Welcome to Empower 2024, hosted by the National Institute of Speech and Hearing , a premier event dedicated to advancing the field of assistive technology. As we embark on this journey of innovation and inclusivity, we invite researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts from around the world to share their groundbreaking work and insights. Empower 2024 aims to showcase cutting-edge research papers that explore various facets of assistive technology, encompassing tools, devices, and software designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This event provides a platform for experts to present their findings, discuss emerging trends, and collaborate on creating solutions that empower individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

• Exploring Next-Generation Mobility Solutions
• Building up of Assistive Technology Ecosystem
• Breaking Communication Barriers through Assistive technology
• Assistive technology and Artificial Intelligence
• Assistive technology and Accessibility
• Assistive Technology Solutions at Workplace
• Assistive Technology and unseen challenges/invisible disabilities

Selected Authors

Number	Authors	Title
1	Sanchit Ghule, Volker Sorge and Tiju Thomas	Semantic exploration of visual data using indexed key board navigation for the visually impaired
2	Praveena J, P Akshya, Rajkumar R and Haamidha Nasreen U	Validation of Tele-Based Auditory Training Module in Tamil for Children with Hearing Loss
4	Rajagopal Nagarajan, Devidatta Ghosh and Ramita Paul	IRIS: Encouraging self-learning of tactiles among blind and visually impaired students
6	Subhash N. N., Sumith S. and Muraleedharan C. V.	Stance Control Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis: From Concept to Product Architecture & Configuration design
7	Riyas Kolopram Kandy	From Past to Future: A Decadal Exploration of Assistive Technology Policies (1994-2024) - Charting Global Trends, Focused Insights on Developing Nations
8	Tarini Naik, Roshni Poddar, Venkatesh Deshpande and Manohar Swaminathan	Understanding Technology Usage and Challenges of Teachers with Visual Impairments in India
12	O. Aishwarya	AI for Accessibility: An Autoethnographic Exploration of the Use of AI in the life of a Congenitally Blind Person
22	Jaidev G, Divya C U, Vaisakh V, Sreelekshmi J L, Sooraj S S and Dr. Sunil T	A Novel approach for teaching Geo-spatial awareness among visually impaired students: A case study