The term 'artificial intelligence' still arouses suspicion in many. I understand that. We're flooded with messages about risks, ethical dilemmas and science-fiction doom scenarios. Of course we must stay critical about new technology. But what I see in the practice of disability care is something very different from fear and controversy: I see energy, passionate people, and applications that can genuinely make a big difference.
The staff shortage in care is dire. Fortunately, more and more people — from students to career-switchers — want to retrain as care professionals. On that path to competence, these well-meaning people run into a lot of paperwork, rules and slow processes. Floow.ai offers a promising solution without all that hassle. Through a mobile app with AI-driven learning modules, employees can learn and grow directly on the work floor. The app adapts the learning path to someone's experience, includes real-time certification management, and drastically reduces the administrative burden. Everything revolves around practice-oriented learning together with vocational education and care organisations — which not only speeds up learning but gives users that good feeling sooner: I belong, I can do this.
The common thread? Initiatives like this don't use AI to replace people, but to strengthen them. And that's how it should be. Because it isn't about high-tech — it's about learning better, supporting better, connecting better. My message: stay critical of new technology, but keep your optimism too. When I look at these pioneers, I mainly see opportunities. For people with disabilities, for professionals, for the entire sector.
This opinion piece was written by Eva Huitink, policy adviser at VGN (the Dutch association of care providers for people with disabilities). Read the original article on the VGN website.