Technology’s Role in Enhancing IDEA’s Policy for Inclusion
Research Question: How can artificial intelligence and technology be used to enhance accessibility and inclusion for students with disabilities in K–12 general education classrooms?
Acknowledgements: Dr. Howard Adelman, Dr. Linda Taylor
The integration of students with disabilities into general education classrooms, mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), aims to create inclusive educational environments that are tailored to the diverse needs of all students. While some traditional inclusion strategies are effective, the utilization of technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI), offers new opportunities for enhancing inclusivity in classrooms. Despite concerns regarding privacy, ethical implications, and the risk of dehumanizing education, AI offers multiple solutions for overcoming barriers to learning. By providing personalized instruction and data-driven feedback, AI can help bridge gaps in learning, support teachers in managing diverse classrooms and promote greater engagement and intrinsic motivation among students. Drawing parallels to the historical adoption of assistive technologies, such as audiobooks and hearing aids, this study argues that AI can be a transformative tool in creating inclusive educational spaces.
My Role: Under the guidance of Dr. Howard Adelman and Dr. Linda Taylor, I served as a student researcher conducting a study on a research topic of my choice. I collaborated with fellow student researchers to identify and refine research topics before pitching an original research question focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and inclusive education. I conducted an in-depth meta-analysis examining how AI and emerging technologies can support inclusive education practices under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This involved reviewing and evaluating academic literature then synthesizing the complex academic sources into clear, structured findings. I independently wrote the final research paper, translating the extensive academic research into a cohesive, evidence-based analysis.
What I Learned: Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the research design process, from developing a unique research question and evaluating existing literature to synthesizing those findings and presenting clear conclusions. I learned how to navigate challenges that arise throughout the research process, critically analyze complex academic sources and translate research findings into clear insights for diverse audiences. I also strengthened my collaboration skills, analytical thinking and written communication abilities while gaining experience independently producing the research paper.
