Accessible AI Aids: Young Innovators Showcase Inclusive Tech

A range of disability-friendly technologies developed by young innovators was showcased at the BIDA auditorium at Agargaon in Dhaka on 21 May, Thursday, highlighting how artificial intelligence and digital innovation can improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Among the featured innovations was “EduAssist,” developed by innovators from University of Frontier, Bangladesh. The platform can transform educational documents into sign language and make learning materials accessible for hearing-impaired users through mobile phones. The innovation also integrates AI-powered features.

Innovator Murad Hossain said the technology aims to remove barriers faced by persons with disabilities. According to him, users will be able to upload any educational content in document form, and the system will automatically convert it into sign language.

Another innovation, the digital white cane “Avash Smart Cane,” is designed to help visually impaired users detect obstacles on roads and understand traffic signal alerts.

A battery-powered wheelchair titled “Customized Motorized Tricycle” enables physically challenged individuals to move independently across different locations through button-controlled operation. Meanwhile, the “Automatic Standing Chair” is designed not only to support sitting but also to help users stand up.

For hearing-impaired users, developers also showcased digital sign-language generation software. In addition, “Omniscient OCR” can convert printed text from any document into accessible Unicode format and read it aloud. The software can also perform customized analytical tasks as required.

In the morning, Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam visited the exhibition and observed the innovations in detail. After the visit, he expressed admiration for the projects and reiterated the government’s commitment to building an inclusive Bangladesh for all citizens.

State Minister for Social Welfare Advocate Farzana Sharmin Putul and a2i Project Director and Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Abdur Rafiq were also present at the event.

With support from a2i, the country is observing World Disability Day with the pledge to ensure equal digital opportunities for persons with disabilities.

At the national celebration of the day, five additional technology-friendly projects are set to receive awards. These projects include Online Police Clearance Certificate, Disability Information System, Gram Adalat Mobile Application, and EBL Sky Banking.

Speaking at the event, IT and accessibility expert Bhaskar Bhattacharya said legal notices would immediately be sent to mobile financial services (MFS) providers such as Nagad and bKash following complaints raised by persons with disabilities regarding accessibility barriers.

He said, “Bangladesh first — only when everyone has digital access. This is not charity; it is our constitutional right.”

DBTech/IH/MIM/OR