Today technology is at the forefront of all sectors. Everyday there are various tech companies and institutes that come up with innovative devices. In 2023, IIT Kanpur developed three set of low-cost assistive technology which includes a Haptic smartwatch for students with low vision, single refreshable Braille device which helps blind students learn easily and the Assistive App for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia a gamified Hindi learning app for children with dyslexia. EdTech is reshaping the landscape of special education. According to UDISE+, India has approximately 7.8 million children with disabilities, but only 61% complete primary education. The Indian Special Education market is also expected to grow by USD 5 billion by 2030.
While EdTech can be a challenge for schools, teachers and parents to teach in traditional forms can EdTech be bridge this gap? For students with disabilities whether cognitive, physical, or sensory EdTech is no longer just a support tool, but a core enabler. A UN study further highlights that 75% of differently-abled children in India never attend school at all, and among those who do enroll, fewer than 13% complete education through Class XII. (Source: Financial express)
One real life example of EdTech is of a student named Aaditya Motiwale, from Mumbai who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, excelled academically with 83% in the CBSE board exams in May 2025 in using assistive tools like voice-to-text software, audio notes, and YouTube tutorials. This highlights the power of technology in the field of special education.
Although while EdTech has its own pros and cons let’s take a look at how it is helping special students and challenges that are making the work difficult for schools and parents.
Benefits of EdTech In Special Education
1. Personalized Learning Experience: Technology is making things easier for all of us, whether we be sitting at our house and ordering groceries or whether we are figuring which outfit looks better with the help of AI powered virtual try-on. On the other hand technology in education is enabling the use of platforms or apps that can adjust content based on the child’s pace, strengths and weaknesses. One such example is of a child with dyslexia who can use text-to-speech tools while making sure they make no mistakes and learn better. Visual learning can also benefit children with autism disorder with interactive and image-based apps like Social Adventures and The Social Express.
Personalized learning ensures that students don’t just consume content but engage with it and help their social skills, communication skills and overall learning development. This content with the help of tech can help match their cognitive profiles. According to reports 85% of students report improved learning outcomes through EdTech, with 61% valuing content in regional languages (source: brainfeed magazine.)
2. Assistive Technologies are Game Changers: Assistive technology is changing the way how children with disabilities can learn. Tools like screen readers can help read out loud what’s presented on computer screen for students who cannot see and speech-to-text apps make it easier for those who can’t write or type but through these tools give out answers.
In India, tools like the Avaz app help non-verbal children such as those with autism communicate by using pictures and symbols on a tablet. Another great example is Annie, a Braille learning device made by Thinkerbell Labs, which helps visually impaired students learn to read and write Braille on their own using audio instructions in Indian languages.
3. Inclusive Classrooms with Universal Design– Online platforms and digital tools enables universal design for learning (UDL) which is a framework that offers multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. UDL is designed based on aspects like how students can engage with content, their understanding of content and make use of content. This technology helps ensure that every child regardless of their ability, can participate meaningfully in the classroom. In India too the use of UDL is mentioned in the NEP 2020 (National Education Policy). Technology has also made it easier for teachers to build differential learning strategies.
The rise of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in EdTech ensures that educational content is flexible, multimodal, and accessible. For example, in a special education classroom, instead of relying solely on textbooks, the teacher presents the concept through animated videos, tactile 3D models, and audio explanations ensuring students with visual impairments, dyslexia, or autism can all access the content. This approach allows every child to learn and express themselves in a way that suits their individual needs, making education truly inclusive.
4. Remote Learning and Flexibility – Children with mobility issues, chronic illnesses, or anxiety disorders now have access to remote learning tools that allow them to study from home while remaining connected to teachers and peers. EdTech also benefits parents who homeschool kids with special needs education by teaching them using materials online, different learning tools and audio-visual learning. This makes it easy to for the parent to focus on the child with care while also making it easier for them to grasp the concepts.
5. Real-Time Progress Tracking for Parents and Educators– 98% of teachers and 69% of parents agree EdTech helps overcome geographical barriers. With smart analytics and progress dashboards, parents and teachers can monitor learning milestones in real time.
6. Empowering Teachers with Better Training Tools– EdTech isn’t just helping students but it is also making the lives of special educators better. It also teachers to use online tools and also gives teachers the ability to teach, join training programs and webinars from anywhere to improve the quality of teaching. They can reach out to different teachers across the world and get advice or help to learn about new teaching methods for children with different needs.
