Microsoft APAC AI for Accessibility Hackathon 2023….

The Microsoft APAC AI for Accessibility Hackathon 2023 successfully concluded at Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) University recently. Recognized as a platform for young developers to create solutions harnessing AI to solve real-world challenges faced by people with disabilities (PwD), Microsoft APAC AI for Accessibility Hackathon enables students to generate ideas that would transform lives and build an inclusive world.

Furthering the Microsoft mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, the Microsoft APAC AI for Accessibility Hackathon was designed to cover areas around daily life, employment, communication, and accessible education. Problem statements that highlighted issues faced by PwD were compiled under the theme ‘Nothing for us without us’ in collaboration with global non-profit organizations working on disability inclusion. Based on these statements, students were expected to design solutions that provided PwD with equal access to day-to-day activities.

The top ten teams from SLIIT presented their ideas, and Team HearMe emerged winners with their proposed Self-exploration based Interactive Learning Tool for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and use cochlear implants or hearing aids that help provide a sense of sound. From a young age, children who are deaf or hard of hearing are often guided to learn sign language even if they use hearing aids, though they can be encouraged to communicate verbally. This leads to language deprivation, where the child receives limited exposure to language during the critical period of language development. Now with the AI-powered solution presented by Team HearMe, children who are deaf or hard of hearing have a companion in their language learning journey. Team HearMe understands that every child is unique and deserves to have learning methods tailored to their needs. With the HearMe Mobile Application, children have access to personalized learning material that has both auditory and visual stimulation with the support of an in-app Speech Therapist, ensuring speech perception and language development. Team HearMe, as well as all the other teams who presented their ideas, reflected the deep commitment the students had to forging an accessible future with assistive technology.