The two-day event gathered experts to discuss research findings on the implications of Artificial Intelligence on inclusive education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education, in partnership with The New York University Abu Dhabi Institute, hosted a two-day AI convention at NYU Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 October 2024, in an ongoing effort to ensure the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are not neglected.

The Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education conducted an inaugural research study, which explored the perceptions of AI among people with IDD, their caregivers, and educators. A research finding found that 77% of caregivers and 64% of educators believe that AI will promote more inclusive learning environments.

The convention titled "Inclusive Futures: Exploring Research Innovations and AI Tools for Children with Disabilities," gathered leading researchers, educators, inclusion practitioners, and technology experts to discuss the implications of AI on inclusive education for students with IDD.

Dr. Kristie Patten, Co-Convener, Professor and Counselor to NYU's President kicked off the conference highlighting the tremendous opportunities and potential risks of AI to promote inclusion. "Inclusion is not a place, but rather a transformative mindset and a core value. AI holds incredible potential for increasing the ability to live a more inclusive, self-determined life, but must be developed in collaboration with disabled youth and adults to ensure that the technology is non-ableist and meaningful".     

 

With the active participation of distinguished speakers from NYU Abu Dhabi, Zayed University, Microsoft, Khalifa University, The British University in Dubai, The Canadian University in Dubai, Project Zero, iCog Lab, CAST, Teach For All, and others, the gathering facilitated discussions and explorations of the latest research innovations and AI tools that can enhance the inclusion of children with disabilities in various educational and social settings.

Commenting on the convention, Salyne El Samarany, Vice President of The Special Olympics Global Center for inclusion in education said: “Our ongoing mission is to include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in academic, sport, social, and community activities. As research is crucial to assess how new and emerging technologies such as AI can provide us with new insights to aid organisations, caregivers, and educators alike to improve educational outcomes for people with IDD.”

The convention also included a roundtable hosted by the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications Office. Titled “AI for All: Economic Growth and Inclusive Education for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)”, the roundtable explored the role of AI as a catalyst for economic development and inclusion in education, specifically targeting students with IDD. Additionally, the roundtable discussed the economic opportunities that AI can generate by enhancing the participation of people with disabilities in the labor market, as well as developed recommendations for public and private collaboration on AI initiatives targeting IDD communities.

The Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education serves as a hub for global thought leadership for inclusive education through research, policy, and programming. Its mission is dedicated to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in academic, sport, social, and community activities.

As AI technology continues to transform industries, it holds great potential for increasing workforce participation among people with disabilities while enhancing access to education through innovative tools and methods.

About Special Olympics Global Center

 

Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities providing year-round training and activities to 5 million participants and Unified Sports partners in 172 countries. The Global Center for Inclusion in Education, based in Abu Dhabi, with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, serves as a hub for global thought leadership for inclusive education through research, policy, and programming. Its mission is dedicated to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in academic, sports, social, and community activities.

 

About The NYU Abu Dhabi Institute

 

Established in 2008, The NYU Abu Dhabi Institute is a center of advanced research, scholarly, and creative activity for Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the world. Its academic conferences serve as a scholarly platform for NYU Abu Dhabi faculty, and faculty across the global network, to discuss and showcase their innovative research and creative activity. Its diverse public program of talks, panel discussions, film screenings, and exhibitions feature scholars, researchers, policy makers, and thought leaders who present topics of local and global significance. From its inception, The Institute has hosted more than 1200 academic conferences and public events, and welcomed over 900 speakers from around the world.