Beyond Compliance: Reimagining Accessibility Through AI in Higher Education

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for accessibility in higher education. As institutional leaders, we must move beyond viewing accessibility as merely a compliance checkbox and instead embrace it as an innovation imperative.

AI is not new to higher education, but its prominence has dramatically increased, with tools like ChatGPT. This explosive growth demands our attention, especially when considering how these technologies intersect with accessibility needs. The data is concerning: according to a recent Inside Higher Ed Student Voice Survey of 5,000 students, one-third are unsure when or if they're allowed to use generative AI in their courses, and only 16% report that their institutions have published clear policies on appropriate AI use. Even more troubling are the equity gaps—43% of adult learners (25+) lack awareness of appropriate AI use cases compared to 28% of traditional-aged students, and first-generation students report significantly less confidence with these technologies.

For accessibility professionals and institutional leaders, these statistics represent more than just knowledge gaps; they signal potential new digital divides that could disproportionately affect students with disabilities. The imperative to act is clear. We must prevent new barriers before they become embedded in our systems. By engaging proactively with AI implementation, we can identify and eliminate design flaws before they scale—ensuring our technological advances don't leave vulnerable students behind.

Procurement processes require immediate attention. AI tools should be evaluated against comprehensive accessibility criteria, including compatibility with assistive technologies, keyboard-only navigation, cognitive load management, and flexible timing options. Institutional leaders should insist on accessibility evaluations before adoption, not as afterthoughts.

Most importantly, we must reframe the narrative around AI and disability from a deficit model to one of innovation and empowerment. AI offers remarkable possibilities for personalization, from real-time translation for multilingual students to text summarization tools for cognitive support, AI-powered note-taking, and plain language conversion. These capabilities can transform educational experiences for students with disabilities—if implemented thoughtfully.

The ideal human-AI collaboration empowers our institutions to prioritize meaningful interactions, personalize support, and ensure continuous holistic assistance. By leveraging AI strategically, we enhance, personalize, and scale our impact while focusing on high-value human connections.

As higher education leaders, our approach to AI must be intentional and equity-centered. The four-phase approach outlined by NASPA—rapid implementation, resource and capacity building, scaling solutions, and strategic transformation—offers a valuable framework for sustainable adoption that considers accessibility from the outset.

The promise of AI in higher education accessibility is real, but fulfilling that promise requires leadership that recognizes both the transformative potential and the profound responsibility that comes with implementing these powerful technologies. Our students deserve nothing less than our full commitment to ensuring that AI advances educational accessibility rather than creating new barriers.

Ready to move from promise to practice in your AI strategy?

Dr. Claire Brady offers “From Promise to Practice: AI’s Role in Higher Ed Accessibility,” that equips higher education leaders with the tools to design, implement, and evaluate AI technologies through an equity and accessibility lens. Whether you're a disability services professional, a senior leader exploring AI adoption, or a faculty champion for inclusive innovation—this training will challenge your thinking and sharpen your approach. Explore this session and other high-impact AI trainings at www.drclairebrady.com, or reach out directly to schedule a conversation.