How AI is Helping Students Overcome Learning Barriers

Makenzie Gilkison, a 14-year-old student from suburban Indianapolis, once believed her dyslexia made her “stupid.” Struggling with spelling and reading comprehension, Makenzie faced constant challenges—writing a word like “rhinoceros” might result in “rineanswsaurs.” Yet, with the help of AI-powered assistive technology, her perspective on learning shifted. Customized chatbots and predictive text tools allowed her to keep pace with classmates and gain a new sense of confidence. Last year, she earned a spot in the National Junior Honor Society, an accomplishment she credits to the technology that supports her daily studies.

Makenzie’s story highlights how AI is helping students with disabilities navigate educational hurdles. Speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and natural-sounding digital voices make materials more accessible, while personalized AI-driven tutoring programs provide real-time feedback. The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Justice have issued new mandates requiring schools to consider these tools, prompting many districts to prioritize AI in special education. From summarizing Shakespeare into plain English to generating structured outlines from scattered ideas, AI is proving to be a valuable companion.

Ben Snyder, a 14-year-old freshman from New York, echoes these sentiments. Diagnosed with a learning disability, Ben often turns to AI to break down complex math problems or streamline his writing assignments. While he values AI’s ability to assist, he draws a clear line—using it to write an entire essay would be cheating. Instead, Ben uses tools like Question AI to outline his thoughts, a task that once took hours but now only takes minutes. For students like Ben and Makenzie, AI offers more than convenience; it provides a way to achieve independence and academic success.

Despite its benefits, the integration of AI in education presents certain challenges. Critics worry that overreliance on AI might impede skill development, with students becoming dependent on the technology rather than building their capabilities. Additionally, concerns about data privacy and ethical use loom large. AI’s ability to identify patterns might inadvertently reveal a student’s disability before they or their family are ready to disclose it, raising ethical questions about privacy and consent.

There are also logistical hurdles. Some schools find it difficult to navigate the overwhelming number of AI products on the market. Organizations like the International Society for Technology in Education have stepped in, launching initiatives to help districts vet these technologies and ensure they are accessible. Even students who benefit from AI can face technical glitches that leave them without key features for days. For others, the perceived complexity of these tools can lead to resistance, as not all students are ready to embrace AI as part of their learning routine.

Nevertheless, educators and parents see AI’s potential to level the playing field. In one Indiana district, the introduction of chatbots to assist high school students with special needs left some teachers in tears. Before AI, many students depended entirely on human support. Now, they can take steps on their own, building confidence along the way. Advocates like Nadine Gilkison, Makenzie’s mother and a technology integration supervisor, remain optimistic. She sees AI not as a replacement for traditional learning, but as a powerful ally that helps students reach their potential.

As the U.S. National Science Foundation and other organizations invest in AI research, more sophisticated tools are on the horizon. Developers are working to refine speech-to-text technologies that better understand children’s voices, especially those with speech impediments. Efforts are also underway to improve handwriting recognition for students with motor challenges. With each new advancement, AI opens the door to greater independence, allowing students with disabilities to focus less on overcoming basic barriers and more on excelling academically.

This article is sourced from Heather Hollingsworth of the Associated Press.