At the Third International Conference on High-Quality Development in Special Education, held in Beijing on November 13, 2025, a distinguished panel of special education experts from China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore underscored the pivotal role of smart technologies in fostering inclusive classrooms. The conference, themed ‘Inclusion and Intelligence,’ was co-hosted by the special education branches of Beijing Normal University and the University of Strathclyde.
Zhu Xudong, Dean of BNU’s Faculty of Education, highlighted the shifting dynamics in special education, noting the increasing prevalence of autism and the corresponding decline in physical disabilities. He called for enhanced cross-sector collaboration, particularly in the era of AI, to develop innovative inclusive classroom practices.
Deborah Robinson, Head of the University of Strathclyde’s Institute of Education, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential of AI and advocating for deeper international partnerships. Li Tianshun, Vice-President of the Chinese Society of Education, identified intelligent technology as a crucial support for inclusive education, which is now a global mainstream trend. He urged the establishment of a comprehensive, all-age education system built on shared research and international cooperation to drive systemic change.
Huang Wei, Head of Special Education at the Ministry of Education’s Department of Basic Education, pointed out that digital transformation has significantly driven the high-quality development of special education over the past five years. Moving forward, efforts will be intensified to enhance digital infrastructure, develop specialized large-language models tailored for special education, and deepen international collaboration. These measures aim to propel special education into a new phase characterized by precise and personalized services.
Piao Yongxin, a founding figure of modern special education in China, emphasized that while the field must embrace digital transformation, technology should be viewed as a tool rather than an end. He stressed that the essence of special education remains committed to serving the holistic development of individuals and the strategic needs of the nation.
The conference featured in-depth discussions on the training of special educators and the application of AI, with participants from various countries sharing insights and best practices.