Empowering Students with Disabilities: How AI-Powered Assistive Technology Transforms Learning Experiences

Assistive technology includes tools and software designed to support people with disabilities. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has played a significant role in this field. It’s especially beneficial for students who struggle with speaking, reading, writing, and language skills. While many schools are still figuring out how to integrate AI into their systems, others are embracing these tools to help students with disabilities.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, U.S. schools are required to offer assistive technology for students who need it. The Education Department emphasizes the importance of providing tools like text-to-speech software and alternative communication devices. New regulations also mandate that schools ensure their apps and online content are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.

There are questions about how effectively students are learning while using assistive tech. AI can help in various ways, such as outlining ideas, summarizing difficult texts, or reading material aloud, making it easier for students with reading challenges. The voices generated by machines are increasingly sounding more human-like.

Alexis Reid, an educational therapist from Boston, shares that many students feel like they’ve discovered a “cheat code” in video games through these tools. However, she emphasizes that it’s about meeting students at their individual levels.

Ben Snyder, a 14-year-old freshman from Larchmont, New York, was diagnosed with a learning disability. He frequently uses AI for homework help and enjoys using a program named Question AI. One time, he requested the program to help outline a book report, completing it in just 15 minutes instead of the usual hour and a half. Ben makes it clear that while he appreciates the help, he wouldn’t let AI write his report for him, saying, “That’s just cheating.”

In Minnesota, Paul Sanft manages a center that allows families to access assistive technology. He acknowledges that some may misuse such technologies to avoid doing their own work. Still, he believes the main focus should be on helping people with disabilities achieve tasks they previously couldn’t.

The U.S. National Science Foundation is backing AI research, including efforts by the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education at the University of Buffalo. They are creating tools specifically for children with speech and language difficulties. Venu Govindaraju, the institute’s director, notes that speech-to-text technology has challenges when it comes to understanding children’s voices, particularly if they have speech issues or if their handwriting isn’t clear.

Consider the case of Makenzie Gilkison, a 14-year-old from Indiana who has dyslexia, making reading tough for her. “I just assumed I was stupid,” she recalled about her early years in school. However, she has made significant strides since using AI tools like chatbots and word prediction programs. Last year, she was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society due to her hard work.

Makenzie now feels empowered by the technology available in her school. She explains that chatbots have made a big difference, allowing special education students to access help without waiting for teachers. “Now we don’t need to wait anymore,” she said, highlighting the newfound independence these tools have provided.



Source link

Lessons of the Day, Education Tips