Open Source AI, Neurodiversity, and the Untapped Workforce.
United Nations Open Source Week
2026

Artificial intelligence has the potential to remove barriers that prevent millions of neurodivergent people from fully participating in education, employment, and society. But if these capabilities remain locked behind proprietary platforms, the communities that stand to benefit most may be left behind.
This talk explores how open source AI can help create more accessible, adaptable, and inclusive technologies that empower governments, nonprofits, educators, and local communities to meet diverse needs. By connecting neurodiversity with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), we’ll examine how open source can help build a future where more people have the opportunity to contribute their unique talents.