Abstract
This paper explores the potential of ChatGPT, an innovative AI language model, as an assistive technology tool within the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to provide targeted support for college students with disabilities. As colleges and universities strive to promote inclusive practices, the implementation of UDL principles has gained significance. ChatGPT's interactive conversational interface aligns seamlessly with UDL, offering personalized assistance, promoting comprehension, and creating engagement opportunities among diverse learners. Numerous examples are provided, which align with both the universal design framework and the needs of learners receiving accessible and assistive services on a college campus. This paper identifies the many possibilities for ChatGPT as an accommodation tool to significantly impact and improve the inclusive and equitable learning experiences of college students with disabilities.
References
American with Disabilities Act. (2018). Section 508. https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/
Anderson, L. K. (2022). Using UDL to plan a book study lesson for students with intellectual disabilities in inclusive classrooms. Teaching Exceptional Children, 54(4), 258–267.
Balasubramanian, K. (2023). Transforming autodidactic experiences with ChatGPT – New challenges in teaching-learning. Thiagarajar College of Preceptors Edu Spectra, 5(S1), 62–66.
Balfe, T., & Trepagnier, C. (2019). The effect of self-advocacy instruction on the self-determination skills and academic outcomes of college students with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(7), 2734-2745.
Beckman, P. J., Abowd, G. D., & Wood, D. (2018). Evaluation of a system for TTS-based computer programming for students with visual impairments. In Proceedings of the 20th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (pp. 29-38).
Betts, K., Brooks, M. L., Cohen, A. H., Coombs, N., Dietrich, G., Hermann, K., Pruitt, C., Trevino, J. G., Watson, T. L., Welsh, B. (2013) Understanding Disabilities & Online Student Success. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 17(3) p15-48
Burdette, P. J. (2019). Students with disabilities in postsecondary education: A profile of preparation, participation, and outcomes. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2019/2019017.pdf
Burgstahler, S., & Russo-Gleicher, R. J. (2015). Applying universal design to address the needs of postsecondary students on the autism spectrum. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 28(2), 199-212.
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). (2023). Home. www.cast.org.
Cheng, S., & Zhang, L.F. (2015). Thinking style changes among deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 20(1), 16–26.
Cho, J., Kim, K., & Kim, S. (2022). Online learning and information accessibility for college students with disability: Cases of visual impairment and hearing impairment. The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, 44(12), 205–220.
Crompton, H., & Burke, D. (2023). Artificial intelligence in higher education: The state of the field. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(1), 22.
Datchuk, S. M., Fuchs, L. S., Fuchs, D., & Prentice, K. (2015). College students with disabilities: A generational study examining the shifting focus from legal compliance to inclusive education. Journal of Special Education Leadership, 28(1), 19-27.
Deckoff-Jones, A., & Duell, M. (2018). Perceptions of appropriateness of accommodations for university students: Does disability type matter? Rehabilitation Psychology, 63(1), 68–76.
desJardins, M. (2014). ACTIVE-ating artificial intelligence: Integrating active learning in an introductory course. The AI Magazine, 35(4), 125–126.
Disability Compliance for Higher Education. (2023) Home. https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-guidance/
Doran, P. (2015). Language accessibility in the classroom: How UDL can promote success for linguistically diverse learners. Exceptionality Education Canada, 25(3), 1.
Eid, N. (2023) Inclusive AI: A Case Study on ChatGPT. Billion Strong. https://www.billion-strong.org/the-power-of-inclusive-ai-a-case-study-on-chatgpt/
Esplugas, Mireia. (2023). The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance academic communication, education, and research: A balanced approach. The Journal of Hand Surgery, European Volume.
Farrand, K. M., Koehler, K., & Vasquez, A. (2022). Literary braille instruction: A review of university personnel preparation programs. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 116(5), 617–628.
Frackiewicz, M. (2023) ChatGPT and the Future of Assistive Technology: Advancing AI-driven Accessibility and Inclusion. TechnoSpace2. https://ts2.com.pl/en/chatgpt-and-the-future-of-assistive-technology-advancing-ai-driven-accessibility-and-inclusion/
Fuchs, K. (2023). Exploring the opportunities and challenges of NLP models in higher education: Is ChatGPT a blessing or a curse? Frontiers in Education (Lausanne), 8.
