Using AI to improve accessibility and inclusivity in higher education for students with disabilities

Around 1.3 billion, or more than 15% of the global population, suffer from a significant form of disability, with students and researchers in this category being underrepresented in higher education. This paper examines the use of Interactive Artificial Intelligence solutions to improve the inclusivity and accessibility of students with disabilities in higher education. The paper addresses the failure of traditional education methods to accommodate the diverse needs of people with disabilities. Through an exploratory literature review, several AI-driven solutions, like assistive technologies, adaptive-learning systems, and generative AI chatbots and virtual assistants, have been reviewed to understand how AI could be leveraged to create an inclusive learning environment. Key results show AI-driven solutions' potential to transform the learning process of people with disabilities by creating personalized learning paths, increasing access to educational resources, and supporting real-time communication. Additionally, the research highlights ethical concerns about the integration of AI in education, emphasizing the need for the participation of disabled individuals in the development process.