How are AI and Accessibility Leading the Way to Inclusive Learning?

Over the years, the awareness about the need to include everyone in learning has increased. These insights are from a conversation between Rishi from Magic EdTech and Dr. Sambhavi Chandrasekhar from D2L on the Tech In EdTech podcast. Dr. Sambhavi highlights the areas in which AI is increasing accessibility, the possible challenges one might encounter, and how edtech companies can overcome these challenges.

Dr. Sambhavi believes the awareness is largely due to fear of compliance with accessibility regulations and the financial repercussions they might face due to non-compliance but hopes there are sincere efforts towards accessibility in the future. Digital compliance norms such as ADA Title II in the U.S. and the upcoming EU Accessibility Act push organizations further toward compliance due to the potential legal and financial repercussions.

There is also growing advocacy and increased awareness about the needs of individuals with disabilities, leading to genuine efforts to design inclusive educational technologies. As more educators and institutions recognize the importance of accessibility, the hope is that this shift is driven more by a genuine commitment to inclusion than by the fear of non-compliance.

 

Role of AI in Enhancing Accessibility

AI plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility for those with disabilities. For instance, text-to-speech conversion allows visually challenged learners to access written content audibly, while AI can also convert text into Braille for those using Braille readers. Audiobooks offer another valuable resource, enabling visually impaired learners to engage with educational materials without relying on visual content.

AI-powered optical character recognition (OCR) technology helps convert scanned documents and images of text into readable formats compatible with screen readers, making previously inaccessible content available to all learners.

Learners with hearing disabilities gain support through automated speech-to-text conversion and the generation of subtitles and captions for videos. Real-time captioning during live lectures or video content further enhances their learning experience, providing immediate access to information that would otherwise be difficult to process.

 

AI also offers valuable support to learners with cognitive disabilities by simplifying text and providing summaries of complex content. This reduction of cognitive load enables students to focus on key concepts without being overwhelmed by excessive information. AI-powered tools can break down complicated language or instructions into easier-to-understand formats, making learning more manageable. Moreover, AI can generate personalized learning pathways, tailoring educational experiences to each learner’s unique needs, which is especially beneficial for learners who may require different levels of assistance or guidance.

Through language translation tools, AI also enables students to convert learning materials into their native language, making content more accessible. This capability is essential in today’s globalized educational environment, where students often need to learn a language that is not their first. By reducing language barriers, AI ensures that learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds can participate fully in the educational experience.

 

The IDEA Framework

As AI tools become more integrated into educational technology, it’s crucial to conduct critical evaluations during procurement and implementation to ensure inclusivity. Organizations must prioritize the use of AI solutions that bring equitable access to learning for all learners, especially those from marginalized groups. To address this, there needs to be a shift from the traditional DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) framework toward the IDEA framework, which adds Accessibility to the equation.

The IDEA framework emphasizes the need for inclusivity throughout the entire product development process. To create truly accessible technologies, it is essential that edtech manufacturers involve individuals with disabilities at every stage of the product cycle, from research and design to engineering and testing.

User-Centered Design Approach

A user-centered design approach is key to improving user experiences for those with greater constraints, such as individuals with disabilities. Designing with these users in mind first ensures that solutions are robust enough to accommodate the full spectrum of diversity among learners.

When developers focus on addressing the most challenging use cases, the resulting products offer a better overall experience for all users. While no technology can be 100% accessible at all times, due to the evolving nature of technology and users’ changing needs—organizations should seek partners and vendors who prioritize accessibility and continuously work to maintain and enhance it. 

 

Equity vs. Equality in Educational Design

Equity, as opposed to equality, is a critical concept in educational design. Equality involves providing the same resources or solutions to everyone, but this approach often fails to account for individual differences and needs. In contrast, equity tailors solutions to ensure that everyone can achieve comparable outcomes, regardless of their specific circumstances.

For example, if a tall man, a medium-sized woman, a short boy, and a person in a wheelchair are all given the same bicycle, only the medium-sized woman might be able to use it comfortably, while others would struggle or be unable to use it at all. However, if each individual receives a personalized bicycle suited to their size and abilities, all of them can ride.

This principle of equity is vital in educational contexts, where designing for diverse needs leads to better user experiences for all learners. For example, adding captions to videos for students who are deaf or hard of hearing also benefits those in quiet libraries, loud cafes, or environments where watching with sound is impractical. By incorporating accessibility as a core element of inclusive design, the IDEA framework helps ensure that educational technologies are equitable, enhancing both usability and impact.

 

Challenges in Incorporating IDEA

Challenges in corporate DEI integration often stem from a lack of awareness at leadership levels, particularly in implementing initiatives that fully embrace disability inclusion alongside race, gender, and culture. One strategy is for leaders to create a culture of inclusion through employee interest groups that encourage sharing experiences and promoting accessibility across the organization. These groups can serve as platforms for employees to voice concerns, share insights, and drive change in how the company addresses accessibility and inclusion.

AI tools, if not carefully designed and implemented, may inadvertently perpetuate discrimination against learners who do not fit into the norms that the AI system has been trained to recognize. For example, training tools that rely on data sets lacking representation of minorities—including individuals with disabilities—may fail to respond appropriately to the needs of these learners, potentially harming their educational experience.

To mitigate this risk, it is crucial that organizations critically evaluate AI tools during procurement to ensure that these tools protect learner privacy and don’t unintentionally expose or isolate individuals with disabilities. Additionally, providing learners with the option to opt out of using AI tools if they feel they are not accessible or may cause harm is an essential safeguard. Offering alternative tools ensures that no one is forced to use technology that could negatively impact their learning experience.

Furthermore, organizations should work to include data about underrepresented groups, such as individuals with disabilities, in AI training systems. By ensuring these systems are aware of the diverse types of users they will serve, AI tools can be designed to better meet the needs of all learners, nurturing true inclusion and equity in the corporate and educational landscape.

While compliance brought the focus on accessibility, the sincere hope is that future efforts will be driven by a genuine commitment to inclusion. Integrating AI with DEI and digital accessibility in edtech plays a major role in creating equitable educational experiences. AI has the potential to personalize learning, break down barriers, and provide tailored solutions for diverse learners, but only if implemented thoughtfully and inclusively.

Educators, employers, and technology developers must prioritize inclusive practices, ensuring that AI tools are designed to meet the needs of all learners, especially those from marginalized groups. By leveraging AI responsibly and incorporating diverse perspectives throughout the development process, stakeholders can build an inclusive future where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a fundamental component of educational technology.