The lab, in collaboration with Young Power for Social Action (YPSA), has introduced the Multimedia Talking Books project, which utilizes modern technology to provide education to visually impaired students and children with disabilities. These audio-visual books cover various subjects and educational levels, enabling thousands of children across the country to access education and improve their overall quality of life.

This initiative aligns with the vision of an educated and technologically empowered society by 2041.

The Accessible Dictionary initiative ensures that knowledge and information are accessible to all, including people with disabilities. Through an online dictionary with interactive features, such as audio recordings, high-contrast text, and large fonts, individuals with visual impairments, dyslexia, and language barriers can easily access information. By promoting inclusive learning and reducing barriers to knowledge, this initiative contributes to the educational transformation envisioned for Smart Bangladesh 2041.

The Disability Innovation Lab has implemented an inclusive banking system to ensure that financial services are accessible to all citizens, including persons with disabilities residing in rural and remote areas. By conducting accessibility audits and assessments, and developing accessibility widgets, the lab aims to make banking and financial services more inclusive and enable greater access to finance for people with disabilities.

This initiative aligns with the goals of poverty reduction, economic development, and financial inclusion set forth in Smart Bangladesh 2041.

The lab has developed a web accessibility widget designed to make websites more accessible to people with disabilities. This widget incorporates features such as text-to-speech, magnification, and color contrast adjustment, enhancing the online experience for individuals with disabilities. 

By fostering an inclusive and accessible internet environment, this initiative supports the digital empowerment objectives of Smart Bangladesh 2041.

Inclusive Education

Recognizing the importance of providing quality education to all individuals, a2i executed the establishment of an inclusive university at Chittagong University. This project ensures equal access to higher education for students with visual disabilities through the development of accessible resources, user-friendly study materials, and digital technology training. 

By promoting inclusive education and ensuring that no student is left behind, this initiative aligns with the education-focused goals of Smart Bangladesh 2041.

Disability and Digital Inclusion Training

DDT training, as a unique approach to achieving digital inclusion, innovation, and accessibility, plays a vital role in realizing the vision of Smart Bangladesh 2041. By providing in-depth knowledge of disability rights and promoting the active participation of people with disabilities, DDT empowers individuals to become active contributors in building an inclusive society. 

Guided by the principle of ‘nothing about us without us,’ this training module is a stepping stone toward ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, aligning with the goals of Smart Bangladesh 2041.

a2i’s Disability Innovation Lab (DIL) is led by Vashkar Bhattacharjee and a small but dedicated team. The Lab’s innovative approaches to inclusive education, digital accessibility, and empowerment of persons with disabilities have garnered international recognition. Awards such as the zero-project award from the United Nations, the Manthan award from the digital empowerment foundation of India, and the Unesco/Emir Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Prize for digital empowerment highlight the a2i’s commitment to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and digital empowerment. 

These achievements serve as inspiration and reinforce the significance of creating an inclusive and accessible society as part of Smart Bangladesh 2041.