Abstract
Nursing students with disabilities often face barriers in didactic, simulation, and clinical environments that can limit academic success and contribute to underrepresentation in the nursing workforce. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight practical, evidence-based strategies for promoting accessibility in nursing education through universal design principles, collaboration with internal and external partners, and selective use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). This session will explore approaches such as flexible learning activities and assessments, accessible simulation experiences, and technology-assisted supports that complement traditional accommodations. While AI can enhance accessibility - through adaptive study aids, note-taking supports, and alternative content formats - it is presented as a supplement to inclusive pedagogy rather than a primary solution. By integrating these tools with evidence-based teaching practices, faculty can reduce barriers for students with disabilities while maintaining academic rigor and clinical competency standards. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to create equitable learning environments where all nursing students can thrive, advancing nursing education’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Notes
References:
Cotts, K. G., et al. (2025). Disability-Inclusive Accommodations in Nursing Education. JAMA Network Open, 8(2), e2461038. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.61044 JAMA Network
Wells, M. B. (2025). Disability services in higher education: Statistical disparities and the potential role of AI in bridging institutional gaps. PLOS ONE, 20(5), e0322728. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0322728 PLOS
Sigma Membership
Alpha Beta Iota
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
Teaching and Learning Strategies, Emerging Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Students with Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Nursing Students, Educational Support Services, Educational Technology
Recommended Citation
Black, Stephanie and Green, Jennifer, "Advancing Accessibility: Integrating Inclusive Design and AI to Support Students with Disabilities" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 140.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/140
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-06
Advancing Accessibility: Integrating Inclusive Design and AI to Support Students with Disabilities
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Nursing students with disabilities often face barriers in didactic, simulation, and clinical environments that can limit academic success and contribute to underrepresentation in the nursing workforce. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight practical, evidence-based strategies for promoting accessibility in nursing education through universal design principles, collaboration with internal and external partners, and selective use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). This session will explore approaches such as flexible learning activities and assessments, accessible simulation experiences, and technology-assisted supports that complement traditional accommodations. While AI can enhance accessibility - through adaptive study aids, note-taking supports, and alternative content formats - it is presented as a supplement to inclusive pedagogy rather than a primary solution. By integrating these tools with evidence-based teaching practices, faculty can reduce barriers for students with disabilities while maintaining academic rigor and clinical competency standards. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to create equitable learning environments where all nursing students can thrive, advancing nursing education’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Description
This session presents practical strategies to support nursing students with disabilities using universal design, collaboration with internal and external partners, and selective technology, including AI. Attendees will learn sustainable approaches to enhance accessibility, improve retention, foster a more diverse nursing workforce, and prepare future nurses to deliver inclusive, patient-centered care.