Microsoft announces $25 million AI for Accessibility program

Today is the first day of Microsoft's Build 2018 developer conference, and the day one keynote focuses on things like AI and the intelligent edge. At the event, the company announced AI for Accessibility, a $25 million, five-year initiative that aims to give AI tools to developers for them to create accessible AI solutions for people with disabilities. Microsoft says that globally, one in 10 people with a disability has access to any kind of assistive technology, and artificial intelligence can be a game-changer. Led by Chief Accessibility Officer Jenny Lay-Flurrie, the program will offer grants to developers, universities, NGOs, and inventors to develop new AI-based solutions for those with disabilities. After the seed grants are given, Microsoft says that it will provide larger investments in the projects that show the most promise.