Artificial Intelligence Statement

Statement:

The Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) recognizes the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the educational experience of students with disabilities by providing personalized support, increasing accessibility, and fostering greater inclusion in learning environments.  AI has become an integral component of Assistive Technology (AT). Many AT devices and software now integrate AI capabilities, leveraging machine learning to enhance existing features and expand their functionality.  AI is continually enhancing the functionality and power of AT, making devices more useful.

AI is not just enhancing existing AT—it is becoming a powerful, offering innovative ways to address accessibility needs. Tools driven by AI, such as conversational agents, predictive text, and personalized learning platforms, can support people with cognitive, speech, or mobility impairments by adapting to user preferences and learning from interactions.

The use of AI in assistive technologies will be subject to ongoing evaluation and refinement.   The ATRC will continuously assess the effectiveness, accessibility, and ethical implications of AI tools to ensure they remain beneficial, non-exploitative, and aligned with our commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusion for students with disabilities.  The ATRC does not endorse or accommodate the use of AT that would violate academic integrity.

Examples of uses of AI in AT technology include but are not limited to:

• AI features in screen readers can process text more naturally, making it easier to understand complex content.
• AI-powered captioning tools offer real-time, context-aware transcriptions, improving accessibility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• AI applications in AT includes virtual assistants such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Siri which can help streamline tasks and activities for people with various disabilities
• Virtual meeting platforms (MS Teams & Zoom) offer AI-powered live captions and transcription, making lectures and discussions more accessible.
• Text-to-speech tools use machine learning to generate natural-sounding voices and summarize lengthy texts, helping students and educators process academic content more efficiently.
• Text-to-speech tools integrated into platforms like Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word, and operating systems help students efficiently process written materials such as textbooks and lecture notes.
• Text to speech tools support focus and comprehension, offering valuable support for students with learning disabilities or attention challenges.
• Note-taking tools such as Genio can organize and summarize complex notes for better comprehension.
• Artificial intelligence can also assist with executive functioning tasks, helping students stay organized and manage their time more effectively
• Generative AI tools can break down large assignments into smaller steps, create personalized schedules, and set reminders to keep students on track.