Accessibility Tip: AI and Digital Accessibility
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a common part of everyday technology. From writing assistants to automated captions, AI tools are helping people work more efficiently and access information in new ways.
AI can also support accessibility by improving tools that help people with disabilities interact with digital content. However, AI is not perfect. It should be used thoughtfully to ensure it improves accessibility rather than creating new barriers.
How AI Can Support Accessibility
Many AI-powered tools are already helping make digital content more accessible. For example, AI can assist with:
- Generating captions and transcripts for videos and meetings
- Creating image descriptions (alt text) for people who are blind or have low vision
- Speech-to-text and voice recognition for hands-free interaction
- Summarizing or simplifying text to make information easier to understand
These tools can support people with visual, hearing, cognitive, or mobility disabilities, while also improving usability for many other users.
AI Still Needs Human Review
While AI can help generate accessible content, it should not replace accessibility best practices.
Automated captions, alt text, or summaries may contain errors or miss important context. Reviewing and editing AI-generated content helps ensure it is accurate and meaningful for everyone.
Accessibility Tips When Using AI
If you use AI tools to help create digital content, keep these tips in mind:
- Review AI-generated captions and transcripts.
Automated captions often need corrections. - Edit AI-generated alt text.
AI descriptions may be incomplete or inaccurate. - Continue following accessibility standards.
Use proper headings, clear language, and meaningful link text. - Consider the user experience.
Ask whether the AI-generated content truly improves access for someone using assistive technology.
Quick Accessibility Check
Before publishing AI-generated content, ask yourself:
- Did I review and correct captions or transcripts?
- Does the alt text accurately describe the image?
- Does the content still follow accessibility best practices?
To support accessibility at Minnesota State Moorhead, it’s important to combine new technologies like AI with established accessibility best practices. By reviewing AI-generated content and prioritizing inclusive design, we can help ensure digital information is accessible to everyone.
Accessibility Tip is a series from the Digital Accessibility group, a subcommittee of the University Technology Committee, sharing practical ways to improve digital accessibility and create more inclusive online experiences at Minnesota State Moorhead.