Assistive Technology Accelerator
ATA
Started in 2019, Samarthanam’s Assistive Technology Accelerator saw participation of 22 startups specializing in Assistive Technology during conclave in 2019. Samarthanam, through ATA, aspires to reach people with disabilities through technology at an affordable cost. This unit demonstrates unique tech solutions for people with disabilities in an inclusive and livelihood setup. ATA acts as an information hub for all the technology solutions for people with disabilities.
ATA Brochure
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22Start Ups participation in ATA Conclave
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2Pilot projects of ATA
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1Summer 2019 Cohort
- The summer 2019 cohort saw the participation of 22 startups, with 11 startups mentored by ATA.
- The pilot programme had two shortlisted tech solutions, Bleetech (offering design and technology-based solutions for the deaf community) and Eye-D (an app for the visually impaired which helps in navigation and reading), which provides training.
- Industry Leaders in Marketing/ Branding, CSR partnerships, Government Policies and Market access conducted Knowledge-rich expert sessions
- Samarthanam introduced technology solutions like smart class, Avaz App, JAWS, Science and Tinker Labs and Digital Library, benefiting 300 plus children with and without disabilities
- Samarthanam’s Digitalization of Government Schools brought 240 plus mainstream schools pan India in 16 states digitalized through smart classrooms.
- Samarthanam distributed Kibo Desk devices to 2000 students from 27 colleges.
- One thousand higher education students from different colleges were provided with Tabs by Samarthanam during the pandemic resulting in enrolment, retainment and promotion of students with disabilities to the next grade.
- Teachers and Faculty are provided with Tabs by Samarthanam for online sessions.
- TINKER LABS set up by Samarthanam imbibe futuristic skill sets among students to empower and encourage them to design authentic, integrated STEM project-based learning. In addition, it engages them by fostering creativity and curiosity. Tinker lab contains educational and “do it yourself” kits and equipment on – science, electronics, robotics, open source microcontroller boards, sensors and 3D printers. The School Teachers are empowered to use the resources and conduct tinker sessions for students. It has helped the students to enhance their critical thinking skills and lateral thinking.
Smart Class Training
Assistive Devices
JAWS & NVDA Demo
- Strengthen the ATA unit as a Social Enterprise by introducing technology solutions.
- Organize a Conclave on Assistive Technologies for persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in February 2023 to bring together various stakeholders in the Assistive Technologies (AT) value chain and provide a common platform for dialogue addressing the challenges in building an AT ecosystem in India. The stakeholders include researchers, innovators, users, voluntary organizations, industries, practitioners, and policymakers.
- Distribute Saarthi and Smart Vision Glasses during the conclave.
- Map 25 special schools and introduce innovative technologies in a year to benefit children with disabilities.
- Create a digital accessible IT park for persons with disabilities in the next three years to serve as a Center of Excellence.
- Explore opportunities in Training, Certifications, and UX research.
- Creating accessibility features in smart board,
- Adding accessible content in smart boards in Samarthanam campus
- Creating accessible training content on IT, English language, basic etiquettes for hearing impaired trainees.
- Kivi device for audiometry test without sound proof room and hearing tests for school going children is in process. Samarthanam plans to expand this to many mainstream schools.
Samarthanam’s primary approach is to adopt and use technology that benefits all, as we believe in making everyone inclusive in Society rather than excluding them. Technology is a blessing that excites and inspires and unlocks potential by breaking down barriers.
