China using AI to promote special education

China will explore the use of artificial intelligence to advance special education, and promote the integration of AI technology into all aspects of teaching and learning.

The plan for special education development and improvement, released by the Ministry of Education and six other departments, outlines measures to promote high-quality, integrated development of special education and further improve the special education system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30).

The plan proposes new models of human-machine collaboration, including intelligent learning companions and AI-assisted teachers, and explores AI applications aimed at providing classroom assistance for students with disabilities, as well as home-based teaching for those with severe disabilities.

The plan calls for greater use of AI, big data, virtual reality and other new technologies in special education, while encouraging efforts to improve digital infrastructure in special education schools and expand special education resources on the national smart education platform.

The enrollment rate of school-age children with disabilities in compulsory education reached 97 percent in 2025.