Unlocking Potential: How AI is Revolutionizing Education for Students with Disabilities
Makenzie Gilkison’s Journey
Makenzie Gilkison, a 14-year-old with dyslexia, once found spelling to be an insurmountable obstacle. Words like “rhinoceros” became “rineanswsaurs” in her attempts. However, AI-powered assistive technology has transformed her academic experience, allowing her to keep pace with her peers and even earn a spot in the National Junior Honor Society. This technology includes tools like customized chatbots and word prediction software that facilitate learning by reading text aloud and predicting words.
AI’s Promising Role in Education
AI is particularly promising for students with disabilities, offering personalized support for those with visual, speech, language, and hearing impairments. Schools across the globe are accelerating the adoption of AI applications to aid these students. The U.S. Department of Education prioritizes providing the latest technologies, such as text-to-speech and alternative communication devices, to students who require them. New regulations from the Department of Justice further mandate accessibility in digital content, ensuring inclusivity.
AI can summarize complex ideas, translate Shakespearean texts into everyday language, and read aloud passages for students who are visually impaired or dyslexic, with voices that sound increasingly human. Despite concerns that AI might be perceived as a shortcut, educational experts argue that these tools are essential for meeting students at their individual levels of understanding.
AI as an Educational Resource
For freshman Ben Snyder, AI has become an invaluable educational resource. Diagnosed with a learning disability, he uses AI to clarify confusing math problems and organize his writing assignments efficiently. Still, he believes that using AI to complete assignments entirely would be crossing a line.
The Challenge of Balancing AI and Learning
The challenge for schools lies in balancing the benefits of AI with the need for genuine learning. While AI cannot substitute the personal growth achieved through learning, it can significantly aid students by providing a more equitable learning environment. Concerns remain about potential misuse and the risk of tracking students into less demanding courses, but the focus remains on the positive impact for students requiring these tools.
Research and Development
Research and development of AI tools continue to expand. The U.S. National Science Foundation is supporting initiatives to improve speech and language technology for children, while educators work to streamline the adoption of accessible AI tools in schools.
Despite occasional technical glitches, the benefits of AI in education for students with disabilities are undeniable. As technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of breaking down educational barriers and fostering independence among learners previously reliant on others for assistance. The future of AI in education is bright, with endless possibilities to enhance the learning experiences of students with disabilities.
