How Microsoft’s AI For Accessibility Is Addressing The Issue Of Data Desert

The lack of machine learning datasets that include people with disabilities has proved to be a major hindrance in developing solutions customised to their needs. This phenomenon is often referred to as 'data desert'. It is common practice for organisations to build technology products and services to use data at an aggregate level, leading to stereotyping and exclusion in the process.  For the longest time, AI-based technology has been very generalised and hence very exclusionary in catering to persons with disabilities. It has led to the ousting of a considerable chunk of society from the benefits of AI. But now, Microsoft is leading the way with joint efforts by advocacy organisations that hope to do something for the inclusiveness of AI in this "data desert". ttps://twitter.c