AI and Accessibility
Making Learning More Accessible
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to make learning more accessible, personalised, and inclusive. Many AI-powered tools can help remove barriers that some learners face when engaging with digital content, completing academic tasks, or accessing information.
While accessibility tools have traditionally been associated with supporting disabled learners, many AI features can benefit all students. For example, AI can help with reading, writing, language translation, organisation, note-taking, and understanding complex information. These tools can support different learning preferences and help students engage with their studies in ways that work best for them.
AI should not replace the support available through the University or specialist services, but it can be a valuable addition to the range of tools available to support learning and participation. This aligns well with the vision of AI supporting more inclusive learning experiences by adapting content and helping students access information in different ways.
How Can AI Support Accessibility?
AI-powered tools can support learning in many ways, including:
Reading and Understanding Content
- Summarising lengthy texts
- Explaining complex concepts in simpler language
- Providing definitions and examples
- Converting text to speech
Speech and Communication
- Speech-to-text transcription
- Live captions during meetings and lectures
- Voice commands and dictation tools
- Translation between languages
Accessing Visual Information
- Image recognition and description tools
- Automatic alt text generation for images and visual content
- Tools that identify and describe objects, scenes, and text within images
Writing and Organisation
- Support with planning and structuring work
- Checking grammar and spelling
- Creating study schedules and revision plans
- Breaking large tasks into manageable steps
Language Support
- Translation tools to support understaning across languages
- Simplifying complex academic language
- Explaining unfamilar words and terminology
- Supporting multilingual learners
These features can help students access learning materials more effectively and support greater independence in their studies.
AI Accessibility Tools You May Encounter
Many accessibility features are already built into tools that students use every day, including:
- Microsoft Copilot
- Microsoft Immersive Reader
- Microsoft Dictate
- Microsoft Translator
- Seeing AI
- Accessibility features within Microsoft 365
- AI-powered captioning and transcription tools
These tools can support different learning preferences and accessibility needs, helping students work with information in formats that suit them best.
Further information and links to these tools can be found in the interactive resource below.
Accessibility, Inclusion and Responsible Use
AI can create new opportunities for more inclusive learning, but it is important to remember that AI tools are not perfect. Generated content may be inaccurate, incomplete, or unsuitable for specific accessibility needs. Students should continue to review information carefully and use their own judgement when working with AI-generated outputs.
The most effective approach is to use AI as one of several tools that support your learning while continuing to develop your own knowledge, skills, and independence.
AI and Accessibility: Interactive Resource
The following resource on AI and accessibility for students provides an overview of how AI can support more inclusive learning. It highlights accessibility tools from Microsoft and other platforms, showing how AI can enhance readability, enable speech-to-text and voice assistance, and improve visual and image accessibility. It also explores how AI tools can support neurodivergent students. Click Start to explore the guide.
ℹ️ Key Takeaway
AI can help make learning more accessible by offering alternative ways to read, write, communicate, organise information, and engage with digital content. Whether you need specific accessibility support or simply want more flexible ways to learn, AI tools can help remove barriers and support your success.
Need Additional Support?
If you have a disability, long-term condition, or specific learning difficulty and would benefit from additional support, Queen’s offers a range of services and assistive technologies to help you participate fully in university life and learning. The Accessible Learning Support team can provide advice on appropriate assistive technologies and study support options.
