This working paper examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can support students with special education needs (SEN) to achieve their learning goals, while underlining key risks and limitations. It defines central terms and the rationale for using AI in this context and reviews a selection of research-backed AI tools that aim to empower students with SEN. Based on this review, it highlights risks and limitations to consider and mitigate when procuring, creating and employing AI-enabled tools for students with SEN and beyond. The paper discusses governance and operational mechanisms for ensuring their implementation is ethical, sustainable and secure. It concludes with policy considerations for developing, selecting and integrating AI tools to foster inclusive education, particularly related to ethical design, research and monitoring, data protection and security, and accountability.
