Active Prospects is proud to be part of a new, co-produced programme developed to support autistic people and people with learning disabilities use artificial intelligence.
AI Can, developed in partnership with The Pro-Active Community and the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing was officially launched on 25 March 2026. The programme is supported by funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
AI Can focuses on making emerging Ai technology work for people — not the other way around, with a key aspect of the programme focusing on Ai safety guidance.
The programme has been designed to help people understand and apply generative AI tools, including ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, in practical, everyday situations.
Alongside this, the programme also supports staff. Training for support teams ensures they can confidently guide people they support, to use AI in a safe and appropriate way.
Co-produced from the start
AI Can has been shaped by people with lived experience from the very beginning.
The project draws inspiration from Matt Leadbeater, who found that AI transformed how he manages everyday tasks and communication.
Matt said:
“Tasks that were once difficult have become easier with my use of Ai. This idea is what AI Can was built on.”
This lived experience has shaped a programme that is practical and relevant to everyday life.
Strong demand and clear need
Early research from the project highlights just how important this work is.
93% of participants initially shared they wanted support to build confidence in using AI safely. The research also showed that the main barrier is a lack of understanding and access to the right support.
By responding to this, AI Can is helping to close a growing digital gap.
Armin Mustafa, Associate Professor in AI and Computer Vision, shared:
“This project has been incredibly impactful in shaping inclusive approaches to digital inclusion. The survey responses have helped us understand how training needs to be delivered in the right way.”
Looking ahead
The launch of the AI Can Digital Hub marks an important step, but this is just the beginning.
As artificial intelligence continues to shape how people communicate, work and access information, AI Can aims to ensure that autistic people and people with learning disabilities have access to the right support.
This partnership will continue to build on learning from the programme, using feedback and evaluation to strengthen and expand the training so it reaches more people.
If you’d like to explore the programme, visit www.aican.org.uk
