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We are at a historic crossroads where artificial intelligence (AI) is fast replacing human interaction in services people depend on for their basic needs. Crucial systems like social security offices, Medicaid services, banks, healthcare providers, and even tax help are becoming dominated by AI-driven customer service. Yet, these AI systems fail to provide service to everyone equitably.

While AI provides efficiency, its disregard for individuals with disabilities is glaring. It doesn't wait for anyone needing extra processing time. It doesn't understand those with slower speech due to speech impairments. It cannot adjust to cater to millions of Americans with learning disabilities, hearing impairments, and other conditions. In essence, AI systems in their current form violate one of the most critical civil rights law in American history—the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

As it stands, 15% of the global population experience some form of disability (World Bank data). In the United States alone, one in five adults lives with a disability (CDC). Yet, AI systems fail to accommodate these individuals, devaluing their right to access public and essential services.

We call for immediate action to improve the accessibility of AI systems. More than legislation, this is about ensuring that technology enhances lives, rather than excluding or disadvantaging any section of society. Amend AI systems to adhere to ADA standards, because everyone deserves equal access to all services.

Please sign this petition if you believe in this cause. By ensuring AI systems work for everyone, we can uphold and respect the civil rights of those with disabilities.

Accessible Consumer Services and AI Compliance Act

 

Preamble

Whereas artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems are increasingly used in consumer services, government agencies, healthcare, and financial institutions, it is essential to ensure that these technologies comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide equal access to individuals with disabilities.

 

This Act establishes the right for individuals with disabilities—including but not limited to learning disabilities, speech impairments, and hearing impairments—to bypass automated systems and access a live human representative, ensuring compliance with ADA regulations and upholding the right to fair and accessible services. Furthermore, it mandates a federal hiring campaign to employ neurodivergent individuals and other disabled professionals to assist in these services, ensuring that accessibility is addressed by those who understand it firsthand.

 

Section 1: Definitions

 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automated Systems – Any technology, including Interactive Voice Response (IVR), chatbots, and other AI-driven interfaces, used by businesses, government agencies, or service providers to handle customer inquiries, complaints, or requests.

 2. Disability – Any condition covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)that impacts a person’s ability to process, hear, speak, or engage with automated systems effectively, including but not limited to:

 • Learning disabilities affecting reading comprehension, memory, or processing speed.

 • Speech impairments limiting the ability to articulate responses clearly.

 • Hearing impairments affecting the ability to engage with voice-based systems.

 3. Consumer Service Provider – Any business, public service, or government entity offering customer service, technical support, or consumer assistance via AI-driven or automated systems.

 

Section 2: AI Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

 1. AI-driven systems used in consumer services must provide ADA-compliant accessibility options that allow individuals with disabilities to bypass automation and access a human representative immediately.

 2. Businesses and government agencies must implement an accessible method for individuals to request human assistance, including but not limited to:

 • A universally recognized voice command such as “human representative” or “live agent” that immediately routes to a human.

 • A dedicated keypad option (e.g., pressing “0” or another designated number) that guarantees human interaction.

 • Text-based alternatives that allow users to bypass voice AI when necessary.

 3. AI and automated systems must not place users with disabilities at a disadvantage by creating unnecessary delays, requiring excessive verification, or forcing them through inaccessible prompts before reaching human assistance.

 

Section 3: Establishing a Federal Disability Assistance Division

 1. Creation of a Federal Accessibility Division:

 • A new Disability Assistance Division (DAD) shall be established in all federal agencies, financial institutions, and essential service providers that utilize AI-driven customer service.

 • These divisions shall be staffed primarily by neurodivergent and disabled individuals, ensuring that accessibility challenges are addressed by those with firsthand experience.

 2. Hiring Initiative for Disabled Professionals:

 • A nationwide recruitment program will be launched to employ individuals with disabilities in government and financial service positions, specifically to assist other disabled consumers in navigating services.

 • Hiring incentives, including tax credits and federal funding, will be provided to companies and agencies that hire disabled professionals to work in customer assistance roles.

 3. Training and Oversight:

 • Employees in the Disability Assistance Division will receive specialized training in disability advocacy, legal rights under the ADA, and best practices for assisting individuals with accessibility needs.

 • A National Accessibility Oversight Board shall be formed, composed of disabled advocates, to ensure that these divisions operate effectively and uphold ADA standards.

 

Section 4: Compliance Requirements for AI-Driven Service Providers

 1. Government agencies, financial institutions, and essential service providers must ensure AI-driven systems meet ADA Title II and III accessibility standards.

 2. Businesses and service providers utilizing AI must:

 • Provide clear disclosure of accessibility options on websites, billing statements, and customer service portals.

 • Train human representatives to assist individuals with disabilities in a manner compliant with the ADA.

 • Maintain a dedicated accessibility team to oversee AI compliance and respond to concerns.

 

Section 5: Enforcement and Penalties

 1. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC)shall oversee enforcement of AI compliance under the ADA.

 2. Service providers that fail to offer accessible options shall be subject to:

 • Fines of $10,000 per verified violation.

 • Corrective action mandates, requiring companies to update AI systems to ensure accessibility.

 3. A Consumer Accessibility Review Board, including representatives from disability advocacy organizations, will monitor compliance and report findings to Congress annually.

 

Section 6: Implementation and Review

 1. This law shall take effect one year from its enactment, allowing businesses and agencies to update AI systems and train personnel.

 2. The DOJ will conduct a biennial review of AI accessibility compliance to ensure AI technology continues to meet ADA standards.

 

Conclusion

This Act ensures that AI and automated systems comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by preventing exclusionary practices that disproportionately impact individuals with disabilities. By guaranteeing human access as an ADA-compliant requirement and mandating a federal hiring initiative for disabled professionals, this legislation ensures that AI enhances accessibility rather than creating barriers.