Needs Analysis for Developing Interactive Multimedia to Enhance Literacy and Numeracy Skills in Students with Special Needs

Abstract: Special needs students at Baiturrahman Sondosia SLB rely on Braille and printed books for reading and arithmetic, which presents challenges in grasping complex concepts such as the structure and relative sizes of planets in the solar system. This limitation affects their engagement with reading, comprehension, and arithmetic, while also highlighting the lack of diverse learning media in the school. This study evaluated the literacy and numeracy skills of 19 special needs students (blind and deaf) aged 14–16 years, comprising 12 girls and 7 boys. The research involved a two-hour session attended by parents and teachers, with 12 parents and one teacher responding to a survey questionnaire. The findings revealed that blind and deaf students possess foundational literacy and numeracy skills that can be further enhanced through innovative approaches. To address these needs, this research utilized the MIT App Inventor Version 2, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop interactive multimedia focused on the solar system. This approach demonstrates potential for improving student engagement and learning outcomes in literacy and numeracy. Keywords: Special Needs Students, Multimedia Interactive, literacy, numeration.