Sahayak: Affordable AI enabled Assistive Technology for Intellectually Disabled

Children with Intellectual Disabilities often face challenges in traditional learning environments. This can lead to frustration and hinder their academic progress. They need specialized therapy or special educator sessions to bridge this gap. Advancements in technology, especially in Artificial Intelligence, offer exciting possibilities to bridge this gap. This paper demonstrates this possibility by the development of a mobile assistive technology app, ‘Sahayak’, that utilizes Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create an engaging and personalized learning experience for children with Intellectual Disabilities especially in the area of reading and comprehension. The app leverages AR to overlay interactive elements onto the real world through a smartphone or tablet camera. This allows children to interact with educational content in a fun and immersive way. AI plays a crucial role by tailoring the app's functionalities to each child's specific needs. The app can assess a child's strengths and weaknesses, and then curate learning modules using Machine Learning and Augmented Reality that target specific areas for improvement. This personalized approach empowers children to learn at their own pace and fosters a sense of accomplishment.