Access Google: Teaching English to Students with Visual Impairment in Iquitos, Peru using Google Assistant

In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, in the vibrant city of Iquitos, a powerful educational initiative took shape: Project Google Access. Over the course of an academic year, our team set out to introduce basic English to students with visual impairment using an accessible and innovative tool—Google Assistant.

What began as a small dream quickly transformed into a meaningful learning experience for 13 remarkable students, each proving that technological accessibility can redefine what is possible in education.

🌱 Why Project Google Access?

Learning a foreign language is a challenge for any student—but for learners with visual impairment, access to appropriate tools is often limited. We wanted to change that.

With the help of voice-activated technology, particularly Google Assistant, students could:

• Hear English words, phrases, and pronunciation clearly

• Practice speaking without visual barriers

• Interact with an adaptive, responsive learning tool

• Feel empowered to explore the language independently

Our mission was simple: make English learning accessible, engaging, and achievable.

🤝 A Network of Allies

This project would not have been possible without the support of key partners who believed in accessible education:

⭐ Rotary Club de Iquitos

Our primary sponsor, the Rotary Club provided crucial financial support that allowed us to acquire devices, materials, and resources needed for hands-on learning throughout the year.

⭐ CEBE “9 de Octubre”

This special education center welcomed our team, opened its classrooms, and helped us adapt the program to the individual needs of each student.

⭐ CREBE Loreto

As an expert regional center for visual rehabilitation, CREBE Loreto served as an invaluable ally in guiding accessibility practices and supporting our students' overall learning experience.

Together, this network created a safe, inclusive, and collaborative space that allowed our students to thrive.

📚 Teaching English Month by Month

Throughout the school year, we met with the students every month for engaging, interactive sessions. Our lessons focused on basic English foundations, including:

• Everyday greetings

• Numbers and colors

• Simple conversation patterns

• Common objects

• Basic verbs and actions

Each session expanded not only vocabulary but also the students’ confidence. Google Assistant became their companion—responding to their voices, encouraging pronunciation, and reinforcing learning.

Some highlights from the year included:

• Students confidently introducing themselves in English

• Groups practicing “What’s your name?” and “How are you?”

• Individual conversations with Google Assistant to strengthen listening skills

• Laughs, new friendships, and unforgettable moments of discovery

By the end of the year, all 13 students had developed a clear notion and foundation of a foreign language, proving that motivation and accessible tools can break barriers.

🌟 The Impact

Project Google Access demonstrated that adaptive technology can transform the learning experience for students with visual impairments. Beyond English vocabulary, students gained:

• Greater independence using voice-based technologies

• Stronger communication skills

• Improved confidence in interacting with digital tools

• A sense of belonging in global conversations

Most importantly, they learned that English—and technology—are for everyone.

💡 Looking Ahead

The success of this first year inspires us to expand the program, reach more students, and explore new ways to use accessible technologies in language learning. Our goal is to continue breaking educational barriers and offering inclusive opportunities to every learner in Loreto and beyond.

❤️ A Thank-You to Our Students and Partners

To our 13 brilliant students: your enthusiasm, curiosity, and perseverance made this project unforgettable.

To Rotary Club de Iquitos, CEBE 9 de Octubre, and CREBE Loreto: thank you for believing in inclusive education and helping bring this vision to life.

Together, we proved that with creativity and collaboration, we can open doors—and worlds—for students with visual impairment.