Empower 2024

Our Schedule

Click here to register for attending the sessions

8:00 AM -9:30 AM

Registration

Theme 1: AT in ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION

9:30 to 3:30 : Daksha
Hall 3
Sarala Ramkamal

Session 1A: Accessible Content Development (including STEM content)

By Ms. Sarala Ramkamal, Chakshumathi NGO

9:30 AM -12:30 PM
Hall 5
Dr.John Gardner

Session1B : Accessible Graphics, past, present, and future

By Mr. John Gardner, Founder-View plus

2:00 PM- 5:00 PM
Hall 7
ISL

Session 1C :Classroom inclusivity through basic Indian Sign Language (ISL)

By Mr. Lijo Reji & Mr. Mohsin Dosani, ISL Team

Theme 2: AT PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Hall 6 - 304
Kanthari LOGO

Session 2 A: Challenges, changes, and chances

By Ms. Sabriye Tenberken, NGO Kanthari & Team

2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Hall 4
Aravind Suresh

Session 2 B: Patent Search and Provisional Filing for Early-Stage Startups

By Mr. Aravind Suresh, NCAHT-NISH

2 PM- 5 PM
Hall 5 - 505
 Jaidev

Session 2 C : Designing Adaptive Solutions for Visually Challenged Learners.

By Mr. Jaidev G and Assistive Technology Team, ICFOSS

Theme 3: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVING ADAPTIVE FUNCTIONING AND HELP ELDERLY POPULATION

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Hall 4 -401
Dr. Shovan Saha

Session 3 A:Designing of low-tech frugal devices to empower compromised hands using low- temperature thermoplastics

By Dr. Shovan Saha, Associate Professor & Guide [for MOT in Hand & Musculoskeletal Condition]

2 PM- 5 PM
Hall 6
Dr Sindhu

Session 3B:: Assisitve Technology for Elderly

By Dr. Sindhu, Fire NGO

Theme 4 : STARTUPS AND INVESTORS MEET

Special Registration Required

9:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Marigold

Workshop: Managing and Delivering on Funding (plenary)

By Attvaran by GDI Hub. Attvaran, an AT startup accelerator in colaboration with GDI Hub, IIT Delhi and Chennai

10:30 - 11:30 am
Marigold

Panel Discussion: Investing in Assistive Technology Startups

10:30 – 11:30 am
Tulip HALL

Pitching session 1 (for grants)

for Angel and VCs only

11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Tulip HALL and Marigold HALL

Pitching Session (for both tracks)

for Angel and VCs only

1:30 - 2:30 pm
Tulip HALL and Marigold HALL

Pitching Session (for both tracks)

for Angel and VCs only

1:30 - 2:30 pm
Tulip HALL and Marigold HALL

Pitching Session (for both tracks)

for Angel and VCs only

2:30 - 3:30 pm
Tulip HALL and Marigold HALL

Pitching Session (for both tracks)

for Angel and VCs only

4:00 - 5:00 pm
Tulip HALL and Marigold HALL

Grant Ceremony (plenary)

for Angel and VCs only

5:00 pm onwards
Networking

Grant Ceremony (plenary)

Participants for the Attvaran Event

Venue : Main Hall 1 Marigold Auditorium

09:30 - 10:15
Prof  Saji Gopinath

Key Note : Assistive Technology for Sustainability and Social Innovation.

By Prof. Saji Gopinath, Vice Chancellor Digital University Kerala and KTU

10:15 - 11:00
Prof Ravi Pooviah

Key Note : Design and Innovation eco-system for the needs of Persons with Disabilities in India

By Prof. Ravi Pooviah, Professor - IDC, IIT Bombay

11:00 - 11:15
arman ali

Launching of AT hub connect - NCPEDP

By Mr. Arman Ali, Executive Director- NCPEDP

Session 1A: Exploring Next-Generation Mobility Solutions
Convener: Mr. Nekram, Co-convener - Ms. Shyni M.T

Venue : Tulip

11:30 - 11:50
invited talk

Invited Talk : OnBorad devices for Assistive Technologies

By Prof.Bala, Professor-IIT Delhi and Mr. Pulkit Sapra, Co-Founder, RLF and IWAYPLUS

11:55 - 12:10
invited talk

Invited Talk: Lab-to-Market Transitions in Assistive-Tech: Conventional Vs Emerging Mobility Solutions

By Mr. Subhash N N, Scientist/Engineer, Department of Medical Device Engineering, SCTIMST

12:10 - 12:25
exibitors presentation

Exhibitors Presentation

By Mr. Binu, Ostrich Mobility

12:25 - 12:40
exibitors presentation

Paper 6 - Stance Control Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis: From Concept to Product Architecture and Configuration Design

