NClude: voice-powered access

Despite remarkable technological advancements, a significant part of the disability community in India remains marginalized in terms of access to information and employment opportunities. Current statistics reveal that a staggering 70% of this community is unemployed, contributing to an annual loss of nearly $112 billion to the Indian economy. The root of this problem lies in severe lack of awareness and the inaccessibility of digital content. This not only hinders educational and professional growth but also limits awareness and lowers expectations among the community members.

Understanding the urgent need for accessible digital content, the NClude service harnesses the power of large language models (LLMs) to provide tailored information and career guidance to people with disabilities in India in their local language. The project leverages AI technology to deliver career recommendations, upskilling content, and civic information through user-friendly platforms like WhatsApp and IVR phone calls. Our goal is to unlock new opportunities for a significant portion of the population, equivalent to Sri Lanka's population size, transforming their lives through technology.

The project has developed a voice-based interface accessible via phone calls or WhatsApp, enabling users to interact with the system using voice commands. The technology provides:

1. A career discovery bot that suggests career paths and educational opportunities, based on individual preferences and skills. This leverages an LLM that has been fine-tuned on real-world experiences of people with disabilities, labor market data and disability accommodation and support considerations.
2. A repository of accessible educational content, including STEM materials, which was previously unavailable in accessible formats. The LLM facilitates easy discovery and navigation of content, while also providing learning support through a model trained on non-visual pedagogy and upskilling content.
3. Information on government schemes and benefits tailored for people with disabilities, assisting in the enrollment process. This also provides recommendations based on personal circumstances and goals.

These features not only foster independence but also encourage the pursuit of education and careers, aligning with the needs and aspirations of the users.

NClude is committed to working closely with the community it serves. The project involves collaboration with non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government bodies to ensure a wide reach and effective implementation. Reach us at info@inclusivestem.org to access the service.