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Cited by 0Artificial Intelligence in EducationDisability Education and EmploymentEducational Technology in Learning

Exploring Generative AI Use and Perceptions Among Students With and Without Disabilities in Higher Education

Waterfield, Danielle A., Ferreira de Vasconcellos, Jaira, Crawford, Meriah, Doyle, Mariane, Taggart, Jessica, Bayraktar, Breana, Henry, Dayna·2026·Journal of Special Education Technology
DOI 10.1177/01626434261454347
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Abstract

As the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) becomes more commonplace in higher education institutions, the extent to which these tools promote inclusive learning environments remains underexplored. Students with disabilities (SWD), who comprise a substantial yet often underrepresented portion of the higher education student population, may benefit from GenAI when these tools are accessible, ethically employed, and responsive to diverse needs. This study investigates student perceptions and use of GenAI with an emphasis on SWD. A cross-institutional survey yielded 383 responses, 48 of which were from participants who self-identified as higher education students having a disability. Findings indicate widespread adoption of GenAI for tasks such as brainstorming, clarification, and supporting writing processes. While most respondents reported academic benefits, concerns regarding ethics, reliability, and institutional policies were also prevalent. Findings underscore the importance of centering accessibility in GenAI design and highlight implications for inclusive higher education practices and policies.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1177/01626434261454347

Cites

18 of 18 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. Addy T., Kang T., Laquintano T., Dietrich V. (2023). Who benefits and who is excluded? Transformative learning, equity, and generative artificial intelligence. Journal of Transformative Learning, 10(2), 92–103. https://www.ijemt.org/index.php/journal/article/view/339.
  2. Finn Partners (2025, September 18). Beyond the hype: Why generative AI can’t be the final word on data accuracy. Finn Partners. https://www.finnpartners.com/news-insights/beyond-the-hype-why-generative-ai-cant-be-the-final-word-on-data-accuracy/
  3. Gautam N. (2025). Artificial intelligence and inclusivity in higher education: Enhancing access for students with disabilities. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 12(1), 483–488. https://doi.org/10.1729/Journal.43144 · DOI
  4. Teach Access. (2025). Where AI meets accessibility: Considerations for higher education. Every Learner Everywhere. https://www.everylearnereverywhere.org/resources/where-aimeets-accessibility-considerations-for-higher-education/
  5. World Population Review. (2026). Most diverse US states 2026. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/most-diverse-states
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Authors
Waterfield, D. A., Ferreira de Vasconcellos, J., Crawford, M., Doyle, M., Taggart, J., Bayraktar, B., & Henry, D.
Affiliations
  • University of Virginia (US)
  • Department of Biology, James Madison University
  • Virginia Commonwealth University (US)
  • Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Charlottesville, VA USA
  • George Mason University (US)
  • James Madison University (US)
Corresponding author
Waterfield, Danielle A.
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Special Education Technology
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2026-06-03
ISSN
  • 0162-6434 (ISSN-L)
  • 2381-3121
DOI
10.1177/01626434261454347
OpenAlex
W7163579038
Semantic Scholar
69d6a625780f9bd64697aac5172a1c28b4e4709a
Cited by
0
References
14
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
Journal of Special Education Technology (publishedVersion)
Funders
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Social Sciences › Safety Research › Disability Education and Employment
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Educational Technology in Learning
Keywords
generative AI, students with disabilities, inclusive higher education, student perceptions, accessibility, AI ethics, institutional policy, writing support, AI adoption in higher education

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