China explores AI solutions to assist special education
Beijing (ANTARA) - The Chinese government is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the quality of special education, while simultaneously promoting the integration of AI technology across all aspects of teaching and learning, according to an action plan released jointly by seven government departments.
The development and improvement plan for special education, published by China’s Ministry of Education and six other agencies, outlines steps to encourage the development of high-quality, integrated special education and to further refine the special education system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).
The plan proposes new models of human-machine collaboration, including smart learning companions and AI-assisted teachers, and explores the application of AI aimed at providing classroom assistance for students with disabilities, as well as home-based instruction for students with severe disabilities.
Furthermore, the plan calls for increased use of AI, big data, virtual reality, and other new technologies within special education programmes, while encouraging efforts to upgrade digital infrastructure in special education schools and expand special education resources on the national smart education platform.
Digitalisation of special education will serve as a primary driver for the sector’s development over the next five years, according to an official from China’s Ministry of Education.
The official noted that advancements in information technology have created new opportunities for the sector in recent years. A special education section has been launched on the national smart education platform, while local governments have also been exploring ways to utilise digital technology to support personalised education tailored to individual needs.
However, digitalisation in China’s special education sector is still in its early stages, with several challenges to be addressed, such as resource limitations and inadequate implementation, the official stated.
Over the past decade, China has increased its efforts to promote the development of high-quality special education. Official data shows that by 2025, the country had 2,464 special education schools, 927,000 special education students, and 85,100 full-time special education teachers, figures which reflect increases of 33 per cent, 145 per cent, and 95 per cent respectively since 2012.
The participation rate of school-aged children with disabilities in compulsory education reached 97 per cent in 2025, with the plan aiming to maintain this rate above 97 per cent until 2030.
The plan also calls for further enhancement of support mechanisms for special education, the strengthening of digital and smart capabilities, and the establishment of a high-quality, integrated, and inclusive special education system by 2030.