Artificial Intelligence

AI has manifold uses for the college student. Students ethically use AI as a research tool, to get grammar suggestions, to study more effectively with an AI-powered app, and so on. But while AI can improve a student's learning experience, it doesn’t always work for everyone.

For students with disabilities, AI tools can be both helpful and frustrating. Some platforms don’t work well with screen readers, voice assistants might not understand speech differences, and automated systems can make decisions based on biased data—like assuming someone isn’t “engaged” in a class just because they interact with content differently.

Even if you don’t have a disability, these issues affect your classmates, your campus, and the future of education. Colleges are still figuring out how to use AI responsibly, and that includes making sure it’s fair, accessible, and inclusive for all students.

Below are resources to help you navigate the new and often challenging territory of AI and accessibility!

And please note, UMGC librarians used the Microsoft AI, Copilot, to assist in creating much of the content on this page: Copilot helped us:

• write the above introduction;
• find resources to suggest (below);
• write summaries for the resources.

Accessibility Services staff are caring and they understand students' needs. They're also experts in accessibility tech, so if you contact them about an accessibility problem you're having using AI, they may be able to help you solve it or offer a workaround. Please see below for other usesful guides:

• Open Access Assistive Technology Resources
  This guide contains a variety of open access assistive technology resources. AI is used by these resources to a varying degree.
• Everway Software
  UMGC has partnered with Everway to provide the entire UMGC community with three software options that break down barriers, recognize and value differences, and empower individuals to thrive in any aspect of their education or work!

• Every Learner Everywhere
  The educational network provides a toolkit on AI and accessibility in higher ed.
• ForHumanity
  A nonprofit working on AI and accessibility by developing audit criteria and certification schemes that ensure AI systems are inclusive, usable, and compliant with equality laws
• Microsoft AI for Accessibility
  Supports innovations like refreshable braille displays, AAC apps, and neurodiverse hiring platforms.
• United Nations
  The UN is actively working to ensure AI development aligns with human rights, including disability rights.
• US Access Board
  An independent federal agency that assesses the benefits and risks of AI for people with disabilities, with a goal of making AI more inclusive, transparent, and responsible

• UMGC Library Search
  This library search will take you into OneSearch and show you results for this keyword search: "artificial intelligence" AND accessibility AND ("college" OR "higher education" OR "personalized learning" OR "inclusive learning")
• Digital Accessibility in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review
  Systematic review of 43 studies on AI applications for digital accessibility, highlighting gaps in support for non-visual disabilities and lack of adherence to accessibility standards.
• Ethical Implications of AI-Driven AAC Systems: Ensuring Inclusivity and Equity in Assistive Technologies
  Analysis of ethical challenges in AI-powered communication tools for people with speech and language impairments, including privacy and cultural inclusivity.
• Ethical Limits and Suggestions for Improving the Use of AI
  Mixed-methods study on ethical concerns in AI use across research and academia, including bias, transparency, and accessibility.
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Inclusive Education
  Systematic review of AI’s role in inclusive education, including benefits like personalized learning and challenges such as ethical concerns and infrastructure gaps.
• Integrating AI to Support Students with Disabilities in Higher Education
  Integrative review of AI-powered assistive technologies in higher education, covering themes like personalized learning, institutional barriers, and ethical concerns.

The library asked Microsoft Copilot to list the top AI tools for accessibility used by college students. They're below.

Please note, some of them may have a free version, others not. And UMGC does not provide technical support for outside resources listed below. Please contact the provider directly with any questions.

You can find further resources with a simple Google search like this: What are the best AI tools for accessibility used by college students?

• AI Writing Review by UMGC Writing Center
  Information about submitting your paper to the Writing Center and receiving an AI review!
• ChatPDF
  Lets students ask questions about uploaded PDFs (e.g., textbooks, research papers) and simplifies navigation and comprehension of dense academic texts.
• Goblin
  A free, AI-powered suite of simple tools designed to help users—especially neurodivergent individuals—break down overwhelming tasks, manage time, understand tone, and organize thoughts more effectively.
• Mindgrasp AI
  Processes documents, videos, and audio to create summaries, flashcards, and practice questions, helping students with cognitive or learning challenges break down complex material.
• Natural Readers
  Converts text, PDFs, and web pages into spoken audio.