The Microsoft AI for Accessibility Grants program is calling for project proposals that will drive AI-based innovations in education and promote equity for students with disabilities. The AI for Accessibility Grants program is a call to action for developers, NGOs, academics, institutions, and tech startups who are willing to co-design AI-powered projects and products with students, parents, and teachers with disabilities, thereby creating an equal playing field within the education ecosystem.
The initiative aims to support projects that leverage AI to empower people living with disabilities as well as invest in innovative ideas that are developed by or with people with disabilities. Being a global program, grant applications from all countries in the world are invited.
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In addition to Azure compute credits worth $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 (depending on the project, its scope, and needs), these grants cover costs related to collecting or labeling data, developing models, or other engineering-related work. Applications are evaluated on their scientific merit, innovative use of AI technology, and potential for scalability.
The community of AI for Accessibility grantees also stands to receive Azure developer support, resources, and opportunities to collaborate and showcase their work.
Applicants’ project proposal is expected to describe the accessibility challenge addressed, the technical solution proposed, and its potential impact on people with disabilities. Please follow the application form and be as specific as possible. Review the proposal requirements document for further information. Moreso, those that do not meet all the requirements are advised to connect to someone in their community who can support them and partner on an application.
Interested applicants are advised to submit their project proposal at https://ai4prod.microsoftcrmportals.com/AIAcccessibilityGrantApplication/ as
proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed a few times a year. The next deadline is Friday, July 30, 2021.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry