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The Global Report on Assistive Technology Report (2022) suggests that an estimated 3.5 million people will require AT by 2050 globally. WHO estimates that, globally, over 2.5 billion individuals require AT, yet 90% lack access, affecting their education, health, and quality of life. There are 30 million Indians with disabilities, as per the 2011 census.

This initiative supports UNESCO’s mission to foster inclusive societies by underscoring AT’s vital role in advancing equity and achieving SDG aligning with global initiatives like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the WHO WHA 71.82 resolution. AT is critical for advancing inclusion, equity, human rights, universal health coverage, and multiple directly impacts UN SDGs, including 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

More than economic or technological revolution, an inner revolution that makes us see others as ourselves is the need of the hour. We must strive to love and serve all.

Amma
Unparalled Leadership

The guiding light of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

About

Amma has always emphasized the need to care for and support children with disabilities (CwDs). CWDs are often marginalized and excluded from the mainstream education system. They face several barriers to gaining access to quality education highlighting the need for timely interventions and educational support and meet their needs. The Amrita Institute for Differently Abled (video) and the Amrita Speech and Hearing Improvement School are two of Amma’s initiatives. 

The candidate must have passed 10+2 or an equThe UNESCO Chair is inspired by the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and Civil C20 Engagement Group, and the vision of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Chancellor’s, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), emphasis on compassion-driven research. The Chair also emphasizes digital transformation and inclusion by promoting equitable access, aiming to mitigate disparities exacerbated by the digital divide.

Amma has always emphasized the need to care for and support children with disabilities (CwDs). CWDs are often marginalized and excluded from the mainstream education system. They face several barriers to gaining access to quality education highlighting the need for timely interventions and educational support and meet their needs. The Amrita Institute for Differently Abled (video) and the Amrita Speech and Hearing Improvement School (ASHISH) are two of Amma’s initiatives. Inspired by Amma’s vision of compassion-driven research, the UNESCO Chair draws upon the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and deliberations from the Education and Digital Transformation Working Group, a part of the Civil 20 Engagement Group. The Chair is dedicated to advancing inclusive education with a focus on mitigating disparities caused by the digital divide through equitable access to educational resources and assistive technologies.

Objectives

UNESCO-ATE’s objectives and activities align with UNESCO’s mandate and complement global efforts.

Research & Development

A solid body of research on assistive technology (AT) aims to bolster institutional and governmental support for inclusive education policies.

Building Capacities and Communities of Practice

Seminars, conferences, and certificates aim to empower educators and stakeholders to integrate AT effectively, fostering a skilled community of practice.

Enhancing the Assistive Technology Ecosystem

Develop and facilitate the identification of low-cost AT innovations, including through competitions and linkage to PwD institutions and startups.

Promoting International Collaboration and Knowledge Dissemination

Promoting South-South and North-South cooperation with a focus on Africa through academic exchanges to disseminate knowledge through communication newsletters, networking platforms, and journals.

AI for Empowering Visual Abilities

Assistive Technologies for the Deaf community

AI-Enhanced Solutions for Neurodiversity

Assistive Innovation for Cognitive Impairment and Locomotory Skills

Assistive Technologies Transforming Speech Impairment

AI-Driven Solutions for Cognitive and Intellectual Differences

Projects

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ChalaChitra Vaachana: AI based Intelligent Audio Description Platform

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Sign Language Accessibility for e-Governance Services

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A Multi-dimensional Framework for Reading & Spelling Acquisition in Malayalam

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