SBV Next: Generative AI for Inclusion

Project Objective

The project examines, how representative bodies for employees with severe disabilities (Schwerbehindertenvertretungen, SBV) and affected employees can use generative AI to enhance participation. The focus lies on developing collective digital design competences that integrate technical knowledge, critical reflection, and participatory co-design competencies.

Project Description

Algorithmic systems, and generative AI based on large language models in particular, are fundamentally transforming work processes, professions, and regimes of inequality within organizations. This raises the question of how these technologies can be designed in a human-centered, participation-oriented, and employment-focused manner. Existing macro-sociological analyses point to both new potentials for automation and significant risks of digital inequality for specific groups of workers if the deployment of generative AI is not accompanied by regulation and targeted qualification measures. At the same time, language models such as ChatGPT are attributed considerable inclusive potential, for example as assistive technologies to overcome visual or cognitive barriers. However, there is still a lack of empirical, organization-level evidence regarding their actual potential to reduce workload and enhance job quality for employees with severe disabilities.

Research Questions

The “SBV Next” project addresses this gap by investigating, within a corporate context, the resources available to representative bodies for employees with severe disabilities (SBV) and affected employees to leverage the participatory potential of generative AI in the workplace. Central to this is the development of collective digital design competence, understood as a combination of technical knowledge (e.g., in using ChatGPT), critical reflection skills, knowledge of participation-related application fields, and a shared motivation for proactive co-design. Specifically, the study examines the experiences and qualification levels of representative bodies for employees with severe disabilities (SBV )and affected employees in using the company’s internal “ChatGPT,” existing assistive use scenarios, perceived risks related to access, qualification, and employment, and the design and training approaches they consider necessary to realize the inclusion potential of generative AI.

Methods

Methodologically, the project follows an action research approach comprising the phases of sensitization, analysis, design, and reflection. In cross-site kick-off events, all representative bodies for employees with severe disabilities  and employees with severe disabilities are introduced and sensitized to the topic. During the analysis phase, problem-centered interviews are conducted with SBV members and affected employees to explore usage experiences, barriers, and employment-related impacts of the company’s ChatGPT system. Based on these findings, focus group workshops with key stakeholders in participation processes are used to develop organizational design approaches for a participation-oriented deployment of AI. These approaches are subsequently reflected upon in a final workshop and evaluated with regard to their contribution to building individual and collective design Competence . The project results culminate in a workshop concept that can be used by SBV bodies, works councils, and trade union actors to promote awareness of generative AI and participation.

(Übersetzung mit Perplexity pro vom 03.08.2026).