Artificial Intelligence and D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) occupies a dominant transformational position in a wide range of fields, including education, business, law, medicine, rehabilitation – among others. Despite the controversies regarding the use and abuse of this technology, it is possible for professionals, especially those in education, to reap its benefits for instruction, research, and administrative endeavors. Keeping in mind the ethical concerns and the current limitations of the system, AI can provide substantial assistance to, for example, teachers, students, and scholars. Setting aside fears of this technology, teachers can save time and become more efficient and productive with their administrative and instructional tasks. Teachers can also use AI to improve the academic, communication, and social skills of students, including—and especially--students in special education programs. Students can learn to use AI independently; in fact, AI can help students to become autonomous and critical seekers of knowledge. After highlighting some challenges of using AI, the present manuscript discusses a few benefits of AI for children and adolescence who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/Dhh). The manuscript also contains recommendations for teacher education and future research endeavors.