Whaikaha designs and tests accessible AI

NEWS - eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth

Whaikaha is using its own workforce as a real-world testing ground for accessible implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), with around half of staff identifying as disabled.

The Ministry of Disabled People’s approach involves testing AI tools with employees in their everyday work environments. Deputy chief executive strategy and enablement Ginny Baddeley says this internal testing provides insights into both barriers and benefits.

"We felt that to be able to have that conversation about AI from a disability perspective, we had to have our own test case and 50 percent of our staff are disabled or identify as having a disability,” she explains.

This real-world testing approach provides valuable data on how AI tools perform across different accessibility needs and work styles, enabling Whaikaha to provide evidence-based guidance about accessible AI implementation.

Whaikaha is mainly using Microsoft Copilot, but Baddeley says the specific technology matters less than whether it genuinely helps people work more effectively. 

Staff involvement from the early stages has kept use cases practical and focused on solving real problems rather than implementing technology for its own sake.

Baddeley says Whaikaha treats AI implementation as a behavioural change initiative rather than a technical project and says the main challenges are about confidence and judgement rather than technical skills.

"We consistently talked about AI as supporting thinking rather than replacing it, and reinforced that people remain accountable for decisions and outputs," she says. 

"As leaders, we set the tone by visibly using AI in our own work and talking openly about how and where we use it, and where we do not."

She says this leadership approach has helped normalise appropriate AI use and build confidence among staff members leading to steady uptake, particularly in writing, analysis and briefing roles.

“Our focus is on common tasks that take time but do not require unique judgement every time, such as drafting, summarising, and navigating internal guidance,” Baddeley says. 

“Reducing friction in these areas frees people to focus on work that benefits most from human insight, while improving consistency and accessibility.

“AI can assist, but people remain responsible. Building capability alongside clear guardrails has been more effective for us than relying on rules alone,” she explains.

Baddeley and Whaikaha chief executive Paula Tesoriero will share their learnings on building accessible responsible AI at an upcoming HiNZ event on March 31 in Auckland.

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Image: Deputy chief executive strategy and enablement Ginny Baddeley

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