Stanford Accelerator for Learning Issues White Paper on AI & Learning Differences

Stanford’s Accelerator for Learning recently issued a white paper that presents a compelling call to action: as AI increasingly shapes education, it must be designed to uplift and empower learners with diverse needs—not marginalize them. By centering co‑design with individuals who experience learning differences, embracing frameworks like Universal Design for Learning, and positioning AI as a catalyst for inclusive innovation—from early identification through career‑long teacher development—it challenges traditional models and invites stakeholders to rethink equity as the foundation, not an afterthought (acceleratelearning.stanford.edu).

Moreover, the authors offer a blueprint that transcends mere theory and strives for practical impact. By detailing nine interconnected domains—from personalized support for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to support for social-emotional well‑being—paired with a Hackathon Toolkit and twelve actionable recommendations, the paper doesn’t just prescribe optimism—it lays out how to realize it in real time. It envisions an educational future where AI dissolves boundaries, enabling truly equitable learning experiences designed with and for those often left at the edges.

For a more detailed description of the findings, frameworks, and recommendations, please refer to the full white paper here:  

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) presents an unprecedented opportunity to address learning differences when designing innovative systems. In December 2024, the Stanford Accelerator for Learning convened the AI + Learning Differences Working Symposium and AI + Learning Differences Hackathon, bringing community members together to explore how AI systems can expand learning opportunities for all.