The Microsoft is seeking proposals for the AI for Accessibility Grants to empower work through grants, investments of technology, and expertise.

AI for Accessibility grants support projects that use AI to empower people living with disabilities. They are 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. They want to invest in ideas that are developed by or with people with disabilities.

Microsoft works with partners in three important areas of focus:

• 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 them, at any time, based on temporary, situational, or permanent issues. They 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.

Funding Information

In addition to Azure compute credits worth $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 (depending on your project 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.

Eligibility Criteria

Microsoft invites 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.

For more information, visit Microsoft.