On the Horizon: AI as an Academic Accommodation

In this session, we will explore the hows, whys (and why-nots) of using generative AI as an accommodation for a student with a disability within higher education. As ChatGPT permeates the college campus, there is an opportunity to both align and redefine what we've traditionally considered as assistive technology. With real-world case studies, attendees will have the opportunity to consider possible accommodations that AI could provide for students with disabilities, while also troubleshooting the implementation of it as an approved accommodation.

By the time the Accessibility Summit is in session, there is a high probability that new elements, features or newsworthy events around generative AI and ChatGPT will emerge. This will be a dynamic presentation that addresses the constantly changing and evolving reaction from higher education to AI, the good, bad, and scary.

The use of AI as a reasonable accommodation to mitigate the impact of disability is an emerging topic, trend, and concern in higher ed. Disability service professionals are on the forefront of student support and seeing the beginning phases of questions around how AI can be used as a responsible and ethical accommodation. I will demonstrate a few examples of how students are using ChatGPT as a "study buddy" for a student with ADHD, as a personal assistant for someone with executive functioning challenges, and a 24/7 resources for a student with dyslexia who needs grammar and spelling feedback at all hours.

We will walk through 3 different case studies of students with and without disabilities using generative AI to complete assignments, improve their time management skills, and delegate tasks to focus on higher order thinking and learning.

Attendees will be asked to think about their own on-campus resources and policies; does their university have an AI policy? Is the decision around using AI in the classroom and on assignments left to the individual faculty member? Are there campus partners that can be tapped into for support and broader adoption of AI, such as Career Services, Writing and Tutoring support, the Conduct Office, and Center for Teaching and Learning. How can DS professionals successfully advocate for the use of AI as one tool in the vast higher education toolbox.

At the end of the session, we will use a Jam board to highlight the key takeaways that attendees plan to bring back to their accessibility offices.

*No parts of this proposal were written by, or with, assistance from ChatGPT*