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.”

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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.

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