In the course of increasing digitalization of all aspects of life, it is more important than ever not to exclude anyone. The vision of both quality and reduced inequality (SDGs 4 and 10) in education is set out in the 2030 Agenda. Specific and if ratified legally binding requirements are defined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The objective to accomplish inclusive education in the future underlines the importance to analyze and discuss the opportunities as well as challenges of applying digital technologies and AI-based systems in educational contexts.

Digital technologies and AI applications have the potential to improve equal access to all levels of education and training. Solutions can be tailored to the needs of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities. For instance, AI applications can adapt automatically to specific user needs according to the situation at hand. Such systems allow for highly personalized on-the-job training and can advance the participation of persons with disabilities in vocational training. In addition, it is necessary to explore ways to better inform prospective employers about the immense opportunities that lie in the use of digital technologies and find good means to raise awareness of the strengths and competences of persons with disabilities.

The DELFI Workshops on inclusive EdTech aim at adressing the potential and also practical challenges of inclusive EdTech for persons with disabilities. In 2020 the workshop focused on Digitally supported inclusive practices in education and training (see also 2020 workshop program). At this years‘ DELFI 2021 conference we will host the workshop Present and possible future(s) of inclusive EdTech and their applications in education and training (further information coming soon).