Title: Artificial intelligence in special needs education: innovations, opportunities and challenges

Authors: Mohamed Atef; Ahmed Mohamed

Addresses: Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering, College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, UAE ' Department of Special and Gifted Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, UAE

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential in enhancing accessibility, personalisation, and engagement for students with special needs. This review explores the integration of AI-driven tools - leveraging machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision - to support learners with visual, hearing, intellectual, and orthopedic impairments, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia, and other challenges. AI interventions have demonstrated improvements in academic outcomes by delivering real-time feedback, adapting instructional content, and enabling alternative communication methods. Predictive analytics further aid in early detection of learning difficulties, facilitating timely interventions. Despite these benefits, challenges remain, including limited infrastructure, financial constraints, algorithmic bias, and data privacy concerns. Addressing these issues requires robust policy frameworks, targeted funding, ethical AI development, and comprehensive teacher training. The paper emphasises the need for future research on scalable, cost-effective, and equitable AI solutions that promote inclusive education while ensuring fairness and mitigating the risk of reinforcing existing disparities.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; special needs education; assistive technologies; AI hardware; inclusive learning; machine learning; adaptive learning systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIE.2026.154745

International Journal of Innovation in Education, 2026 Vol.9 No.3, pp.180 - 202

Received: 23 Apr 2025
Accepted: 06 Oct 2025
Published online: 13 Jul 2026 *

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