Navigating Accessibility Through AI: Opportunities and Challenges with the Outcome Thinking Framework

Handouts

Scheduled at 1:45 pm in Colorado G-H on Thursday, November 14.

#39529

Speaker(s)

  • Jaeun Jemma Ku, Director of IT Accessibility, Unversity of Illinois Chicago
  • Randy Colon, PhD student, University of Illinois Chicago

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This session introduces the Outcome Thinking Framework, a practical tool for guiding the implementation of AI-powered accessibility solutions. Through an immersive, hands-on exercise, attendees will explore real-world scenarios, evaluate AI's potential and limitations, and recognize the importance of human judgment in developing and deploying AI for accessibility.

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, offering immense potential to revolutionize accessibility for students with disabilities in higher education. However, effectively leveraging AI in accessibility initiatives requires understanding its strengths and limitations and prioritizing user needs and goals.

This session begins with an engaging, interactive exercise, allowing participants to explore AI's potential and limitations in real-world accessibility scenarios, emphasizing the role of human judgment in tool development.

Drawing from insights gained, presenters introduce the Outcome Thinking Framework, guiding AI implementation to enhance accessibility across various higher education contexts. This framework stresses the importance of defining clear, measurable accessibility outcomes based on diverse user needs, along with ongoing human decision-making and feedback. Attendees will learn to apply the framework to AI-driven accessibility tools, ensuring inclusivity, equity, and responsiveness to diverse student needs.

Actionable strategies for implementing the Outcome Thinking Framework and leveraging AI across teaching, learning, student services, and campus life domains will be provided. The session concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on AI's future in accessibility, exploring transformative potential and addressing challenges for genuine inclusion and equity in higher education.

Attendees will leave the session equipped with a practical framework, real-world insights, and a network of peers committed to advancing inclusive and impactful AI-driven accessibility initiatives in higher education. They will gain a deeper understanding of how to harness AI for accessibility in a purposeful, user-centered manner and be inspired to take action in their institutions.

Keypoints

  1. Recognize the potential and limitations of AI in enhancing accessibility for students with disabilities
  2. Understand the Outcome Thinking Framework for guiding the implementation of AI-driven accessibility initiative
  3. Identify actionable strategies for applying the Framework to ensure inclusive, equitable & impactful AI effort

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Accessible Course Design, Artificial Intelligence, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access

Speaker Bio(s)

Jaeun Jemma Ku

As the Director of IT Accessibility, Jemma is responsible for providing strategic direction for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Accessibility Policy and the leadership for IT accessibility services at Universty of Illinois Chicago. Jemma ensures ICTs are accessible to individuals with disabilities as well as advocates for the universal access in ICT by UIC students, faculty, and staff.

As the co-editor of Accessible Rich Internet Application (ARIA) Authoring Practice Guide and an active member of Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) Working Group in World Wide Web Consortium(W3C), Jemma is a key contributor to global accessibility standardization efforts. She is also a certified Section 508 Trusted Tester by Department of Homeland Security, U.S.

Randy Colon

Randy is a PhD student in Disability Studies with experience in digital accessibility. As a researcher and student with a disability, Randy brings valuable insights from the perspective of a user with accessibility needs.

Handout(s)