Biography
Dr. Wasim Ahmad serves as Faculty in Special Education (Intellectual Disability) at NIEPID Regional Centre, Noida, India. He holds multiple qualifications, including M.Ed., M.Phil. with Gold Medal, Ph.D. in Special Education (Intellectual Disability), M.Sc. in Applied Psychology, and M.A. in Sociology. Dr. Ahmad has guided scholars across disciplines and contributed extensively through more than 80 publications, numerous book chapters, 100+ conference presentations, and over 50 invited lectures. Dr Wasim Ahmad holds an M.Ed., M.Phil., (Gold Medallist) and PhD in Special Education (Intellectual Disability) besides M. Sc. in Applied Psychology and M.A in Sociology, currently working as Faculty in Special Education (ID) at National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Regional Centre, Navi Mumbai, India. Diwan Memorial Award 2016, Dr Reeta Peshawaria Award 2017, Dr JK Trivedi Award 2017, Kalyanam Karoti Award 2017, Sarovar Award 2017, Chandigarh State Award 2018, Prof. Puran Singh Award 2018 and Academic Brilliance Award 2019.
Conference contributions 1
AI, CARE, AND CONNECTION:
Understanding human relationships in disability support systems
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into disability support through assistive technologies, communication tools, healthcare applications, educational platforms, and AI-enabled companions. While existing research has largely focused on accessibility, autonomy, and ethical concerns, limited attention has been given to how AI influences the human relationships that are central to disability support. This paper explores the impact of AI on interactions among persons with disabilities, family members, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, and AI companions. Method: This conceptual review synthesizes contemporary literature on AI, disability studies, assistive technologies, human rights, and relational ethics. Relevant scholarly articles, reports, and policy documents were examined to identify emerging themes related to AI-mediated relationships in disability support settings. Results: The review indicates that AI can strengthen disability support by enhancing communication, promoting independence, reducing caregiver burden, facilitating social participation, and providing personalized assistance. However, several challenges were identified, including emotional dependency on AI systems, reduced human interaction, privacy concerns, trust issues, and the risk of replacing meaningful human relationships. Based on these findings, a Relational AI Framework for Disability Support is proposed, emphasizing the role of relationships as a key mechanism through which AI influences inclusion and well-being. Conclusion: AI has the potential to transform disability support not only through functional assistance but also through its influence on human relationships. The effectiveness of AI should therefore be evaluated in terms of its ability to strengthen human connection, preserve dignity, and promote inclusive participation. Human-centered and ethically grounded approaches are essential to ensure that AI complements rather than replaces supportive human relationships.