Geoffrey Barney is the superintendent of Missouri School for the Blind and a lifelong educator with a deep commitment to student success, equitable access, and thoughtful technology use. Featured in Chapter 3, “Burdens,” of The AI Toolkit for Librarians, Geoffrey brings an administrator’s perspective on both the promise and the challenges of AI in education.

This conversation explores how AI can support students with visual impairments, expand access to learning, and create new opportunities for cultural connection and authentic engagement. Geoffrey also discusses the tension between innovation and school technology restrictions, the importance of balancing safety with access, and why underserved communities must be included as AI becomes a larger part of education and everyday life.