AI + Learning Differences Hackathon at Stanford

This past weekend, we had the privilege of joining innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and learners at Stanford University for the AI+ Learning Differences Hackathon. Organized by the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and guided by the mantra “Nothing About Us Without Us,” the event sparked meaningful dialogue and rapid innovation in support of learners who experience learning differences.

From the very start, we were moved by personal stories shared by experts in the field. Their insights into navigating learning differences grounded us in our mission: technology should not only support learners, but do so by incorporating their voices and experiences from the start.

Our team—three dedicated “scribblers” joined by two talented new friends—was thrilled to develop “Compre-helper,” a web-based tool that helps dyslexic middle-schoolers better understand complex texts. By transforming lengthy passages into summaries, songs, mnemonics, and key words, we aimed to lower barriers and foster genuine comprehension. We dove into brainstorming, prototyping, and testing. Our efforts paid off: “Compre-helper” made it to the finals, standing among the incredible solutions crafted by other teams.

The hackathon was inspiring to me because it was about reimagining the future of inclusive education. At Digital Scribbler, we believe in helping people overcome human limits through technology. This event reminded us that the best way to do that is hand-in-hand with the communities we hope to serve.

The work we started at the hackathon is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what happens as these prototypes evolve into everyday tools that, through the power of AI, allow everyone accessibility and equity!