You may believe that creating an inclusive workplace is solely a moral imperative. It isn’t, it’s a strategic advantage. Inclusion boosts creative performance and strengthens organisational culture. But many barriers to inclusion are invisible, especially for neurodivergent individuals or employees with disabilities. That’s where AI can make a meaningful difference.
As someone who uses AI tools every day to support my own neurodiverse needs, I’ve seen firsthand how technology can remove barriers and level the playing field. AI can support different learning and communication styles, provide real-time access to information, and automate repetitive tasks that often become hurdles for those who think differently. Whether it's supporting employees with disabilities, easing communication, or improving access to information, the right tools can be transformational.
Here are six powerful AI tools that are changing the game for workplace inclusion. Plus, one essential platform for staying ahead.
1. Microsoft 365 Copilot
Ideal for: Neurodivergent professionals, busy teams, hybrid environments
Microsoft’s AI assistant is now built into familiar tools like Word, Outlook, and Teams. Copilot can summarise meetings, draft content, and provide real-time captions. For neurodivergent employees, this means fewer barriers to collaboration and more energy for creative thinking. I’ve personally used this software extensively and have found it to significantly save time and make my day more efficient.
2. Otter.ai (https://otter.ai/)
Ideal for: Hearing-impaired staff, neurodivergent users, meeting-heavy roles
Otter provides real-time transcription and live captions for meetings or lectures. It’s an outstanding accessibility companion and a game-changer for anyone who processes information better through reading than listening. This is a regular tool in my day-to-day activities for all calls and most meetings. It means I don’t have to sit trying to write notes. I can just listen and engage with full trust that nothing is being missed.
3. Leena AI (https://www.leena.ai/)
Ideal for: HR teams, remote or dispersed workforces
Leena is an AI-powered HR assistant that streamlines employee queries, onboarding, and internal communications. It ensures consistent, accessible answers to HR-related questions, breaking down informational barriers that often affect marginalised staff. Although this is not a tool I have used in the past, it has been spoken about in forums I am part of, and the feedback and comments are always positive and very interesting.
4. Be My Eyes (https://www.bemyeyes.com/)
Ideal for: Visually impaired employees, accessibility-conscious organisations
Originally designed to connect blind users with sighted volunteers, Be My Eyes now offers an AI feature that describes visual information in real time. This can empower employees with visual impairments to work more independently and confidently. I have seen this tool used and can honestly say it is breathtakingly accurate, it almost gives the user a documented description of the world around them.
5. AccessiBe (https://accessibe.com/)
Ideal for: Web developers, marketing teams, compliance managers
AccessiBe uses AI to help websites meet global accessibility standards automatically. It enhances online inclusivity for users with disabilities by adjusting interfaces for screen readers, keyboard navigation, and more, all without redesigning your site from scratch. There are a few tools that do this, but for me, it’s about making it simple. Believe it or not, this is a legal requirement, and yet only around 25% of websites worldwide are compliant.
6. ReadSpeaker AI (https://www.readspeaker.com/)
Ideal for: Users with dyslexia, reading fatigue, or visual impairments
This tool converts digital text into high-quality audio instantly. Whether used on a company intranet or public-facing site, it helps ensure that written information is accessible to all, regardless of how they best consume content. I use this on a regular basis, and in fact, a friend of mine has now also started using this product to read documents to her on her daily commute. This means that she can even use time behind the wheel as an efficient use of time.
Bonus: ChatGPT Pro by OpenAI (https://openai.com/chatgpt)
Ideal for: Neurodivergent employees, writers, strategists, everyday users
ChatGPT Pro is much more than a chatbot. It helps users with summarising and planning tasks, as well as boosting confidence in communication. For those who are neurodivergent, or anyone navigating a complex workday, it’s like having a personal assistant on demand. This has completely changed my life, and if you are not on board with this very affordable product then you are not only missing out, but it will cost you dearly.
Footnote: If your organisation isn’t yet using tools like ChatGPT Pro, you risk falling behind in not just productivity, but in inclusive innovation and communication.
Final Thought...
Inclusive workspaces don’t happen by accident, they’re built through conscious action and intelligent design. These AI tools are strategic assets in the drive to make work more accessible and empowering for everyone.
Want help introducing inclusive AI solutions into your organisation? Let’s talk.