. Nearly a third have used AI to apply for jobs or seek promotions, while 21 per cent have used it to get a business venture off the ground. OpenAI figures show UK users sent roughly 70,000 accessibility-focused prompts in just one week.