By Mr. Subhash N. N, Mr. Sumith S. and Mr. Muraleedharan C. V

12:40 - 12:55
exibitors presentation

Paper 22 - A Novel Approach for Teaching Geo-Spatial Awareness Among Visually Impaired Students: A Case Study With Kerala Digital Tactile Map

By Mr. Jaidev G, Ms. Divya C U, Mr. Vaisakh V, Ms. Sreelekshmi J L, Mr.Sooraj S S and Dr. Sunil T

Session 2A Building up of Assistive Technology Ecosystem
Convener: Dr Akila Surendran ,Co-convener - Ms. Sherin Rahman

Venue : Main Hall 1 Marigold Auditorium

11:30 - 13:00
Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion: The Role of National and International Organizations in Advancing Assistive Technology

By Dr Muhammed Asheel, National Professional Officer,WHO& Mr. Arman Ali, Executive Director NCPEDP & Dr. N.S Senthil Kumar,Chief Executive Officer at The Association of People with Disability& Dr. Ashoo Grover, ICMR

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch Break and Visit to Exhibition

Session 1B: Breaking Communication Barriers through Assistive Technology
Convener: Dr. Vineetha Sara Philip (NISH), Dr Namita Jacob (Chetana Trust)

Venue : Main Hall 2 : Tulip

14:00 - 14:20
invited talk

Invited talk: The role of assistive technology in Augmentative and Alternative Communication in India and the way forward

Ms. Kalpana Botta

14:25 - 14:45
invited talk

Invited talk: A sojourn with a silent writer

Ms. Aditi Sowmyanarayan

14:50 - 15:05
exibitors presentation

Exhibitors Presentation

Avaz Inc

15.05 - 15:20
exibitors presentation

Exhibitors Presentation

Dextroware Devices

15:20 - 15:35
scientific talk

Paper 1 : Semantic Exploration of Visual Data Using Indexed Key Board Navigation for the Visually Impaired

Mr. Sanchit Ghule, Mr. Volker Sorge and Mr. Tiju Thomas

15:35 - 15:50
scientific talk

Paper 2: Validation of Tele-Based Auditory Training Module in Tamil for Children With Hearing Loss

Ms. Praveena J, Ms. P Akshya, Mr. Rajkumar R and Ms. Haamidha Nasreen U

Session 2B: Assistive Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Convener:Dr Manohar Swaminathan, Co-convener: Ms Raji NR

Venue : Marigold Auditorium

14:00 - 14:20
Prof.Sunil.S

Invited Talk : The role of FOSS in enhancing the reach of AI for Accessibility

Prof.Sunil T.T, Director-ICFOSS

14:20 - 14:40
Invited Talk

Invited Talk :AI and Accessibility Tools built into MSFT Products

Ms. Nidhi Jain, Microsoft

14:40 - 15:00
Invited Talk

Invited Talk : Unlocking Possibilities: How AI transforms accessibility for people with disabilities

Ms.Madhu Bala Sharma, Program Manager(Inclusive eXperiences and Technologies,Amazon)

15:00 - 15:15
scientific talk

Question and Answer Session for Tech Demo

Combined Q&A

15:20 - 15:35
scientific talk

Paper 12: AI for Accessibility: An Autoethnographic Exploration of the Use of AI in the Life of a Congenitally Blind Person

Ms. O. Aishwarya

15:35 - 15:50
scientific talk

Paper 7 : From Past to Future: A Decadal Exploration of Assistive Technology Policies (1994-2024) - Charting Global Trends, Focused Insights on Developing Nations

Mr. Riyas Kolopram Kandy

16:00 - 16:20
Invited talk

Invited talk:Emerging AI tools for people with vision impairment in India

Ms. Vidhya Y, Founder, Vision Empower Trust

16:20 - 17:50
Invited talk

Interactive Exploration : AI And Assistive technology: Lived expereinces and Aspirations Moderated by Dr Manohar Swaminathan

Dr. Anita Ghai (Professor - Ambedkar university Delhi) , Mr Sayodeb Mukherjee (Enable india) ,Ms Vidhya Y(Vision Empower Trust) Mr Arun Panayappan (Google),Ms Nidhi Jain (Microsoft), Mr Rahul Jain (Yunikee accessibility services for the Deaf)

17:50 - 18:00
Invited talk

Summary of Session

Dr Manohar Swaminathan (Microsoft Research)

Session 1C: Assistive Technology and Accessibility
Convener: Prof. Amit Prakash

Venue : Tulip

16:30 - 16:50
Invited talk

Invited talk: Beyond Consumers: Redefining Disability through Co-Invention and Expertise in Assistive Technology

