YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge - Grand Finale

Abstract

The session opened with a brief overview of the CAGS “AI Innovation and Inclusion” (A4I) programme, highlighting AI‑driven solutions for visually‑impaired children. A case‑book launch ceremony introduced six compendiums that document real‑world AI applications for accessibility. The ceremony was followed by a keynote by the Joint Secretary of DEPWD, who traced the evolution of disability legislation in India (UNCRPD → RPWD Act 2016) and illustrated how AI is being applied across built‑environment, transport, ICT, health, education and independent living. The speaker emphasized recent government initiatives (e.g., “One Diyang Sahara Yojna”) and the need for AI‑enabled assistive technologies, early diagnosis, and inclusive education.

Detailed Summary

• Safirulla K described A4I as a Microsoft‑IIIT Bangalore partnership aiming to turn cutting‑edge AI into digital public goods.
• Highlighted a pilot with Vision Empower to provide AI‑based learning tools for blind children, moving beyond simple reading aids to STEM proficiency.
• Mentioned the upcoming Case‑Book Version 2 (expected 2025) that will catalogue such solutions.

2. Launch of Six AI Impact Compendiums

• Invited accessibility partners to the stage for a collective launch.
• Explained that each compendium presents real‑world impact (autonomy, participation, quality‑of‑life improvements).
• Emphasized that digital copies are now publicly available; physical copies will be distributed post‑summit.

3. Keynote – Legal & Policy Context (DEPWD)

• Historical background: UN GA adopted the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) (Dec 2006); India ratified (Oct 2007).
• Enacted the RPWD Act 2016, which embeds the eight UNCRPD principles; accessibility & inclusion are highlighted as twin pillars.
• Current accessibility focus: built environment (buildings, transport), ICT, and AI‑driven information‑access tools (e.g., building‑accessibility apps).

4. AI‑Enabled Assistive Solutions

• Universal Design of Learning (UDL): AI can tailor curricula for diverse learning needs.
• Assistive hardware: AI‑enhanced orthoses, prosthetics, and AI‑driven speech‑language systems for early diagnosis.
• Discussed ongoing projects: AI tools for neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, ADHD, specific‑learning disabilities) using computer‑vision, speech analysis, adaptive learning.

5. Ethical & Cultural Considerations

• Stressed informed consent, data privacy, and the necessity of culturally‑sensitive AI deployment.
• Cautioned that AI tools must respect local social norms, especially in multicultural societies like India.

6. Closing & Acknowledgements

• Acknowledged partners: IIIT Bangalore, AI Mission, Changing Foundation, and DDEC.
• Invited attendees to explore the digital case‑books and encouraged further collaborations.

Key Takeaways

• The A4I initiative embeds AI into inclusive education for visually‑impaired children, advancing from mere accessibility to full STEM participation.
• Six AI impact compendiums provide concrete evidence that AI can enhance autonomy and quality of life for persons with disabilities.
• The RPWD Act 2016 and UNCRPD principles anchor AI‑driven accessibility policies in India’s legislative framework.
• AI‑enabled assistive technologies (orthoses, speech analysis, adaptive learning) are already being piloted for early diagnosis and rehabilitation.
• Ethical safeguards (informed consent, data privacy, cultural relevance) are essential for responsible AI deployment in the disability sector.

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Session 2 – YUVAi Global Youth Challenge – Grand Finale

Session Format – Panel‑style showcase → team presentations → jury Q&A (three thematic panels).

Speakers – All presenters are student teams (identified by UI numbers) and the jury comprised of the eight officials listed in the original speaker list.

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