Making EdTech More Accessible

Deanne Watt
Mar 4
4 min read

Equity and inclusion must be at the heart of innovation. While digital learning platforms have expanded access for many, they often fall short for neurodiverse learners and students with learning differences. True accessibility means meeting every child where they are, academically, cognitively, and emotionally.

At ZillyPlanet, this mission is core to our design. With the release of our new Text-to-Speech (TTS) feature in beta, combined with personalized learning and scaffolded math content, we’re redefining what inclusive, adaptive education can look like.

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Why Accessibility in EdTech Matters

According to the CDC, 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and between 15-20% of the population is estimated to be neurodivergent, including learners with ADHD, dyslexia, processing disorders, and other cognitive differences. Yet many EdTech platforms still expect all children to process information the same way, visually, quickly, and in grade-level sequence.

This creates major barriers:

Students with reading or auditory processing challenges struggle to access written instructions.
Learners with ADHD or executive functioning needs benefit from multimodal repetition and chunked instructions.
Children with trauma or anxiety may need self-paced, scaffolded environments where they can revisit previous concepts safely.

“Technology shouldn’t just accelerate learning, it should expand who gets to learn,” says Deanne Watt, CEO of ZillyPlanet. “We’re building tools for kids who’ve been left behind in traditional systems and TTS and personalization is just the start.”

How ZillyPlanet Builds for Inclusive Learning

Text-to-Speech for Multimodal Access

Our new Text-to-Speech feature allows learners to hear math problems and instructions read aloud by engaging character voices. This supports:

Students with dyslexia or visual impairments
Auditory processors who learn better by hearing
Early readers still building fluency

Audio prompts are not robotic or monotone. Instead, they’re delivered in the familiar voices of Zilly and friends, increasing engagement and reducing cognitive load.

“When kids can hear and see the information, they’re more likely to understand and stay focused,” says Watt.

Personalization Meets Diverse Learning Needs

ZillyPlanet’s system adapts to a child’s interests, whether it’s soccer, space, or animals, allowing students to solve math problems in worlds that matter to them.

This personalized context is especially powerful for students with attention challenges. A 2023 study published in Learning and Individual Differences found that personalized word problems increased engagement and accuracy by up to 25% for neurodiverse learners.

Scaffolding + Prior-Year Competency Access

Many students arrive at grade level with unfinished learning. ZillyPlanet allows learners to:

Work on competencies from earlier grades if needed
Get step-by-step breakdowns and hints
Progress at their own pace without penalty or stigma

For students with learning gaps or anxiety, this creates a low-pressure environment to build confidence and mastery.

The Research is Clear: Accessibility Supports Everyone

Accessibility doesn’t just benefit those with diagnosed differences, it helps all learners. A study from the National Center for Learning Disabilities found that students in inclusive classrooms that use adaptive tools perform better overall, and teachers report improved student independence.

Another report from CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) emphasizes the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), embedding flexibility into learning experiences so that all students can access and engage with content in ways that work for them.

“We designed ZillyPlanet so kids don’t have to struggle to fit a system,” says Watt. “The system adapts to fit them.”

Looking Ahead

As we expand ZillyPlanet’s beta, our focus remains clear: removing barriers, honoring individuality, and creating joyful learning experiences for all. Accessibility is not an add-on, it’s the foundation.

If you're an educator, parent, or innovator looking to build a more inclusive future, we invite you to join us. Because every child deserves a space to grow, learn, and thrive, exactly as they are.

Q&A: Accessibility and ZillyPlanet

Q: Who benefits from ZillyPlanet’s accessibility features?

A: All learners benefit, but especially those with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or who are behind grade level. Multimodal tools like TTS and scaffolding help them access content without barriers.

Q: What makes your Text-to-Speech feature different?

A: Instead of robotic voices, we use our animated characters to deliver instructions and problems with warmth and personality. This makes listening more engaging and helps reduce anxiety.

Q: How does ZillyPlanet support kids who are behind in math?

A: We allow learners to revisit concepts from previous years and offer hints and scaffolds for support. It’s self-paced, so kids can build confidence without falling further behind.

Q: Is personalization only for fun?

A: No. it’s a research-backed strategy that boosts engagement and comprehension, especially in neurodiverse learners. If a student loves dinosaurs or robots, solving math in those worlds can make all the difference.

Q: How do teachers or parents know if it's working?

A: ZillyPlanet tracks learner progress and adjusts content dynamically. Parents and educators receive insight into mastery levels, pacing, and engagement over time.