Neil Squire Receives Funding From Google.org to Help Make Coding More Accessible for Students With Disabilities

December 3, 2024

We’re excited to receive funding from Google.org (new window) to help improve the accessibility of Blockly (new window) for students with disabilities.

A student accesses a Makers Making Change assistive technology design on the computer

Blockly is a visual programming editor by Google that uses drag-and-drop blocks. Blockly is the engine behind many coding products used in education programs, including Scratch 3.0.

Our work will include enhancing screen reader support, integrating ARIA attributes, and addressing challenges for users with limited dexterity. This will enable more youth with disabilities to engage with coding education and develop STEM skills.

“We are delighted to once again receive support from Google.org to help make information and communication technology more accessible to coders with disabilities,” says Neil Squire Director of Innovation Chad Leaman.

“It is an honour for our team to support the improvements and help create a foundation of coding accessibility that will ensure future generations of coders with disabilities can learn, program, and create. It truly reflects the core of our mission: empowering people with disabilities through technology, knowledge and passion.”

“Google is proud to support Neil Squire through the Blockly Accessibility Fund. We’re inspired by their work to make block-based coding more accessible to everyone, and look forward to the future impact they drive with this support from Google.org,” says Joe Davis, Product Innovation Leader at Google.org.

Learn more about Blockly Accessibility Fund recipients. (new window)