Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Yang
Hi Crystal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi! I’m Crystal Yang, and I love using tech & business for social impact. My projects, startups, and organizations have reached over 150,000 people. Right now, I’m focused on Audemy, an educational platform for blind and visually impaired students. Audemy began when I realized a blind friend couldn’t join our Wordle games because it wasn’t accessible. That moment inspired me to create an audio-based version of Wordle, which sparked a much larger initiative. Today, Audemy serves over 1,000 blind students in seven schools globally, providing games and tools designed to make education more inclusive through audio-based interfaces and assistive technology.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building a team for Audemy came with its own set of challenges, especially in recruiting a diverse group of volunteers with minimal funding. Managing a remote team required me to develop new skills, like effective communication and task delegation, to keep everyone aligned and motivated. One of the biggest hurdles, however, was finding people passionate about accessibility who also had the technical skills needed for the project.
To solve this, I took an unconventional approach to recruitment. Having previously completed Google’s web development course, I remembered their advice to beginner developers: use volunteer websites to find small projects and practice building skills. I flipped this strategy on its head. As someone seeking developer volunteers, I turned to those same platforms to find enthusiastic individuals eager to contribute. This approach not only helped me build a talented team but also created a unique network of people committed to using tech for social good.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Audemy is an educational platform designed to make learning more accessible for blind and visually impaired students. We specialize in creating audio-based games and tools that foster educational growth and inclusivity. Our mission is to bridge the gap in educational accessibility, ensuring that no student is left behind because of a lack of resources or technology tailored to their needs.
What sets Audemy apart is our focus on user-centered design and collaboration. We work closely with students, teachers, and accessibility experts to ensure our tools genuinely meet the needs of those we aim to serve. With a dedicated team of volunteers, we’ve developed 12 unique games, including Story Builder, a storytelling tool that enhances language skills while engaging students in creative play.
We’re most proud of the joy and empowerment our tools bring to the students we serve. Seeing a blind student laugh and learn through one of our games, or hearing teachers share how Audemy has transformed their classrooms, is the most fulfilling part of our work. Beyond just creating tools, Audemy is a growing community of innovators and educators who believe in using technology to solve real-world problems.
We want readers to know that Audemy is more than a platform—it’s a movement toward educational equity. By combining innovation with empathy, we’re not just creating games; we’re shaping a world where education is accessible to all.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the people! Specifically, the diversity and unique perspectives of the people here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yangcrystal.com
