Using AI to Create Alternative Formats and Compliant Content
AI as an Accessible Content Assistant
As highlighted in earlier articles, the Digital Accessibility Office supports the thoughtful use of AI to help lower barriers to digital access. When applied responsibly and paired with human judgment, AI can be a valuable tool for understanding accessibility principles, improving existing materials, and creating alternative formats that make information more accessible to everyone.
Producing content in multiple formats—text, audio, simplified language, summaries, and structured outlines—supports a broader range of users and contexts.
Podcast and Video Overview Created by NotebookLM
The podcast and video below were generated with NotebookLM using the three articles in this series as the source. There is currently no editing functionality for NotebookLM videos and podcasts, which limits the output significantly, but these formats may still serve as valuable alternatives when an overview of the concepts is sufficient.
Please note that these formats contain some inaccuracies in pronunciation and may not accurately express all intended information. They are intended only as imaginative ways to review and repurpose information.
Podcast
Video
NotebookLM also offers interactive podcasts for invited audiences, so you can choose to interrupt the podcasters and ask a question about the content. It’s an engaging and interactive format that may work well for certain types of content with a limited audience. If you’d like to access the interactive version of this podcast, please email digital-access@cmu.edu for an invitation.
AI and Automation Tools for Alternative Format Generation
Carnegie Mellon University provides access to protected tools, including Google Gemini, NotebookLM, and ChatGPT Edu, all of which are capable of supporting access through the creation of digital content in multiple formats.
Tool |
Best accessibility use case |
Specific functions |
| ChatGPT Edu | Reimagining existing content for diverse audiences | Rewriting complex academic texts into plain language versions, producing audio script generation, and suggesting alternative formats. |
| Google Gemini | Supporting multimodal content creation | Converting written content for translations; generating visual summaries or infographic outlines; creating alternative reading levels (academic, intermediate, and plain language). |
| Grackle Extension | Creating accessible downloads from Google Workspace | Auto-checking your Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets for accessibility errors and generate tagged PDF downloads. |
| Microsoft Office Integrated Accessibility Tool | Integrated support across the Microsoft suite | Document reformatting (adding proper heading structure, alt text, and logical reading order); generating speaker notes or captioned scripts for presentation narration; creating readable summaries into screen-reader-friendly text. |
| NotebookLM | Converting written materials into alternative learning formats | Generating podcasts and audio summaries from notes; creating video or script creation outlines; producing simplified study materials or outlines from complex readings. |
| SiteImprove AI | Ensuring quality and compliance of content | AI Generate can rewrite text to improve readability and inclusiveness while maintaining accuracy and tone. This is the ideal tool for search engine-optimized content. |
| UDOIT | Course content in the Canvas LMS | Converting content from document formats into Canvas pages and can help to review and optimize course content for accessibility. |
Best Practices and Cautions for Responsible AI
- Accuracy: Users must always review AI output because errors and “hallucinations” can occur.
- Context: AI may misinterpret the intended purpose or audience for a given article or image. Creators must refine and expand prompts for clarity.
- Bias: Because models can reflect stereotypes or limited perspectives, users should request inclusive language and diverse representation when prompting them.
- Privacy: Users must not upload sensitive or personally identifiable information. Please review CMU’s policies and guidelines for the safe and ethical use of AI.
- Oversight: All AI-generated materials must align with CMU’s accessibility standards and policies.