Through our work in the Microsoft AI for Accessibility program, we have learned there are big gaps in mental health services around the globe. In some countries, there may only be one mental health professional per 100,000 people. When paired with the reality that 1 in 5 people have a mental health condition, we are asking how technology can and should be involved. In February, we shared our call for project proposals that aim to accelerate mental health research, data insights, and innovations using AI, and today we want to highlight the projects we're supporting. Of the 89% of people who screened positive for major depression through Mental Health America's online survey last year, 79% do not want to pursue psychotherapy or medications, yet 50% want access to digital tools.

WBCSD's Future of Work project brings together the insights, innovation and influence of leading companies to develop solutions for better work – today and in the future. Our vision, in which people work to thrive, personally, professionally and as active members of society, applies to all current and potential workers. Mainstreaming inclusion and valuing diversity are therefore an essential requirement when developing business solutions that will shape the future of work. Microsoft's AI for Accessibility initiative is an example of how business can support innovations that help people with disabilities overcome barriers to equal opportunities in employment, communication and daily life. Announced in 2018, this USD $25 million grant program rewards passionate developers, startups, universities and non-profits who are building and sharing game-changing AI solutions that enable increased independence and productivity of people with disabilities.

How did you learn to talk? Probably something like this: Your infant brain, a hotbed of neurological activity, picked up on your parents' speech tones and facial expressions. You started to mimic their sounds, interpret their emotions and identify relatives from strangers. And one day, about a year into life, you pointed and started saying a few meaningful words with slobbery glee. But many children, particularly those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, acquire language in different ways.

How did you learn to talk? Probably something like this: Your infant brain, a hotbed of neurological activity, picked up on your parents' speech tones and facial expressions. You started to mimic their sounds, interpret their emotions and identify relatives from strangers. And one day, about a year into life, you pointed and started saying a few meaningful words with slobbery glee. But many children, particularly those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, acquire language in different ways.

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.