Proactive AI Choices for Equity and Success

As artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of teaching and learning, colleges face a critical question: how can AI tools support all students, including those with disabilities? The CCC Accessibility Center offers accessibility training to support colleges in understanding how best to include accessibility as part of their selection process for new technology. 

When evaluating AI tools, colleges should consider:

• Accessibility Compliance: Does the tool meet the minimum standards for the Web Accessibility Standard Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA and Federal Section 508? Is there current accessibility documentation available for review? Has the tool been tested using assistive technologies such as screen readers, and speech-to-text tools? 
• Inclusive Design: Does it follow principles like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to provide multiple ways to engage, represent, and express learning?
• Integration and Usability: Can it work with existing platforms, assistive technology, and devices (including mobile) for both faculty and students?
• Equity and Bias: Has the tool been tested with diverse users, including students with disabilities, to ensure fair and inclusive outcomes?
• Privacy and Security: Does it protect student data, particularly for those using accommodations?
• Student Experience Testing: Nothing replaces real learners. Has the tool been tested with blind, low-vision, deaf, hard-of-hearing, neurodivergent, or mobility-impaired students? Do students actually find it usable?
• Captioning, Transcripts, and Audio Description Support: Does the tool allow adding captions and transcripts, support (or at least not block) audio-description workflows, and export media in formats compatible with Canvas Studio or YouTube captioning?

The Accessibility Center supports colleges through workshops, self-paced guidance, and checklists aligned with accessibility standards, helping teams—from IT to faculty—to evaluate AI tools together. By adopting AI intentionally, colleges can reduce risk, meet compliance requirements, and improve learning experiences for all students.

Contact the Accessibility Center to learn more: accessibility@ccctechcenter.org