For many students with disabilities, such as 14-year-old Makenzie Gilkison from suburban Indianapolis, everyday tasks like spelling can be a challenge. Words like “rhinoceros” often turn into “rineanswsaurs,” and simple words like “sarcastic” become “srkastik” due to her struggles with dyslexia. Despite her ability to sound out words, the mental effort involved often affects her comprehension. Makenzie used to feel as if she wasn’t capable of learning.
However, assistive technology, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), has made a significant difference in her academic life. Thanks to AI-powered chatbots, word prediction programs, and text-to-speech tools, Makenzie has been able to keep up with her peers. These technologies have helped her so much that she was even named to the National Junior Honor Society last year. Without these tools, she believes she might have given up on school altogether.
AI is opening new doors for students with disabilities, including those with visual, hearing, speech, and language challenges. Schools across the country are quickly integrating AI-powered solutions to support these students, helping them overcome the obstacles that traditional methods of learning may have struggled to address.
The Role of AI in Education for Students with Disabilities
AI has the potential to assist students in a variety of ways. It can summarize complex texts, break down challenging concepts, and even convert Shakespearean language into modern English. Computer-generated voices are becoming more lifelike, providing a smoother experience for visually impaired and dyslexic students who rely on text-to-speech technology.
Educational therapist Alexis Reid, based in Boston, notes that students are eager to explore AI tools, sometimes feeling as if they’ve found a “cheat code” for their learning difficulties. But in her eyes, AI isn’t cheating—it’s about meeting students where they are and offering them the support they need.
Real-Life Impact of AI on Students with Learning Disabilities
Ben Snyder, a 14-year-old freshman from Larchmont, New York, who was recently diagnosed with a learning disability, uses AI to help with his homework. While his teachers may explain math problems to him, he often finds them confusing. Using AI, he can input the problem and receive various explanations, making the learning process much clearer. Ben also appreciates AI when completing tasks like writing a book report. With AI’s help, he completed a report outline in just 15 minutes, a task that would normally take him over an hour and a half.
Despite his enthusiasm, Ben does draw a line at using AI to write his entire report. “That’s just cheating,” he says, acknowledging that AI should be a tool to help with understanding, not replace the work entirely.
Balancing AI’s Benefits and Risks in Education
While AI provides tremendous support, there are concerns about its potential misuse. Schools are working to ensure that students still develop essential skills, such as reading, and that AI doesn’t replace the learning process. Mary Lawson, general counsel at the Council of the Great City Schools, emphasizes that students must continue to improve on skills like reading, even with the assistance of AI.
Paul Sanft, director of a Minnesota-based assistive technology center, highlights that while some may use AI inappropriately, the primary goal for students with disabilities is to help them accomplish tasks they otherwise could not.
Another concern is the possibility of AI identifying students with disabilities and tracking them into less rigorous academic programs. If AI detects a disability, it may disclose this information in ways that could create ethical issues, especially if students or families have not chosen to share it.
Innovations and Future of AI in Education
AI is becoming increasingly integrated into education for students with disabilities, even those who do not qualify for special education services. In Iowa, a new law mandates individualized reading plans for students who are not proficient, supported by a $3 million investment in AI-driven tutoring programs. These programs use digital avatars to provide tailored intervention when students struggle.
New tools are continuously being developed, such as those funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. These include AI-driven technologies that assist children with speech and language difficulties. The National AI Institute for Exceptional Education, based at the University of Buffalo, is working on improving handwriting recognition and speech-to-text technology, both of which face challenges when applied to children, particularly those with speech impediments.
Schools face the challenge of sorting through the wide array of educational technology tools available. Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education, notes that their nonprofit is working to help schools vet AI tools to ensure they are accessible and effective.
Challenges and Promises of AI for Students with Disabilities
While Makenzie Gilkison appreciates the potential of AI, she points out that there are still challenges in making these tools reliable. Sometimes, important features are inexplicably disabled, causing frustration for students who depend on them. As a result, some students may resist using the technology.
However, Makenzie’s mother, Nadine Gilkison, a technology integration supervisor at Franklin Township Community School Corporation in Indiana, sees the overall promise of AI in education. In September, her district introduced AI chatbots to help special education students in high school. Teachers, who previously struggled to provide individualized support, were moved by the positive impact this program had on students. The chatbots enable students to progress at their own pace, without waiting for a teacher’s assistance.
Conclusion: AI as a Tool for Empowerment
AI is transforming education, especially for students with disabilities. As more schools integrate these technologies, students are benefiting from customized learning experiences that help them thrive academically. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential for AI to level the playing field is immense. For students like Makenzie and Ben, AI has already made a significant impact on their educational journeys, offering them new opportunities for success.
Source: AP News
