A past student who worked with PHSS through the Community Engaged Learning program at Western University put forth Sandra’s name to attend an “Equitable AI in Public Health” conference in Toronto. Sandra and three staff attended this conference, and we did not realize how big of a deal it was to be included!
The participants included AI (Artificial Intelligence) professionals flown in from Switzerland and the UK. It also included health group professionals, and experts from the community to provide input on Equitable AI in Public Health.
The discussion was lead through three “Fishbowl” exercises that allowed all three expert groups (AI, Health, and Community) to share and discuss their ideas while the other two groups listened to the conversation and contributed their questions and comments at the end. This respectful approach allowed for each group to provide their thoughts and brainstorm together, and gave time for all others to think about what was said before interjecting.
The discussions were all very interesting!! The overall discussion centered around incorporating AI into healthcare and making it more accessible to everyone.
- Panel 1 was the AI expert group, who were specialists in their sector and discussed AI software.
- Panel 2 consisted of specialists in the healthcare sector, and discussed pros/cons of AI use in public health.
- Panel 3 (that’s where we came in!) was the community group. This discussion was about limited access to technology including financial barriers, as well as how AI should be a collaborative effort and co-designed for accessibility. (Building the technology and incorporating accessibility needs, rather than developing and then adapting it for accessibility)
This experience for Sandra was like no other! We were honoured to have been asked to participate in this conference because we and Sandra were included with the academic research community and our opinion was valued. In the room, Sandra’s disability was invisible; she was respected and seen for her thoughts and opinions. Everyone was there to learn from one another.
Western University and the University of Toronto deserve a special shout out for creating the most accessible experience for Sandra. They removed a table to accommodate for accessibility so that she was able to sit in line with everyone else. They ensured that she felt included, even dining at the elegant faculty lounge at U of T.
It was an amazing experience professionally, personally, and socially. It was a great opportunity for networking, creating many new insights within PHSS (possibilities for AI, connections for legal guardianship, potential student placement, future initiatives with Western, and more.)
You never know what it can bring us closer to – Sandra may be published in an academic journal!
