Productivity applications like word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation tools are essential in workplaces, higher education, and everyday life. However, for blind individuals, navigating these tools can be challenging due to their reliance on screen readers, which present information sequentially, one element at a time. This approach often leads to significant accessibility and usability challenges, affecting their productivity and independence.

Our project explores how generative AI can empower blind users to interact with productivity applications more efficiently and effectively, enabling them to fully participate and thrive in professional, academic, and personal environments.

Selected Paper

• Minoli Perera, Swamy Ananthanarayan, Cagatay Goncu, Kim Marriott (2025). The Sky is the Limit: Understanding How Generative AI can Enhance Screen Reader Users’ Experience with Productivity Applications. CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.. Minoli Perera, Swamy Ananthanarayan, Cagatay Goncu, Kim Marriott. CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2025.