The Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is researching the design and usability of OctoStudio, a free creative coding app that young people can use to make interactive stories and games.

At the NFB National Convention in Austin on July 4 and 5, MIT will offer playtests for young people who use screen readers (ages 10 to 17) to try OctoStudio, a free app for creating stories and games. Each playtest will last about 45 minutes. Your child's feedback will help improve the app, and they'll receive a small toy or game for participating.

The playtests will be offered on July 4th and July 5th, 2026, at the JW Marriott Austin. If you are interested in signing up for a playtest, please fill out the information below and a research team member will contact you to schedule a time.

Child's First Name

Child's Last Name

Parent/Caregiver First name

Parent/Caregiver Last Name

Parent/Caregiver Email Address

Phone Number

Please select which day(s) are best for your child to participate in a playtest session at the National Federation for the Blind at the 2026 National Convention in Austin, Texas: (check all that apply)

July 4

July 5

My child is not available to participate in a playtest session on those days