Ms. Sabriye and team, Kanthari

16:50-17:10
Dr Mohammed Asheel

Invited talk: Tech for Inclusion: Empowering Live

Dr Mohammed Asheel, National Professional Officer WHO, India

17:10 - 17:30
Prof Gaurav Raheja

Invited talk: Assistance by Design and Design by Empathy

Prof Gaurav Raheja, Department of Architecture & Planning, IIT Roorkee

17:30 - 17:45
exibitors presentation

Exhibitors Presentation

Iwayplus Pvt Ltd

Session 3A: Student Design Challenge
MC - Mr. Deepuraj/ Ms. Lekha S Nair

Venue : Daksha

11:30 - 13:00
Panel Discussion

Student Design Challenge - Finals Presentation

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch Break and Visit to Exhibition

14:00 - 14:30
Panel Discussion

Student Design Challenge - Finals Presentation

Session 3B: Scientific Poster Presentations
Scientific Committee Member - Dr. Lakshmi S Mohan

Venue : Daksha

14:30 - 16:00
Panel Discussion

Scientific Poster Presentation

Paper Identity Number: 5, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24

Session 2C: Building Policies and Initiatives for an Inclusive Community
Moderator:Mr Mohan Sundaram (CEO & Founding Director, Artilab)

Venue : Daksha

16:30 - 18:00
Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion: Assistive Technology in Facilitating Employment and Career Advancement

Dr Salaj Rana (Scientist, ICMR), Mr Dipendra Manocha (Director, DAISY consortium) , Dr K G Satheesh Kumar (Distinguished Visiting Professor, Digital University,Kerala),Mr Arman Ali ( Executive Director, NCPEDP), Mr Vineet Sairawala ( Founder, Atypical Advantage), Ms Leena Singh (Zomato)

09:30 - 10:15
Prof Anita Ghai

Key Note :There's no limit to what we can do!!! From a Critical Disability Studies Perspective

By Prof Anita Ghai, Professor - Ambedkar university Delhi

10:15 - 11:00
Arun Panyappan

Key Note

By Dr. Arun Panyappan, Senior Engineering Manager - Google

Session 3A: Assistive Technology Solutions and employability
Convener: George (Enable India), Co-conveners: Sreebha Sreedhar

Venue : Tulip

11:45 - 12:05
Invited talk

Invited talk:

Ms Leena Singh, Zomato

12:05 - 12:25
Invited talk

Invited talk: Accessibility in Manufaturing and Industrial settings: Accommodating disability in physical workspaces

Mr Vineeth (Atypical Advantage)

12:30 - 12:45
Invited talk

Paper 4 - Iris: Encouraging Self-Learning of Tactiles Among Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Mr. Rajagopal Nagarajan, Ms. Devidatta Ghosh and Ms. Ramita Paul

12:45 - 13:00
Invited talk

Paper 8 - Understanding Technology Usage and Challenges of Teachers With Visual Impairments in India

Ms. Tarini Naik, Ms. Roshni Poddar, Mr. Venkatesh Deshpande and Mr. Manohar Swaminathan

Session 4A : Assitive Technology and unseen challenges/invisible disabilities
Convener: Dr Amit Prakash, Co -convener: Arya Manoharan

Venue : Marigold Auditorium

11:45 - 12:05
Invited talk

Invited Talk: Intellectual disability: Its nature and role of technology

Dr Vaishali Pai (Founder-Director Tamahar Trust)

12:05 - 12:25
Invited talk

Invited Talk: Becoming an Independent Learner: Role of Assistive Technology

Ms Reena Gupta

12:30 - 12:50
Invited talk

Invited Talk:

Mr Sayomdeb Mukerjee, Enable India

12:50 - 13:05
Invited talk

Invited Talk: Samarthanam’ Experience on Introducing various technologies for children and adult with intellectual disabilities, challenges faced and the need for more advanced technologies to enhance functional abilities

Mr Shivram Deshpande, Enable India

Main Hall

Venue : Marigold Auditorium

14:30 - 15:30
Panel Discussion

Voice of Consumers : Opporunities and Challenges in using AT
Convener: Dipendra Manocha

Dr Shovan Saha ,Dr Manoj, Dr Sujesh Sreedharan , SCTIMST (Brain computer Interface ) ,Ms. Vidhya ramkumar (prithvi hi) Mr. Pranav Saiwal ,Rohith , Ms. Bhavana Bhotta , Mr.Deepak ,. Ms. Smrithi Rajesh ,Mr. Suraj Senjam (AIIMS, Delhi)

15:30 - 16:30
Panel Discussion

Panel discussion : Empowering AT startups-From Concept to Market Sucess

Dr Prathheek Madhav ,Mr Praveen ( Dextroware) ,Mr Sidharth Daha (Neomotion)

16:30 - 17:00

Closing ceremony

Closing ceremony - Coordinator & MC - Ms. Arya Manoharan

Conlcuding remarks of EMPOWER 2024 - Dr Suja K Kunnath, Executive Director, NISH

Particiapant feedback
SDC winners announcement
Introduction to EMPOWER 2025