[Research Report] AI Utilization in Employment of People with Disabilities: Approximately 80% of Companies Have Adopted AI, with Over 70% Recognizing Its Effectiveness as a 'Reasonable Accommodation'

Kaien Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Keita Suzuki) has conducted and published a "Survey on the Status of Corporate AI Utilization in the Employment of People with Disabilities" to clarify the actual usage, practical applications, and future challenges of AI tools (such as generative AI) in workplace settings for employees with disabilities.

■ Read the full report here: https://biz.kaien-lab.com/know-how/ai-report/

Background of the Survey

As the statutory employment rate for people with disabilities in private companies continues to rise, many firms face challenges regarding workplace retention and task delegation. Amid this, attention is growing on the role that generative AI tools like ChatGPT play in the employment of people with disabilities. This survey, based on data collected from companies (n=88), summarizes the current status of AI adoption and its potential as a "reasonable accommodation" in the workplace.

Survey Summary

The results indicate that AI utilization has become a standard part of the business environment, with the following four trends identified in the context of employing people with disabilities:

• Adoption Status: From "Special" to "Daily Infrastructure"

  Approximately 80% of responding companies have introduced generative AI into their operations, and it is becoming a standard expectation in the employment of people with disabilities.

• Effectiveness as Reasonable Accommodation: Over 70% of Companies Report Effectiveness

  More than 70% of companies recognize the effectiveness of using AI as a "reasonable accommodation," with cases showing direct benefits in areas such as mental health management and facilitating communication.

• Changes in Hiring Criteria: "Not Mandatory, but a Strong Plus"

  Regarding recruitment, approximately 40% of companies stated that AI skills are "not mandatory, but highly valued and advantageous for hiring."

• Field Challenges: Reliance on "Individual Literacy"

  Regarding support systems for employees with disabilities, about 40% of companies responded that they have "nothing in particular (leaving it to individual effort)," indicating that establishing concrete rules at the operational level is a future challenge.

Real-world Voices (Examples of Corporate AI Use)

The survey gathered numerous specific examples of how technology is being used to address challenges related to disability characteristics:

• Communication and Document Creation Support:

  Employees who tend to be overly direct in their communication use AI to proofread emails before sending them, converting them into "softer, more professional expressions" to prevent interpersonal conflicts.