In a remarkable display of innovation, a young Egyptian has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) application designed to assist visually impaired individuals in perceiving their surroundings. The creator, Mark Morad, is a 20-year-old student and entrepreneur from Cairo who has a personal connection to the challenges faced by those with visual impairments.
The Birth of ScribeMe
Mark Morad's journey began when he started experiencing vision problems in 2018. Despite numerous medical consultations in Egypt and abroad, he received no clear diagnosis. Doctors informed him that he would eventually lose his sight due to a rare, incurable condition affecting his optic nerve. Tragically, his sister, Karen Morad, faced a similar fate, and by the end of 2021, both siblings were completely blind.
Overcoming Educational Challenges
One of the most significant challenges Mark encountered as a visually impaired individual was his education. While screen reader applications were available to help him read text, subjects like physics and chemistry posed a unique problem. Textbooks often included graphs, diagrams, and equations that were difficult for screen readers to interpret effectively.
A Self-Taught Programmer
Determined to find a solution, Mark reached out to various app developers around the world who were working on similar technologies but received little guidance. Refusing to be discouraged, he took matters into his own hands and began teaching himself programming through YouTube tutorials. His relentless pursuit of knowledge led to the creation of an initial version of ScribeMe in 2023, which aimed to help him access school materials.
The Functionality of ScribeMe
ScribeMe utilizes AI and a smartphone camera to identify objects in front of the user and narrate their surroundings aloud. Essentially, the smartphone camera acts as the user's eyes, capturing images of the environment. The AI then interprets what it sees and describes it to the user, transforming the way visually impaired individuals interact with the world around them.
What started as a tool for reading documents has evolved into a comprehensive application that significantly enhances the educational experience for its users. Mark’s story is not just about personal triumph but also about the potential of technology to bridge gaps and provide access to information for those who need it most.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/08/22/11030037/tak-bisa-melihat-pemuda-ini-bikin-ai-yang-bisa-ceritakan-dunia-di-sekitarnya
