SAAS: Assistive Technology, AI, and the Future of SEND: Opportunity or Oversight?
Dr Nicole Ponsford, Founding CEO of the Global Equality Collective (GEC) and Co-Head of Education, Microlink
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Assistive Technology (AT) are often described as the next frontier in education. From text-to-speech tools to adaptive platforms, the promise is clear: technology can remove barriers, personalise learning, and support independence. For learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this potential is especially powerful.
But as the pace of innovation accelerates, so too must our critical questions. Are we embedding these tools ethically, inclusively, and equitably? Or are we at risk of deepening the very gaps we aim to close?
