Edtech Startup Ello Supports Local DC Hospitals: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital & Children’s National
WASHINGTON (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ello, a groundbreaking edtech startup, is making a significant impact by supporting children hospitalized at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. The company, known for developing the world’s most advanced AI reading app, is donating iPads, hundreds of early-age children’s books, and providing free access to the Ello app to help children during their long-term care stays.
The initiative aims to address the issue of learning loss that chronically ill children often face while hospitalized. According to a report from the American Association of Pediatrics, children with chronic disorders who require frequent hospitalizations experience loss of school days and poor academic achievement. On average, students with multiple disabilities are absent from school for 28.9 days each time they are hospitalized.
Katie Wallace, child life coordinator at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, emphasized the importance of supporting young patients in long-term care, especially in terms of literacy. She stated, “Our young patients need a lot of support, including literacy support, so they don’t fall behind while they’re not in the classroom. Ello’s donation will give them the chance to read fun, engaging stories to lift their spirits while working on their literacy skills during their hospital stay.”
Dr. Elizabeth Adams, co-founder of Ello and a Licensed Clinical Child Psychologist, has firsthand experience working with families in hospital settings. She recognized the significant impact of learning loss among young patients, particularly those in specialties like oncology who are absent from school for extended periods. Dr. Adams shared, “I’m thrilled that Ello can be part of a solution for these patients and their families, to help with the literacy support they need while they are hospitalized.”
Ello’s donation of iPads, books, and access to the Ello app not only aims to support children’s literacy skills but also to bring joy and engagement during their hospital stay. The company’s co-founder, Dr. Adams, along with her team, will be working closely with hospital staff to ensure that the resources provided cater to the unique needs of each child.
Subheadings:
1. Ello’s Impact on Childhood Literacy Support
2. Dr. Elizabeth Adams’s Journey to Founding Ello
3. Ello’s Growth and Success in the Edtech Industry
Ello’s Impact on Childhood Literacy Support
Dr. Adams brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Ello, with a background in assessing, diagnosing, and treating children with developmental differences. Her research has focused on areas such as parent stress and support, cognitive and academic development, and language and literacy acquisition, particularly for children with hearing loss. Through her clinical internship at Children’s National Hospital, Dr. Adams witnessed the effects of frequent chronic and long-term hospitalizations on children’s learning, which ultimately influenced her decision to create Ello.
Since its inception in 2020, Ello has made significant strides in the field of education technology. Dr. Adams, along with her co-founders Tom Sayer and Catalin Moreno Voss, merged their expertise in child development and technology to create Ello, an AI-powered reading tutor designed to support children’s literacy development. The company has grown exponentially, serving tens of thousands of children and earning recognition as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2024.
Dr. Adams’s commitment to addressing childhood illiteracy has been recognized through her inclusion on the Inc. 2024 Female Founders 250 List, showcasing Ello’s impressive growth in revenue and subscriber base. The company’s AI-powered coaching platform aims to provide personalized support to children, regardless of their resources, to maximize their learning potential.
Dr. Elizabeth Adams’s Journey to Founding Ello
Dr. Elizabeth Adams’s journey to founding Ello began with her clinical work supporting families in hospital settings, where she observed the impact of learning loss on young patients. Her dedication to child development and commitment to addressing the needs of hospitalized children led her to create Ello, a platform focused on supporting children’s literacy skills through innovative technology.
Driven by her passion for child development and learning, Dr. Adams collaborated with her co-founders to create Ello, a Public Benefits Corporation dedicated to making a positive impact on childhood illiteracy. Their AI-powered reading companion utilizes speech recognition and generative AI to engage children in critical reading skills as they read out loud, providing personalized instruction to maximize their learning potential.
Ello’s Growth and Success in the Edtech Industry
Since its founding, Ello has experienced rapid growth and success in the edtech industry. The company successfully raised a Series A round of funding last summer, allowing them to expand their team to 40 members globally and establish offices in Brazil, New York, and San Francisco. Ello’s innovative approach to childhood literacy support has garnered recognition from investors such as Y Combinator, Goodwater, Project A, and Homebrew.
Ello’s commitment to addressing childhood illiteracy through personalized instruction and innovative technology has positioned them as a leader in the field of education technology. The company’s focus on providing 1:1 instruction to children, regardless of their resources, highlights their dedication to maximizing the learning potential of all students.
Conclusion
Ello’s partnership with local DC hospitals, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Children’s National Hospital, exemplifies the company’s commitment to supporting children in need. Through their donation of iPads, books, and free access to the Ello app, Ello is helping to address the issue of learning loss among chronically ill children during their hospital stays. Dr. Elizabeth Adams’s dedication to child development and learning has been instrumental in Ello’s success, as the company continues to make significant strides in the field of education technology. With a focus on personalized instruction and innovative technology, Ello is making a positive impact on childhood literacy and the lives of children in hospitals.
