This week brought major advances in AI-powered accessibility tools across the globe. In the United States, the Department of Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released guidelines requiring companies to check if AI hiring systems like video interviews or productivity trackers discriminate against disabled applicants. This comes after reports of AI misjudging job candidates who use wheelchairs or have speech differences.

Google improved accessibility by adding video transcripts to Drive, letting users jump to specific parts by clicking text. This helps deaf people and those who process information better through reading. Meanwhile, Microsoft expanded Copilot's features to include real-time captioning for meetings and email sorting tools that reduce stress for neurodiverse workers.

The NVDA screen reader launched a big update using AI to guess what images show and read complex charts aloud. Blind users testing it say it makes websites easier to use than ever before. Apple joined the movement too, adding AI writing helpers and spatial video features to their Vision Pro headset. These tools let users with motion issues control devices with eye movements and voice commands.

In Europe, officials warned companies about "bossware" AI that monitors workers unfairly. They shared examples of systems miscounting bathroom breaks for people with IBD or misjudging typing speed for those with hand tremors. The EU is pushing for laws requiring AI transparency in workplace tools by 2026.

A Canadian study revealed 57% of disabled people struggle with apps and websites despite using assistive tech. Researchers say AI could fix half these issues through better auto-captions and simpler navigation. However, old AI tools still make mistakes like wrong photo descriptions that confuse users.

Companies like Whirlpool and Toyota showed off new AI kitchen helpers and wheelchair navigation systems this week. These tools learn user habits to predict needs, like lowering counters for wheelchair users or simplifying recipes for cognitive disabilities. Experts remind developers to include disabled testers early in AI projects to catch problems.

As more schools use AI tutors, teachers are getting training to spot when the tech gives bad advice to students with learning disabilities. The key lesson this week: AI can open doors for disabled people, but only if humans double-check its work and keep improving the systems.