Microsoft announces AI program for individuals with disabilities

Cara Livernois | | Health Exec | Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft has announced "A.I. for Accessibility," a new program to fund research into using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve care for those with disabilities.

Microsoft Tries a New Role: Moral Leader

“A.I. for Accessibility” was announced by Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella, whose son was born with cerebral palsy. The program will award $25 million over five years to researchers and developers using AI to improve the quality of life of those with disabilities.

“The irony for Microsoft is that they lost in search, they lost in social networks and they lost in mobile, and as a consequence, they have avoided the recent pushback from governments and media,” said David Yoffie, a professor at the Harvard Business School. “This has given Microsoft the freedom to take the high road as the ethical leader in technology.”

Read the full story below:

""
Cara Livernois, News Writer

Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.

Related Content

Advancing AI for vascular surgery will require a commitment to data integrity
From Capitol Hill to a hospital near you? 5 federal recommendations for healthcare AI policy
Healthcare AI regulation needs nuance, balance: Research review
New AI program delivers rapid, accurate echo video assessments
ICU diary-keeping: There’s an AI for that
FDA commissioner urges health systems to strengthen AI quality oversight

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

AI in Healthcare
From Capitol Hill to a hospital near you? 5 federal recommendations for healthcare AI policy

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Cardiovascular Business
Merck spends up to $2B to license new weight loss drug with potential heart benefits

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.