It’s difficult to fathom that in our global interconnected world of information and technological advances, nearly a quarter of a billion children are not learning basic literacy and numeracy skills—whether in school or not. This mass learning deficit poses one of the world’s most daunting challenges, and yet seems ripe for technology-enabled solutions.
Worldwide, there is estimated to be between 93 million and 150 million children with disabilities, though actual numbers are likely higher.[1] Of these children, 80% live in developing countries[2] and less than 3% are in school.[3] Education systems often do not accommodate these children’s needs.
Adaptive technology helps children who are blind, low vision learn to read
Nine-year old Alexa was born prematurely and diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity, which caused vision loss in both eyes. She’s one of an estimated 285 million people worldwide who are blind or low vision.[i] Alexa also has cerebral palsy, so she uses a wheelchair.