In recent developments, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and education has begun to offer significant advantages for students with disabilities, as institutions strive to implement the latest technologies that can aid learning in a more accessible manner. The integration of AI tools in educational settings is growing, spearheaded by initiatives from the U.S. Education Department and advancements in assistive technology.
For instance, 14-year-old Makenzie Gilkison from suburban Indianapolis has experienced transformative changes in her academic journey due to AI. Struggling with dyslexia, Makenzie has faced challenges with spelling and comprehension. She remarked, "I just assumed I was stupid," reflecting her difficulties during earlier schooling. However, with the support of AI-powered tools such as chatbots and word prediction programs, she has been able to enhance her academic performance, even earning a spot in the National Junior Honor Society. "I would have just probably given up if I didn't have them," she added.
The broader educational community is also observing a shift in utilising AI to assist students facing various visual, speech, language, and hearing impairments. Schools across the United States are prioritising the inclusion of these technologies, ensuring that tools such as text-to-speech and alternative communication devices are accessible. Recent directives from the Department of Justice mandate that educational apps and online content must be compatible with disabled users, signifying a commitment to enhancing educational equity.
Despite the clear benefits, educators are contemplating the implications of integrating AI into learning processes. Some students are reported to utilize AI to reorganise their thoughts into outlines or translate complex literature into simplified language. As Alexis Reid, an educational therapist based in Boston, observed, many students are discovering these tools independently and entering a phase of self-exploration. “I’m seeing that a lot of students are kind of exploring on their own, almost feeling like they've found a cheat code in a video game," she stated. She emphasised that this is not a form of cheating but rather a way to meet students at their individual learning needs.
Ben Snyder, a freshman from Larchmont, New York, diagnosed with a learning disability, has also embraced AI for educational support. He expressed the utility of AI in understanding mathematics, explaining that when a problem confuses him, inputting it into an AI tool can yield multiple explanations. He highlighted a program called Question AI, which he used to craft an outline for a book report in significantly less time than it would traditionally require. Despite this assistance, Ben maintained a perspective on academic integrity, stating, "That's just cheating," if AI were to write the entire report.
The integration of AI in schools raises questions surrounding educational outcomes and ethics. If a student's special education plan includes specific literacy goals, the effective use of assistive technologies is crucial for their development. Mary Lawson, general counsel at the Council of the Great City Schools, remarked on the necessity for students to enhance their reading skills independently, as AI should not replace essential learning processes. Paul Sanft, director of a Minnesota-based centre for assistive technology, acknowledged the tool's potential to level the playing field for students with disabilities, while cautioning against misuse.
Concerns also include that AI may inadvertently funnel students with disabilities into less challenging coursework. There is also a risk of this technology revealing personal information about a student’s disability, posing ethical dilemmas if shared without consent. Luis Pérez, lead for disability and digital inclusion at CAST, noted the importance of navigating these sensitive aspects as technology continues to evolve.
States are adapting legislative measures to ensure students performing below proficiency receive tailored learning plans. For example, Iowa has introduced laws mandating individualised reading plans for struggling students, supported by an AI-driven tutoring programme that employs digital avatars to provide assistance.
Looking ahead, further advancements in AI are projected, with the U.S. National Science Foundation investing in research and development to benefit children with speech and language difficulties. Venu Govindaraju, director of the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education at the University of Buffalo, indicated that areas such as handwriting recognition and speech-to-text technology require refinement to better cater to children's needs.
Organisations like the International Society for Technology in Education are taking steps to simplify the evaluation of new educational technologies for institutions, aiming to ensure that tools acquired are both effective and accessible. The experiences of educators, such as Nadine Gilkison, technology integration supervisor at Franklin Township Community School Corp., reflect optimism around the potential of these technologies. She noted that the introduction of chatbots has profoundly impacted special education teachers and students, enabling greater independence in learning processes: "Now we don't need to wait anymore," she concluded.
The convergence of AI and education stands to reshape learning experiences for students with disabilities, positioning technology as an essential partner in fostering inclusive educational pathways.
Source: Noah Wire Services