VAST (Voice Accessible Story Technology) wins Rep. Mike Levin’s 2021 Congressional App Challenge in California’s 49th District

When asked what inspired the creation of VAST (Voice Accessible Story Technology), the student said, “As a writer, I found it unjust that traditional writing methods hinder so many children from creativity and expression. After doing additional research, I found that pre-existing and competing products are too expensive, complicated, hard to find, or not designed as a simple tool for kids. This inspired me to create my own solution from both a writer’s and a young person’s perspective. I hope to combine my passion for literature and computer science to create a novel approach to creative writing for kids, in a way that addresses the inequalities in accessibility and provides opportunities to groups, such as those with visual and learning disabilities, that are often left out when it comes to tech products.

I initially wanted to make a tactile device following the same purpose, but decided that a voice-based app would be more accessible, affordable, and scalable. This way low-income families and under-resourced communities can access it, and it’s something that can easily reach different corners of the world. This is important to me because I used to volunteer for children in countries overseas, and I don’t want distance to be an obstacle that prevents them from using this tool.

My vision for the app is for it to be a collaboration, with every child and every voice on the platform as a puzzle piece to inclusivity, working together to create a network of stories and to build this environment where everyone’s stories matter and inspire.”