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Innovations

aXread Assistant

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AI That Speaks Your Language

An AI assistant with Easy Read mode built in. One toggle transforms complex explanations into simple language with emojis, short sentences, and the option to listen instead of read.

The insight: The people who could benefit most from accessible AI are often the last to get it. We closed that gap.

The Gap We Closed

AI assistants are everywhere now. But they weren't built for everyone.

Who Gets Left Out

  • xPeople with intellectual disabilities—AI responses are too complex
  • xPeople with low literacy—no option for simpler language
  • xPeople who process audio better than text—no TTS built in
  • xPeople who find typing difficult—voice input is an afterthought

What aXread Assistant Does

  • +Easy Read mode with one toggle—5-word sentences, emojis, simple vocab
  • +Listen button on every response—hear it instead of reading
  • +Voice input with privacy notice—speak your questions
  • +44px touch targets—actually usable on mobile

Standard vs Easy Read

Real vocabulary substitutions from the assistant.

Standard

NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides funding for individualised supports.

Easy Read

NDIS

🏠 NDIS pays for help. 🧑‍🦽 For people with disability. ✅ You choose your helpers.

Standard

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to devices or systems that help individuals perform tasks.

Easy Read

Assistive Technology

🛠️ Tools to help you do things. 💻 Like special computers. 🚪 Or ramps.

Standard

Service Agreement

A service agreement outlines the terms and conditions of service delivery.

Easy Read

Service Agreement

📝 A deal with a helper. ✍️ It says what they do. 💵 And what you pay.

Key Features

One-Toggle Simplicity

Switch between Standard and Easy Read with a single click. No settings menus, no complexity. Just tap the toggle.

AI That Explains Simply

Easy Read mode uses short sentences, simple words, and emoji anchors. Average 5 words per sentence, tested.

Listen to Any Response

Text-to-speech on every message. Click "Listen" to hear it read aloud. Click again to stop. WCAG 44px touch targets.

Voice Input

Speak your questions instead of typing. Browser-based speech recognition—no data sent to external servers beyond what your browser requires.

Vocabulary Substitution

"Participant" becomes "people with disability". "Assistive technology" becomes "tools to help you". Real substitutions, not dumbing down.

Works Everywhere

The assistant lives in the corner of every page. No special mode to enable. Always available when you need it.

How It Works

The assistant is a single shared component used across aXai and DisabilityX. Site-specific configuration (greeting text, fallback responses) is injected, but the accessibility features are universal.

Cognition Toggle: Radio group with role="radiogroup" and aria-checked states

TTS Hook: Web Speech API with speakMessage/stopSpeaking controls per message

STT Hook: Web Speech API with browser privacy notice, transcript callback

Easy Read Prompts: System instructions for 5-word sentences, emoji anchors, vocabulary subs

Technical Specs

Cognition Modes
Standard / Easy Read
Response Model
Gemini 2.5 Flash
TTS Engine
Web Speech API
STT Engine
Web Speech API
Touch Targets
44×44px minimum
Accessibility
WCAG 2.2 AA

Why This Matters

Everyone talks about making AI accessible. But "accessible" usually means screen reader compatible. That's important—but it's not enough.

What about the person with an intellectual disability who can use a screen but needs simpler language? What about the person who processes audio better than text? What about the person whose motor difficulties make typing exhausting?

These people exist. They're often the ones who could benefit most from an AI that explains things clearly. But they're the last ones considered when AI interfaces are designed.

Neurodivergent-led innovation means we build for the margins first—because that's where the real gaps are.

Try It Now

The "Chat with Axel" button in the corner of this page is aXread Assistant. Click it, toggle to Easy Read, and ask anything.