The Next Frontier: AI in Special Education
The past year’s headlines have been dominated by Artificial Intelligence, or AI. Whether it’s new companies, new investments, new applications, or new blunders, there is no denying that AI is making waves and will continue to shape our lives in the years to come. Many fields and industries are examining how AI can be integrated into our workflows to improve processes and outcomes. Education is a field ripe for this innovation. Let’s look at how AI is already shaping special education and what the future may look like.
But Wait, What Is AI?
The concept of AI has ancient origins, with Greek mythology’s Talos, a bronze being who guarded Crete. Ideas of “artificial men,” automata, logic machines, and more continued throughout the ages, exciting great thinkers about the possibilities of the future. In the 1940s, English computer scientist and cryptanalyst Alan Turing was among the first to investigate “machine intelligence,” with the field of “artificial intelligence research” emerging in the mid-1950s.
With millennia of background, AI’s meaning has taken many iterations. Today, IBM defines AI as “technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy.” Today, we are seeing AI everywhere, in new products like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, or integrating into existing products and businesses, like Grammarly, Duolingo, and Adobe. AI is already showing up in our classrooms, schools, and homes.
AI in the Classroom
AI is already in our classrooms, and its role will continue to grow as innovations hit the market. Teachers are using AI to help with lesson planning, tailor instruction to students’ skills and needs, and assist with grading.
Students are using AI in a variety of ways. Some of the software students use in class and at home are integrating AI into their platforms. Teachers are utilizing AI in their lessons, with tools like Google Expeditions for virtual field trips or Labster for virtual laboratories.
Educators are also preparing their students for an AI-filled future. Dr. Danielle Kovach, a longtime classroom teacher and former CEC President, is preparing her college students by having them use AI to generate sample essays to evaluate using research-based evidence, with the goal of teaching them the power and limitations of this emerging technology. Many classroom educators are also starting to teach lessons on AI literacy and utilizing it as a tool to enhance their work, rather than a way to cheat or engage in academic dishonesty.
AI and Special Education
The potential of AI in special education is both exciting and complex. For educators who already personalize instruction, track data, and support a diverse range of learner needs, AI could become a valuable partner. The key is to use it responsibly and creatively to enhance, rather than replace, the human relationships and expertise that characterize great teaching.
AI-driven tools are already enabling teachers to differentiate instruction more effectively. Adaptive learning platforms can analyze a student’s performance in real time, adjusting the difficulty of content or the presentation style to better match their learning pace and preferences. For students with reading and writing disabilities, AI-driven text-to-speech and speech-to-text technologies are making educational materials more accessible. Additionally, AI captioning and translation tools are improving access to communication for students who are deaf or hard of hearing or who speak languages other than English.
In terms of behavioral support, AI can help track patterns in student engagement, attention, or emotional responses. This data can inform interventions and help educators identify when students may need additional assistance. Some AI systems are even being developed to recognize and respond to student emotions, allowing educators to adapt instruction or provide targeted encouragement in real time.
Moreover, AI has the potential to reduce teachers' administrative burden. Time-consuming tasks such as tracking IEP goals, collecting data, and completing documentation could be completed faster and more accurately with AI-assisted tools. By automating routine tasks, teachers may find they have more time and energy to focus on what matters most: explicit instruction, building relationships, and providing individualized support.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, AI in special education raises important questions. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accessibility must be front and center in any conversation about implementation. Students with disabilities deserve technologies that are designed with inclusivity and equity in mind, not as an afterthought. Educators must also be part of the decision-making process to ensure that tools reflect classroom realities and truly enhance teaching and learning.
Training and professional development will be critical. Teachers need opportunities to understand how AI works, its limitations, and how to integrate it ethically and effectively. Without this preparation, there’s a risk of overreliance on technology or misuse of tools that don’t align with student needs or IEP goals.
Looking Toward the Future
The role of AI in special education is still evolving. While we can't predict all the changes it will bring, one thing is clear: the best outcomes will result from collaboration among educators, technology developers, researchers, and families. With thoughtful design, ongoing dialogue, and a commitment to equity, AI can become a valuable tool in creating more personalized, accessible, and engaging learning experiences for all students.
As we explore this new frontier, it's important that technology does not take the lead but instead serves to assist educators in their primary mission: meeting each learner where they are and helping them reach their fullest potential.
Looking to better prepare for the future? CEC offers two new events designed to help educators navigate the future of AI.
Artificial Intelligence Quick Takes
Kicks off November 20, 2025
Designed for busy educators, these bite-sized sessions—one per month for the next year—make it easy to stay ahead of the curve and use AI to support every learner’s success. From foundational AI concepts to hands-on tools and responsible implementation, you’ll gain practical insights you can apply right away.
Artificial Intelligence Strategy Summit
January 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:45 PM ET
Artificial intelligence is transforming education, and special education is no exception. The AI Strategy Summit, hosted by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in partnership with the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL), is your opportunity to understand what these changes mean for you. In six live, 45-minute sessions, you’ll gain practical knowledge, explore hands-on tools, and learn how to use AI strategically and responsibly in your work.