The NC State Data Science and AI Academy (DSA) is partnering with Ablr to develop and deliver an accessible “AI Workplace Essentials” certificate program for blind and visually impaired job seekers. Ablr is a mission-driven Disability Inclusion and Digital Accessibility organization committed to removing barriers for people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Ablr is a division of LCI, one of the largest employers of people who are blind or visually impaired in the United States, and is based in Durham, North Carolina.

The program is part of DSA’s Data and AI at Work portfolio, which delivers customized training for industry, government, community organizations, nonprofits and campus partners. These offerings build practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills that support workplace readiness and meaningful participation in a rapidly evolving job market.

The collaboration brings together NC State’s expertise in AI education and Ablr’s leadership in workforce development and accessibility to deliver training that is not only usable but directly aligned with real-world workplace needs. The curriculum will be adapted from the academy’s existing AI literacy materials and is enhanced by Ablr’s expertise to ensure it is fully accessible, practical and relevant for today’s workforce. This includes seamless integration with assistive technologies and alignment with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2, alongside a strong emphasis on real-world application and usability – most importantly, preparing candidates for employment outcomes.

Candidates will gain experience with core AI concepts and generative AI tools, including prompting, evaluating outputs, and applying AI in common workplace tasks such as communication, research and problem solving – skills increasingly expected by employers across industries. The program includes a guided mini-project designed to help learners practice these skills in role-aligned contexts. Upon successful completion, participants will receive certification from NC State through Credly. 

“The NC State Data Science and AI Academy is excited to partner with Ablr on this important project to adapt our AI training to make it effective for blind and low vision learners,” said Dr. Rachel Levy, executive director of the NC State Data Science and AI Academy and professor of mathematics. “This new project aligns with our mission to make learning accessible while demonstrating that data science and AI are for everyone and supporting workforce development with project-based teaching and learning.”

Ablr will support participant recruitment, accessibility review and learner support as part of the collaboration.

“At Ablr, our focus has always been on preparing people who are blind or visually impaired for meaningful employment, not just training for the sake of training. AI is rapidly becoming a core workplace skill, and it’s critical that our community is not left behind. This collaboration ensures that accessibility is built in from the start, but more importantly, that the training reflects real workplace expectations. We’re bringing the voice of lived experience and direct employer insight to the table, so participants don’t just learn AI, but rather they learn how to use it to succeed in their careers,” said Ablr CEO, John Samuels. 

The agreement establishes the framework for an initial course offering in 2026, with the option to deliver additional courses. 

Want to learn more about the essential AI training program? Visit the Ablr website or contact DSA at datascienceacademy@ncsu.edu.

Learn more about how the Data and AI at Work program can help you bring customized data science and AI training to your workplace.