Accessibility in education isn't just about what happens inside the classroom. It’s about making sure students have the tools they need to engage with learning anytime, anywhere. School isn't confined to four walls—it’s in group chats, online discussions, after-school clubs, and even casual hallway conversations. But here’s the issue: if accessibility is only applied during class, then a huge part of the educational experience remains off-limits to students who need support the most.
So, how do we fix this? How do we make school accessible all the time—not just when a teacher is at the front of the room?
The answer lies in technology, and more specifically, in tools that extend accessibility beyond structured learning hours. From AI-powered transcription apps to captioning services like Ava, students can have support 24/7, whether they're in a lecture hall, a dorm room, or grabbing coffee with classmates.
Let’s talk about how to break down accessibility barriers in every aspect of school life.
Accessibility Doesn’t Stop at the Bell
Think about the moments when learning actually happens. Sure, class lectures are important, but so are study sessions, campus events, group projects, and those random late-night conversations where everything finally clicks. If a student needs accessibility tools but those tools are only available during class, then they’re missing out on a huge part of the learning experience.
For Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, for example, conversations don’t start and stop based on a syllabus. A class discussion might transition into a hallway debate, which turns into a group study session at a coffee shop. If they don’t have real-time captions in those moments, they’re left out of the loop.
Same goes for students with ADHD, dyslexia, or auditory processing disorders who rely on text-based support to absorb information. Without on-demand tools, these students might struggle to keep up outside the classroom, making collaboration and engagement more difficult.
Ava: Making Every Conversation Accessible
Imagine sitting in a group discussion where everyone is talking at once. For a Deaf or hard-of-hearing student, that moment can feel like complete chaos. But with Ava, those conversations become instantly readable. The app provides real-time captions, allowing students to follow along no matter where the conversation happens.
Here’s why Ava is a game-changer:
- It’s always on. Whether a student is in class, at lunch, or attending an impromptu study session, Ava provides instant captions right on their phone.
- It works in group settings. The app can distinguish between multiple speakers, labeling them so conversations are easy to follow.
- It helps beyond just Deaf students. Anyone who processes information better visually—students with ADHD, English language learners, and even those in noisy environments—benefits from real-time captions.
In short: Ava doesn’t just make school technically accessible—it makes school fully accessible, everywhere, all the time.
Beyond Captions: Other Tools to Make School More Accessible
Captions are a huge step, but full accessibility means addressing other barriers too. Here are some other must-have tools:
📚 Digital Note-Taking Apps
Apps like Notability allow students to record lectures and write notes in real-time, making reviewing notes easier. This is perfect for students with learning disabilities, auditory processing challenges, or anyone who just processes information better visually.
🎙 AI-Powered Dictation Software
For students with mobility impairments or dyslexia, typing can be a barrier. Speech-to-text tools like Dragon NaturallySpeaking let students dictate their notes, emails, and assignments with ease.
🏫 Accessible Online Learning Platforms
Not every student can sit through a three-hour lecture. Platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera provide captioned, transcript-supported lessons that students can revisit at their own pace. Schools that integrate these platforms give students more control over how they learn.
Accessibility is a Culture, Not a Checkbox
Here’s the truth: making school accessible isn’t just about adding a few apps. It’s about shifting the way we think about learning itself. Schools need to move past the idea that accessibility is a legal requirement and start treating it as what it actually is—a fundamental part of education.
If a student can only access their education sometimes, then they’re not really getting an education.
That’s why tech-driven solutions like Ava are so important. They ensure that students can participate in all aspects of school life—not just the parts that fit neatly into a classroom schedule.
So, if you’re an educator, administrator, or just someone who wants to make a real difference, ask yourself: is my school accessible all the time, or just when it’s convenient?
If the answer isn’t 24/7, it’s time to start making changes.
TL;DR: The Future of School is Fully Accessible
Education doesn’t start and stop when class is in session. It’s in dorm rooms, on campus lawns, in student groups, and late-night study sessions. With tools like Ava captions, digital note-taking apps, and AI-driven learning supports, we can make sure school is accessible everywhere, for everyone, all the time.
Because real accessibility doesn’t just happen inside a classroom. It happens everywhere.
