Equity & Accessibility: The Core of Our Approach

Equity as Design Principle

Track 2 of the Stanford CREATE AI Challenge specifically calls for "AI learning tools that foster participation, especially for learners with disabilities." Our proposal places equity at the center of every design decision, not as an accommodation layer added after the fact.

The "50/50 by Design" Framework

Principle

Gender parity is not a goal to be achieved but a constraint that shapes all design decisions. Every curriculum element must demonstrate balance before approval.

Implementation Checklist

Element	Parity Requirement	Verification
Curriculum examples	50% female/non-binary protagonists	Content review checklist
Guest speakers	50% women/non-binary professionals	Speaker scheduling policy
Case studies	Equal representation of diverse practitioners	Curriculum approval gate
Visual materials	Balanced representation in images	Design guidelines
Assessment scenarios	Gender-neutral or balanced contexts	Rubric review
Career exploration	Diverse role models across all fields	Resource audit

Accountability

• Curriculum modules not meeting parity requirements are returned for revision
• Speaker schedules are reviewed monthly for cumulative balance
• Annual content audit verifies sustained compliance

Girls-Only Programming Spaces

Research Foundation

Evidence from multiple domains demonstrates the effectiveness of single-gender programming:

Context	Finding	Source
Esports	5x higher retention in girls-only leagues	DreamHack Girls Initiative
Computer Science	Girls-only intro contributed to 40% to 55% female majors	Harvey Mudd restructuring
STEM mentoring	Same-gender mentoring improved persistence 3x	Dasgupta (2011)

Our Implementation

AI Studio Teams provide opt-in girls-only programming for grades 6-12:

• Facilitated by female/non-binary instructors who serve as role models
• Project-based curriculum addressing real community needs
• Peer mentorship structure connecting across grade levels
• Industry connections through partnerships with women in AI networks
• No pressure to transition to mixed-gender programming

Student Choice

Students and families choose their participation model:

1. Girls-only AI Studio Teams - Safe space throughout K-12
2. Mixed-gender programming - Standard classroom instruction
3. Flexible participation - Some activities in each setting

This choice respects individual needs while ensuring safe spaces exist for those who benefit from them.

Universal Accessibility

WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance

All curriculum materials meet or exceed Web Content Accessibility Guidelines:

Principle	Requirements	Implementation
Perceivable	Text alternatives, captions, adaptable presentation	Alt text on all images; closed captions on all video; adjustable text size and contrast
Operable	Keyboard accessible, sufficient time, no seizure triggers	Full keyboard navigation; no time limits on activities; no flashing content
Understandable	Readable, predictable, input assistance	Clear language at appropriate reading level; consistent navigation; error prevention
Robust	Compatible with assistive technologies	Testing with screen readers, switch access, voice control

Multi-Modal Instruction

Every lesson is available in multiple formats:

Modality	Availability	Accessibility Features
Visual	Diagrams, infographics, video	High contrast, captions, audio description
Auditory	Narrated tutorials, discussions	Transcripts, visual cues
Kinesthetic	Physical computing, manipulatives	Adapted for motor differences
Reading/Writing	Text-based materials	Adjustable formatting, screen reader compatible

Differentiation for Specific Populations

English Language Learners:

• Visual scaffolding reduces language demands
• Key terminology translated into home languages
• Peer language support structures
• Culturally responsive examples and contexts

Neurodivergent Learners:

• Clear, predictable lesson structure
• Reduced cognitive load through chunking
• Sensory-friendly options for activities
• Extended time and flexible pacing
• Executive function supports (checklists, timers)

Students with Motor Disabilities:

• Voice-controlled AI tool alternatives
• Switch access compatibility for all digital materials
• Physical computing with adapted interfaces
• Partner work options for motor-intensive activities

Students with Visual Impairments:

• Screen reader compatible curriculum platform
• Tactile models for spatial AI concepts
• Audio descriptions for all visual content
• High contrast and magnification options

Students with Hearing Impairments:

• Closed captions on all video content
• Visual alerts and cues in software
• Written instructions for all verbal content
• ASL interpretation available for live sessions

Device and Connectivity Access

Eliminating Technology Barriers

Barrier	Solution	Implementation
No home device	Device lending library	Chromebooks available for semester checkout
No internet access	Hotspot lending	Mobile hotspots for families without connectivity
Limited bandwidth	Low-bandwidth curriculum options	Text-based alternatives to video; offline capabilities
Scheduling conflicts	School-day programming	All core curriculum during instructional hours

No Student Left Behind

Our commitment: No student will be excluded from AI education due to technology access.

• Core curriculum delivered during school day using school devices
• Optional extension activities designed for low-bandwidth access
• Device lending with no questions asked and no liability concerns
• Technical support for families in home languages

Economic Equity

Free Access

All curriculum, materials, and programming are provided at no cost to families:

• No fees for AI Studio Teams participation
• No cost for supplementary materials
• No charges for device lending
• No expenses for portfolio platforms

Reducing Hidden Costs

We address hidden barriers that create inequity:

• Transportation provided for after-school programming
• Meals provided during extended sessions
• Supplies provided for all projects
• No expectation of home support for assignments

Culturally Responsive Design

Representation in Curriculum

• AI practitioners featured reflect student demographics
• Application examples connect to diverse community contexts
• Ethical scenarios address issues relevant to all communities
• Career exploration includes paths accessible from all backgrounds

Community Input

• Family advisory committee includes representatives from all demographic groups
• Community partner review of curriculum for cultural responsiveness
• Student voice incorporated through regular feedback mechanisms
• Continuous refinement based on community input

Measurement and Accountability

Equity Dashboard

Real-time tracking of participation and outcomes by demographic group:

• Enrollment by gender, disability, ELL status, socioeconomic status
• Engagement scores disaggregated by group
• Completion rates with demographic breakdown
• Achievement gaps identified for intervention

Intervention Triggers

When data reveals disparities:

1. Immediate analysis to identify root causes
2. Targeted intervention development within 30 days
3. Implementation with progress monitoring
4. Effectiveness evaluation and adjustment

External Accountability

• Annual accessibility audit by third-party evaluator
• Equity impact report published publicly
• Community review sessions for stakeholder feedback
• Stanford reporting on equity outcomes

Core Commitment

Equity is not a feature of our curriculum. Equity is the foundation on which everything else is built. Without equity, our work fails regardless of other outcomes.