Gilmour, A. F., Fung, L., Jin, X., & King, G. (2017). Understanding accommodations: Voices of postsecondary students with disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation, 39(17), 1703-1711.
Hetzroni, O. E., & Shrieber, B. (2004). Word-processing as an assistive technology tool for enhancing academic outcomes of students with writing disabilities in the general classroom. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 37(2), 143-154.
Jehi, T., Khan, R., & Dos Santos, H. (2022). Effect of COVID-19 outbreak on anxiety among students of higher education; A review of literature. Current Psycholology, 42, 17475–17489. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02587-6
Jones, B. A., & Hensley-Maloney, L. (2015). Meeting the needs of Students with coexisting visual impairments and learning disabilities. Intervention in School and Clinic (50)4 226–233.
Kumar, K.L. & Wideman, M. (2014). Accessible by design: Applying UDL principles in a first-year undergraduate course.” Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 44(1), 125–147.
Mazzotti, Valerie L. et al. (2023). The goal setting challenge app: Promoting self-determination through technology. Remedial and special education.
Mitchell, R. E., & Karchmer, M. A., (2004) When parents Are deaf versus hard of hearing: Patterns of sign use and school placement of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, (9)2, 133–152. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/enh017
Nieminen, J. H., & Pesonen, H. V., (2022) Politicising inclusive learning environments: how to foster belonging and challenge ableism? Higher Education Research & Development, 41(6), 2020-2033. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2021.1945547
OpenAI. (2023). Home. https://openai.com
Page, A., Anderson, J., & Charteris, J. (2021). Including students with disabilities in innovative learning environments: A model for inclusive practices. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 1–16.
Rao, K., Torres, C. & Smith, S. (2021) Digital tools and UDL-based instructional strategies to support students with disabilities online. Journal of special education technology 36(2), 105–112.
Rose, D. H., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).
Roussey, B. (2023) Can ChatGPT Make The World More Accessible? Accessibility. https://www.accessibility.com/blog/can-chatgpt-make-the-world-more-accessible
Salleh, N. M., & Ali, M. M., (2010). Students with visual impairments and additional disabilities. Procedia, Social and Behavioral Sciences 7, 714–719.
Sharma, F. R., & Wasson, S. G. (2012). Speech recognition and synthesis tool: assistive technology for physically disabled persons. International Journal of Computer Science and Telecommunications, 3(4), 86-91.
Shaywitz, S. E., Shaywitz, J. E., & B. A. Shaywitz. (2021). Dyslexia in the 21st century. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 34(2), 80–86.
Smith, S. J., Rao, K., Lowrey, K. A., Gardner, J. E., Moore, E., Coy, K., Marino, M., & Wojcik, B. (2019). Recommendations for a national research agenda in UDL: Outcomes from the UDL-IRN preconference on research. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 30(3), 174–185. https://doi.org/10.1177/1044207319826219
Sohail, S. S., Farhat, F., Himeur, Y., Nadeem, M., Madsen, D. Ø., Singh, Y., Atalla, S., & Mansoor, W. (2023). The future of GPT: A taxonomy of existing ChatGPT research, current challenges, and possible future directions. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4413921
Spooner, F., Knight, V. F., Browder, D. M., & Smith, B. R. (2012). Evidence-based practice for teaching academics to students with severe developmental disabilities. Remedial and Special Education, 33(6), 374–387
Swanson, H. L., Hoskyn, M., & Lee, C. (2011). Interventions for students with learning disabilities: A meta-analysis of treatment outcomes. Guilford Press.
Tajik, E., & Tajik, F. (2023). A comprehensive Examination of the potential application of ChatGPT in higher education institutions. TechRxiv. Preprint, 1-10
Vasinda, S. & Pilgrim, J. (2023). Technology supports in the UDL framework: Removable scaffolds or permanent new literacies? Reading Research Quarterly, 58(1), 44–58.
Weis, R., Dean, E. L., & Osborne, K. J. (2016). Accommodation decision making for postsecondary students with learning disabilities: Individually tailored or one size fits all? Journal of Learning Disabilities 49(5),484–498.
Zhang, J., & Walcott, C. M. (2016). Effects of assistive technology on college students with disabilities: An exploratory study. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 29(4), 379-398.