Using AI for Accessibility and Inclusion

The use of artificial intelligence in education improves academic outcomes, accessibility, and inclusion for all students (US Department of Education, 2024). This resource is for instructors and their students who might benefit from the use of artificial intelligence tools to support their learning. 

Infographic PDF
Graphics depicting the many elements of AI

Authors: Anna Pletnyova (PhD), Lorelei Anselmo (MEd)

Last modified:  September 11, 2024

Multiple means of engagement

Goal: Purposeful, motivated & effective 

  1. Options for welcoming interests & identities 
  2. Options for sustaining effort & persistence 
  3. Options for emotional growth 

Strategies

  • Switch between modalities 
  • Use GenAI for simulations & role play 
  • Optimize challenge and support 
  • Foster collaboration: students compare & analyze AI outputs  
  • Use AI for emotional intelligence and dialogue: generate personae, scenarios 

Possible AI Tools

Multiple means of representation

Goal: Authentic, resourceful & knowledgeable 

  1. Options for perception 
  2. Options for languages & symbols 
  3. Options for building knowledge 

Strategies

  • Optimize access to assistive tools 
  • Use multiple media for communication 
  • Transcribe videos and meetings 
  • Organize information and resources 
  • Maximize generalization: summarize content with AI 

Possible AI Tools

Multiple means of action & expression

Goal: Strategic, creative, & liberatory 

  1. Options for interaction 
  2. Options for expression & communication 
  3. Options for strategy development 

Strategies

  • Use AI for visual assistance 
  • Display information in many ways: create slides, infographics 
  • Breaking things down for ease of comprehension 
  • Clarify language structures: translate text, explain in lay terms 

Possible AI Tools

Person unlocking technology

How can artificial intelligence improve accessibility to better support your students? 

Person in wheelchair uses accessible technology

What steps can you take to ensure artificial intelligence tools promote inclusion?

Graphic of artificial intellegence and brain synapses overlayed

How can artificial intelligence tools help create a more equitable learning environment? 

Supplementary Resources

  1. Artificial Intelligence Resources (Taylor Institute) 
  2. Equity, Diversity Inclusion and Accessibility Resources (Taylor Institute) 
  3. Accessibility and Technology (Taylor Institute) 
  4. AI and Accessibility (Cornell University) 
  5. Exploring Forms of Feedback with AI (Stanford University) 
  6. Can AI help boost accessibility? (U of Washington) 
  7. 20 Tips for Teaching an Accessible Online Course (U of Washington) 
  8. Create accessible documents (U of Wisconsin-Madison) 
  9. How Artificial General Intelligence Could Redefine Accessibility (Forbes) 
  10. The best AI productivity tools in 2024 (Zapier) 
  11. How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Helps Improve Accessibility (AT&T) 
  12. AI Accessibility: What Are AI Assistive Technology Examples? (Hand Talk) 
  13. 8 AI Tools for Stunning Infographics (Skills.ai) 

References

  1. CAST. (2024). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines (version 3.0). https://udlguidelines.cast.org/  
  2. US Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology. (2024). Designing for Education with Artificial Intelligence: An Essential Guide for Developers. Washington D.C. 

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