Assistive Technology

Technological advancements and internet accessibility over the past decade have made the concept of connecting everyday objects to the internet a useful reality. Therefore, we believe it is time to start taking action to use assistive technologies in general, such as electronic devices, applications, and other technological products and services, as well as the Internet of Things, to support people with disabilities, including those with hearing or visual impairments, mobility limitations, and others.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Telecom Egypt, with support from Microsoft Egypt and the Yomken.com platform, is launching an innovation challenge as part of the Youth Leadership Program initiated by the UNDP Regional Program in Arab countries. This program aims to support young change-makers to create creative, impactful, and sustainable solutions.

For more information and to submit your solution, click here!

This challenge seeks innovations that use process technologies to solve problems and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in one of the following areas:

• Accessibility: public spaces and transportation

• Education: educational tools for people with disabilities

• Employment: skills development and access to job opportunities

• Health and Early Intervention: basic healthcare services and early interventions to prevent disability

Who can apply?

• Teams must consist of at least three members

• Applicants must be between 19 and 35 years old

• Teams with female members are strongly encouraged to apply

Selection criteria:

• Impact: including accessibility, affordability, and long-term sustainability of the solution

• Level of innovation

• Clear and well-defined users

• Marketability and commercial potential

• Team diversity and skill set

For more information and to submit your solution, click here!

Requirements:

• An advanced prototype explicitly using assistive technologies or the Internet of Things, clearly targeting people with disabilities, especially in the following subtopics:

  • Accessibility to public spaces and transportation

  • Education

  • Employment and labor

  • Health and early intervention to prevent disability

• The prototype must be in Arabic or have an Arabic version.

For more information and to submit your solution, click here!