AI for Accessibility grants support projects that use AI to empower people living with disabilities. Microsoft is looking for individuals or teams who are not only passionate about making the world more inclusive, but also firmly rooted in the communities they intend to benefit. We want to invest in ideas that are developed by or with people with disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
Invite applications from developers, NGO’s, academics, researchers, and inventors to accelerate their work for people with disabilities. This is a global program: Grant applications from all countries are eligible.
Research Areas
Daily life
Over 1 billion people around the world live with disabilities, but only 1 in 10 have access to the assistive technology they need. Accessible, affordable technology allows people with disabilities to participate in an inclusive society and economy. AI solutions for smart cities, transportation, and education can improve daily life for people with disabilities.
Communication and connection
For people with disabilities, assistive communication tools are critical. Communication challenges can affect any of us, at any time, based on temporary, situational, or permanent issues. We support AI projects that create and advance connections through inclusive and assistive tools.
Employment
Globally, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 2-3 times that of people without. And in the US, this has not substantially changed in the last 30 years since the establishment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). AI can improve engagement in the workplace via projects that leverage shared data and tools to empower this untapped talent pool.
Grant Size
Grant size are $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 (depending on project scope and needs).
Application Dateline: 15 December 2020
Retrieved from:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-for-accessibility-grants/