Where Does AI Fit on the Spectrum of Accessibility and Difficulty Aides?

Explore the complex relationship between artificial intelligence, accessibility, and difficulty through this conference talk from ACCU 2025. Examine how accessibility and difficulty function as two sides of the same coin using practical examples like book design, where subject matter complexity represents difficulty while formatting elements like font choice and line spacing affect accessibility. Analyze three different AI applications and their positions within the difficulty versus accessibility framework, while investigating a real-world case study of AI misuse from 2024 involving the cancellation of the annual NaNoWriMo writing challenge. Learn to ask critical questions about the responsible implementation of disruptive technologies like AI, particularly regarding their social, environmental, and political impacts. Gain insights into how AI tools can either enhance or hinder both accessibility and difficulty management in various contexts, and understand the importance of thoughtful consideration when deploying radical new technologies in society.