RIPPLE

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Financial Post (established source), a Canadian business news outlet with a credibility score of 90/100, TELUS and RingCentral have expanded their partnership to bring advanced AI capabilities to TELUS Business Connect, a cloud-based communication platform for Canadian businesses. The expansion of AI-powered features in TELUS Business Connect can lead to improved accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. The direct cause-effect relationship is that these AI capabilities will enhance communication tools, making them more accessible to employees with disabilities (e.g., those who rely on screen readers or have speech impairments). Intermediate steps include the implementation of conversational AI and intelligent automation, which will facilitate seamless interactions between colleagues and clients. In the short-term, this expansion may lead to increased adoption rates among Canadian businesses, driving demand for more accessible technology. In the long-term, it could contribute to a culture shift towards greater inclusivity in workplaces across Canada. The evidence type is an official announcement from TELUS and RingCentral. This development impacts domains related to Accessible Technology and Communication, specifically AI, Accessibility, and the Future of Communication. While this partnership has the potential to positively impact accessibility, there are uncertainties surrounding its effectiveness in addressing existing barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. If implemented correctly, these AI-powered features could lead to improved communication outcomes for Canadians with disabilities.

**RIPPLE Comment** According to CBC News (established source, credibility tier 95/100), Jude Valant's mother is advocating for her non-verbal son's right to use the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) as a communication tool at school. The article highlights that the school refuses to allow RPM because it is not recognized as an official form of communication. The causal chain begins with the Valant family's struggle to have Jude's preferred communication method accepted by his school. This direct cause → effect relationship sets off a ripple effect, impacting the domains of Education and Healthcare. The short-term consequence is that Jude and potentially other students like him are denied access to an effective communication tool, hindering their ability to express themselves and participate fully in educational activities. Intermediate steps include: 1. The school's refusal to accommodate Jude's needs, which may be due to a lack of awareness or understanding about RPM. 2. The Valant family's efforts to advocate for their son's rights, which may spark broader discussions about accessibility and inclusivity in education. In the long term, this news event could lead to increased awareness and acceptance of alternative communication methods like RPM, potentially influencing policy changes in schools and educational institutions across Canada. **Domains Affected:** * Education * Healthcare **Evidence Type:** Event report **Uncertainty:** Depending on the outcome of the Valant family's advocacy efforts, this news event could either contribute to a shift towards greater acceptance and accommodation of alternative communication methods or reinforce existing barriers to accessibility in education.