#43256
Speaker(s)
- Sambhavi Chandrashekar, Global Accessibility Lead, D2L Corporation
- Aggi Jeemon, Senior Accessibility Program Manager, D2L Corporation
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Artificial Intelligence is transforming digital learning design, offering new opportunities to enhance accessibility. This session explores practical strategies to leverage AI for accessible learning experiences, while addressing risks such as bias, accuracy, and over-reliance on automation. Participants will gain actionable approaches to integrate accessibility into AI workflows and design inclusive, human-centered learning content.
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping digital learning design, offering new opportunities to enhance accessibility, personalization, and engagement. Capabilities such as automated captions, alternative text generation, and adaptive content can reduce barriers for diverse learners. However, without intentional design, AI can also introduce challenges, including inaccurate outputs, lack of clarity, and over-reliance on automation.
This session explores how to leverage AI for accessible digital learning design using practical, real-world approaches. Grounded in accessibility standards and inclusive design principles, the session focuses on how AI can support the creation of more flexible, inclusive learning experiences when used thoughtfully. It highlights the role of human-centered design in ensuring that AI-driven features align with the needs of diverse learners and work effectively with assistive technologies.
Learning Outcomes Participants will be able to:
1. Identify opportunities and limitations of using AI in accessible digital learning 2. Understand how AI can support multiple ways of learning and engagement 3. Recognize the continued importance of human oversight and user involvement
Takeaways for Participants Attendees will leave with actionable insights to design more inclusive, AI-supported learning experiences. They will gain a clearer understanding of how to use AI as a supportive tool while maintaining accessibility as a core design priority.
This session supports educators, instructional designers, and accessibility professionals in creating equitable, human-centered digital learning experiences in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
Keypoints
- AI can enhance accessibility in digital learning when used intentionally.
- AI-generated learning content requires human oversight to ensure accessibility and clarity.
- Accessible design must remain a core priority when integrating AI into digital learning workflows.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Artificial Intelligence, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Sambhavi Chandrashekar
Dr. Sambhavi Chandrashekar is Global Accessibility Lead at D2L. She is passionate about enabling disability inclusion in education through digital accessibility. With a PhD and postdoc from the University of Toronto, she taught inclusive design and supervised graduate research for over 10 years before joining D2L. Currently, she advises doctoral students as an adjunct professor at three Canadian universities. Dr. Sam contributes to several national and international standards- making bodies on Accessibility, Education, and AI. Notably, she is the Chair of Canada's mirror committee for ISO/IEC JTC1/SC36 on IT for Learning, Education, and Training; Vice Chair of Canada’s technical committee on Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence Systems; and the Chair of the Global Leadership Council of IAAP—International Association of Accessibility Professionals (2026-27).
Aggi Jeemon
Aggi leads the accessibility program at D2L, with multiple projects focused on accessibility operations, legal conformance, and stakeholder enablement. Her key focus is on ensuring digital learning experience D2L creates is accessible for users with varied needs. With her previous roles in business school teaching, organizational behavior research, and inclusive learning experience design, her expertise is in enhancing stakeholder engagement, developing programs to support product teams in building inclusive technology, operationalizing accessibility maturity model, and sustaining accessibility as a holistic organizational practice.