Many platforms also offer ready-made lesson plans, visual aids, and interactive activities designed especially for special education making the burden less for teachers. With the right support and resources from EdTech, special educators feel more confident, prepared, and able to give every child the attention and care they deserve.
Cons of EdTech
1. Infrastructure and Accessibility– India faces a big challenge when it comes to infrastructure and accessibility of education technology. According to LinkedIn reports only 12% of India’s approximately 1.5 million schools are well-equipped with inclusive resources (e.g., ramps, special educator support), while 88% lack any inclusive facilities. Whereas in Punjab, only 1% of students with special needs are retained up to Class XII; only 9% of teachers there are trained in inclusive education (sources: times of India)
Although despite India’s growing economy and its growth in the EcTech ecosystem yet a major barrier remains which is the lack of infrastructure for special kids in the country and major in the rural and underserved areas. According to UDISE+ data, only 12% of Indian schools are equipped with disability-friendly infrastructure, such as ramps, railings, accessible toilets, or auditory/visual aids.
Internet connectivity and electricity issues severely limit the effectiveness of EdTech tools in remote regions. Students with visual impairments often lack access to affordable screen readers or Braille displays, and hearing-impaired learners rarely find educational content in Indian Sign Language.
The gap is even wider in government-run schools, where outdated infrastructure, lack of digital devices, and insufficient funding stall tech-based interventions. Therefore basic infrastructure needs to be addressed to ensure education technology is provided especially to the ones who require special needs and a good future.
2. Training and Professional Development– There are a few number of special educators in the country especially in the rural parts of India. Many of which lack the skills or confidence to effectively integrate EdTech into special education. They also lack the training and professional development needed to train and teach kids that need special care and teaching. If a teacher fails to get proper training, they may misapply to it to students and can fail to meet their needs.
Many teachers also are not tech-savvy and don’t feel confident using new platforms or apps especially when it comes to teaching children with special needs. Some haven’t been trained on how to use apps or devices meant for students with disabilities.
3. Cost and Funding – While some assistive tech tools are affordable, others like eye-tracking devices or AI-powered Braille displays can be super expensive. Many families and schools also struggle to secure funding or access government subsidies for these tools. Not all schools can afford them, and many families don’t have access to government support or funding. Even if a school does get funds or sponsored tools, parents may find it difficult to pay for the fees or usage and maintenance of those tools. Some may also cost 50,000 for one device which may not be feasible to use especially in rural areas or to parents that are homeschooling their kids.
4. Data Security – EdTech platforms often collect sensitive information about children’s learning behaviors, disabilities, and cognitive data. Some may even have access to a child’s medical information or struggles which can used in a wrong way or shared without permission. Therefore without strict data privacy policies, this information is at risk of misuse, breach, or unethical profiling. That’s why the need for privacy rules are so important be it schools or any companies, especially when children are involved.
5. Lack of Collaboration and Communication – Sometimes, EdTech tools are made without asking teachers, parents, or therapists for input. This means the tools don’t always meet the real needs of the child. A lack of communication between all stakeholders can result in fragmented learning experiences for the child.
6. Behavioral and Emotional Concerns: Every child is different and that means they may have difficulty when it comes to adapting to screen-based learning, using audio devices and may prefer one on one teaching. Somedays could be challenging where a child after constant use of an app, no longer feels the need to learn through it. They can feel screen fatigue, lead to less concentration or even social withdrawal in some cases. Therefore not every child will respond through EdTech devices, some may give in their 90% while some may accomplish only 35%.
Some may find flashing lights, loud sounds, or long screen time overwhelming. Kids with autism, ADHD, or sensory issues may become anxious or tired quickly. For example, a child with autism might enjoy using a learning app at first but may become upset if the animations are too fast or the sounds too loud, leading to emotional distress or refusal to use the app again.
Therefore there are many challenges when it comes to using educational technology in the right manner. But with the right needs, every child’s needs and comfort are needed to be kept in mind.
In the past, children with special needs often faced an education system that struggled to meet their diverse requirements. But due to the rise of Educational Technology (EdTech), a quiet revolution is taking place bringing customized, inclusive, and empowering learning solutions to millions of children.
