Closing the Gap Making AI Education Accessible for Chronically Ill Students in Canada

Approximately 30% of school-age children in Canada live with chronic illnesses, facing significant educational disruptions due to medical absence and fluctuating energy levels. This paper explores the dual nature of Artificial Intelligence as both a transformative bridge and a potential barrier to academic equity. While AI-driven adaptive learning and automated synthesis offer personalized support for remote students, the research identifies critical risks, including algorithmic bias, where medical absence is misread as disengagement, and privacy concerns regarding the merging of health and educational data. Through an analysis of existing Canadian frameworks like the AODA and PIPEDA, the study advocates for a national "AI Accessibility Certification," mandated teacher AI literacy training, and updated data protections. By prioritizing equity-by-design, Canada can ensure that technological advancement serves to include, rather than alienate, students navigating long-term health challenges.