How AI can transform accessibility in education

By placing a strong emphasis on inclusive design, educators can create a future where every student, regardless of their background or abilities, can thrive.
Ann McMullan
Ann McMullan
Ann McMullan is an independent education leadership consultant who currently serves as the Project Director for CoSN’s EmpowerED Superintendents Initiative, created in partnership with AASA, The School Superintendents Association. In addition to her role with CoSN, Ann works as a public speaker and writer focused on leadership to meet the needs of today’s students.

The Consortium for School Networking is pleased to continue to support the work of current and aspiring superintendents and district leadership teams in leading all aspects of digital learning transformations.

AI & accessibility

CoSN, in partnership with CAST, recently released a comprehensive report entitled “AI and Accessibility in Education.” The report examines the transformative potential of artificial intelligence to enhance educational accessibility and support for students, particularly those with disabilities. As generative AI and assistive tools become increasingly prevalent in educational settings, it is crucial to understand both their benefits and limitations.

The “AI and Accessibility in Education” report emphasizes that AI in education holds significant promise for enhancing accessibility and support for all students. By placing a strong emphasis on inclusive design, implementing comprehensive policies and fostering ongoing professional development, educators can create a future where every student, regardless of their background or abilities, can thrive and reach their full potential through the thoughtful integration of AI.

The full report serves as a comprehensive guide for educators, district leaders and policymakers, providing insights into the benefits and challenges of AI in education and offering practical strategies for its effective and ethical implementation enabling accessibility.

The CoSN/CAST report was made possible through the support of The Blaschke Fund, which was created by CoSN to support emerging leaders in education technology policy and advocacy. This memorial fund honors the late industry giant, Charles Blaschke, who conducted pioneering research and analysis on the ever-changing U.S. education landscape for over 50 years. The Blaschke report was prepared by Fernanda Pérez Perez, 2024 Charles Blaschke Scholarship fellow.

EmpowerED Superintendents edLeader Panel Series

CoSN, AASA and edWeb.net co-host an online edLeader Panel broadcast series, sponsored by ClassLink, to help superintendents, district and school leaders and teachers connect and collaborate. Participants can join the live event or view recordings and podcast versions starting a day or two after the live broadcast.


Talking Out of School podcast : Why is a “small-language model” better for K12?


The upcoming edLeader Panel broadcast—5 p.m., Nov. 11—is titled “Leading and Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Tools Within K-12 School Districts.” Three leading-edge superintendents share how they continue to lead the effective uses of AI within multiple school functions, including school operations, as well as in teaching and learning, while also dealing with the challenges that AI can present.

If you missed the Oct. 14 broadcast, “Cybersecurity in School District Settings: A District Leadership Approach,” you are welcome to sign up for free to view the recording and/or listen to the podcast at https://home.edweb.net/webinar/supers20241014/.

CoSN 2025 Conference

The CoSN 2025 Conference takes place in Seattle, Washington from March 31- April 2, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle. You can learn more about CoSN 2025 and view the list of Pre-Conference Events and the CoSN 2025 “Schedule at a Glance” agenda at: https://www.cosn.org/cosn2025/

CoSN Membership: If you, your school or district would like more information about joining CoSN or getting more involved with CoSN, please contact [email protected].

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