China's Ministry of Education and six other government departments have issued a five-year action plan to expand artificial intelligence and digital technologies across the country's special education system from 2026 to 2030. The plan introduces human-machine collaboration models including intelligent learning companions and AI-assisted teachers, targeting classroom support for students with disabilities and home-based teaching for those with severe disabilities.
Officials said digitalisation will be a key driver of special education development during the period. They also acknowledged that adoption remains at an early stage, citing insufficient resources and limited application of digital technologies among the challenges still facing the sector.
What the plan includes
The initiative proposes AI applications that provide classroom assistance for students with disabilities and support home-based teaching for students unable to attend school. Beyond AI, authorities plan greater use of big data, virtual reality, and other technologies, alongside improvements to digital infrastructure in special education schools.
More resources will be added to the country's national smart education platform, which already includes a section dedicated to special education. The platform serves as a central hub for digital learning materials across China's education system.
For educators tracking developments in AI for Education, the plan signals how governments are integrating assistive technologies into formal education policy. The AI Learning Path for Teachers offers relevant context on how AI tools are being positioned to support classroom instruction.
Why the plan matters
China's approach places digital technology at the centre of efforts to make education more accessible to students with disabilities. AI is being considered not simply as a general classroom tool but for specific accessibility challenges: personalised assistance, teacher support, and education for students who cannot attend school.
The plan reflects a broader government push to modernise education infrastructure. The Ministry of Education's collaboration with six other departments indicates coordination across agencies responsible for technology, disability services, and education policy.
Why this matters for education professionals
For teachers, administrators, and education policymakers, China's plan offers a concrete example of how AI-assisted teaching models are being structured at a national scale. The focus on human-machine collaboration, rather than AI replacing teachers, suggests a framework where technology augments instruction for students with diverse needs. Education professionals working in special education or inclusive classrooms should watch how these models develop, particularly the home-based teaching component for students with severe disabilities, which addresses a persistent gap in access.
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