Equity by Design: Harnessing AI to Support Differentiation and UDL

Outline

(3 minutes) Welcome & Framing
Content:
Presenter introductions + session overview
Essential question: “How can AI expand access rather than widen gaps?”
Engagement: Poll or show of hands: “Have you used AI for accessibility or differentiation yet?”

(7 minutes) Foundations: AI + UDL = Better Access
Content:
Brief intro to UDL principles
Connect how AI can support each UDL pillar: representation, action/expression, engagement
Equity lens: Addressing bias and variability in AI outputs
Engagement:
Think-pair-share: “Where do your learners experience access barriers?”

(10 minutes) Strategy Showcase: AI for Access & Inclusion
Content:
Share high-impact strategies and examples (e.g. simplifying text, multilingual support, personalized scaffolds, executive functioning tools)
We will emphasize intentionality over novelty. It's about design, not just tools
Engagement:
Participants review a sample AI output and discuss: “What would make this more accessible?”

(7 minutes) Build Your AI for Access Plan
Content:
Presenters guide attendees through a quick planning template:
Instructional goal
Learner variability
AI tool/strategy
Equity considerations
Engagement: Individual or partner work time

(3 minutes) Wrap-Up + Resource Share
Content:
Share access to curated accessibility-first AI tools and planning templates
Key reminder: Expand, not restrict
Engagement:
Exit ticket: “One thing I’ll try to make learning more accessible with AI is…”

Outcomes

Outcomes: After this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify ways AI can support accessibility and differentiation through UDL principles
- Apply accessibility-first strategies to AI use in planning and instruction
- Evaluate AI-generated content for equity, bias, and learner variability
- Access tools and frameworks to guide inclusive AI implementation

Supporting research

AI & Accessibility (Cornell University): https://teaching.cornell.edu/generative-artificial-intelligence/ai-accessibility

Four AI Tools Make Learning Accessible (TCEA): https://blog.tcea.org/accessible-ai-tools/

Practical Tools to Help You Implement Universal Design for Learning and Inclusive Practices (Katie Novak): https://www.novakeducation.com/resources

AI Background Information for Teachers (Albemarle County Public Schools): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1EfT371Otud-FTBeARDvVvBfaPkkM0zNmLx1Lf2BG8Ko/edit?usp=sharing

Empowering Learning Through Inclusivity (ASCD + ISTE Expert Webinar): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11R5Yd1KcOFaUX7PePT5dzYJx3aR-oAuGbZVarFdJhkU/edit?slide=id.g2cdb3fa64bf_0_0#slide=id.g2cdb3fa64bf_0_0

Design Principles for Educators: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF2Ir9BRZU/9v11rCdwzltSsO7IOtgXrQ/edit