Artificial Intelligence in Inclusive Education: Applications and Challenges for Learners with Disabilities

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an important technology in education. It can support learners by improving access to educational content, providing personalized learning support, assisting communication, and helping teachers. For learners with disabilities, AI-based assistive technologies can reduce some barriers to learning and participation. This paper provides a descriptive review of the use of AI in inclusive education, with particular attention to learners with disabilities. It discusses common applications such as speech recognition, text-to-speech, computer vision, adaptive learning, intelligent tutoring, and communication support. The paper also considers the main benefits and challenges of these technologies. The literature indicates that AI can improve accessibility, learning support, communication, participation, and learner independence. However, issues related to privacy, cost, accuracy, bias, infrastructure, teacher training, and human interaction remain important. The paper concludes that AI should support learners and teachers rather than replace human involvement. Responsible and learner-centred use of AI can contribute to more accessible and inclusive education.