AI for Accessible Education: Personalized Audio-Based Learning for Blind Students
Crystal Yang, Paul Taele
TL;DR
The paper addresses the challenge of providing equitable, adaptive education for blind and visually impaired students by introducing Audemy, a on-device AI-powered audio learning platform with conversational capabilities. It documents a design process grounded in feedback from over 20 accessibility-focused educators and demonstrates three core adaptive features—dynamic question difficulty, pace adjustment, and diverse content formats—delivered through a user-friendly, screen-reader-compatible interface with on-device AI on Intel hardware to preserve privacy. Ethical considerations are central, including data privacy, security, and transparency, with practical guidelines for minimizing data exposure and ensuring human oversight. The work contributes a practical blueprint for accessible AI in education, highlighting best practices for engagement, interoperability with assistive technologies, and the potential for AI empathy and educator-facing tools to further inclusive learning for BVI students.
Abstract
Blind and visually impaired (BVI) students face significant challenges in traditional educational settings. While screen readers and braille materials offer some accessibility, they often lack interactivity and real-time adaptability to individual learning needs. This paper presents Audemy, an AI-powered audio-based learning platform designed to provide personalized, accessible, and engaging educational experiences for BVI students. Audemy uses adaptive learning techniques to customize content based on student accuracy, pacing preferences, and engagement patterns. The platform has been iteratively developed with input from over 20 educators specializing in accessibility and currently serves over 2,000 BVI students. Educator insights show key considerations for accessible AI, including the importance of engagement, intuitive design, compatibility with existing assistive technologies, and the role of positive reinforcement in maintaining student motivation. Beyond accessibility, this paper explores the ethical implications of AI in education, emphasizing data privacy, security, and transparency. Audemy demonstrates how AI can empower BVI students with personalized and equitable learning opportunities, advancing the broader goal of inclusive education.