Egyptian Teen's AI App Transforms Visual Access Worldwide

A Cairo teen, Karen Morad, who went blind five years ago, regained a sense of "seeing" thanks to an AI-powered app called ScribeMe developed by her brother Mark Morad. The app uses AI and computer vision to describe surroundings in real time, via Meta smart glasses or smartphones, enabling blind and low-vision users to understand objects, distances, and scenes. Karen's experience on a Kenya safari highlights how the app creates audiovisual narration that helps users imagine environments and feel immersed. Mark Morad, who is also blind, taught himself to code after facing inaccessible tools, and built ScribeMe to fill gaps in existing accessibility tech, focusing on charts, diagrams, and visuals in education. ScribeMe has expanded to thousands of users in 140 countries and has won recognition in technology competitions, with free access and optional paid features. The project demonstrates broader potential for accessibility in tourism, education, and daily life by removing barriers for visually impaired people.