Accessible AI – A Support to Change in Third Sector Organizations

Artificial intelligence as a resource for non-profit organisations

AccessibleAI is a joint project between Laurea University of Applied Sciences and the Humak University of Applied Sciences. We will be implementing the project from November 2024 to October 2026. The area of operation is the Uusimaa region, meaning the capital region and its surroundings. The target group consists of people working in third sector organizations either as paid employees or volunteers.

The need for the project has arisen from the concrete challenges faced by non-profit organizations. According to the NGO Barometer (2024), nearly three out of four Finnish non-proft organizations believe that digitalization will have a significant impact on their operations in the coming years. Many non-profit organizations are considering how to adopt artificial intelligence. At the same time, more than a million people in Finland may find it difficult to use digital services if attention is not paid to the accessibility of services. Changes in working life require continuous learning and updating of skills.

Humak brings to the project strong expertise in NGOs and the development of work communities. We recognize the special characteristics of third sector organisations’ operating environments and work communities. We organize network meetings, training, and co-development workshops. We support organizations with individual coaching. These measures will enable organizations to utilize artificial intelligence responsibly, whether it be to enhance communication, streamline internal processes, or improve service accessibility. At the same time, networking and peer learning will be strengthened throughout the project.

In projects related to AI, it is important to promote equality to guarantee fair and equal technology accessible to everyone. Equality has a high priority in Accessible AI –project. The project takes a notice the diversity of the participants, eg different age groups, etnical background and disabled persons. Information about the principles of equality and the impact of AI on different groups will be divided so that no discriminatory practices will be used in any working environments.

Project objectives

– We strengthen non-profit organizations’ AI and accessibility expertise in response to the needs of future working life.

– We support non-profit organizations in responsibly adopting artificial intelligence in their own operations and improving the accessibility of their services.

– We enable peer learning and networking, which strengthens third sector’s ability to change.