About The Event
One billion people, or 15% of the world’s population, experience some form of disability. Persons with disabilities, on average, as a group, are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic outcomes than persons without disabilities. The number of persons with a disability is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050 (Disability Inclusion Overview (worldbank.org)).
Technology plays a crucial role in improving the lives of people with disabilities as it enables them to become independent, participate in society, achieve employment, or enroll in higher studies. Depending on individual needs, technology can improve mobility, compensate for certain disabilities, enhance independence, and improve quality of life. An example of this is the use of wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other assistive devices. With the rapid development of technology, especially the amazing development of artificial intelligence, more can be done. AI and robotics enable assistive technologies by personalising solutions, improving movement, enhancing sensory experiences, and enhancing social connections. These innovations hold great promise for a more inclusive and accessible world.
Therefore, holding specialised scientific and research conferences in this field is of great importance. These conferences bring together experts and researchers to exchange knowledge and innovations in assistive technology. They contribute to developing solutions and enhancing cooperation between concerned parties. In addition, these conferences enhance awareness of the importance of assistive technology and encourage innovation, development, and investment in this field.
Accordingly, this conference, which will be held in Kuwait for the first time, reflects the country’s commitment to promoting comprehensive digital transformation and adopting assistive technology to integrate all segments of society into this transformation. This conference provides a platform for exchanging experiences and highlighting Kuwait’s efforts to achieve digital transformation in various sectors and for all groups.
Where
KCST Campus, kuwait
When
Monday to Tuesday
9-10 December 2024
Conference Topics
- AI in Speech Recognition Systems for the Hearing Impaired: Discussing the advancements in AI that have improved speech recognition systems and AI-driven sign language systems, making communication easier for the hearing impaired.
- Robotics in Physical Therapy: Exploring how robotic devices can assist in physical therapy, helping patients regain motor skills and strength.
- AI-Powered Prosthetics: Delving into the use of AI in the development of smart prosthetics that can mimic natural movements.
- Autonomous Vehicles for the Visually Impaired: Discussing the potential of self-driving cars to provide independence for visually impaired individuals.
- AI in Predictive Health Monitoring: Exploring how AI can be used to monitor health data and predict potential issues for individuals with chronic illnesses.
- Robotic Assistance for Elderly Care: Discussing the role of robotics in assisting the elderly, from helping with daily tasks to providing companionship.
- AI in Assistive Reading Technologies: Exploring how AI can improve reading aids for individuals with dyslexia or visual impairments.
- Robotic Exoskeletons for Mobility Assistance: Discussing the development and use of robotic exoskeletons to assist individuals with mobility issues.
- AI in Mental Health: Exploring the use of AI in providing mental health support, such as AI-powered chatbots for therapy.
- Ethical and Cybersecurity Considerations in AI and Robotics for Assistive Technology: A discussion on the ethical implications of using AI and robotics in assistive technology, including issues of security, privacy, accessibility, and fairness.
- Any other topic related to Assistive Technologies
Keynote Speakers
Here are some of our speakers
Prof. M. Balakrishnan
IIT Delhi, India
Prof. Mohamed Jemni
ALECSO, Tunisia
Dr. Anasse Bouhlal
UNESCO, Gulf States & Yemen
Dr. Mohamed Bouri
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Switzerland
Dr. Dena Al-Thani
Hamad Bin Khalifa University Doha, Qatar
Dr. Achraf Othman
Mada Qatar Assistive Technology Center, Qatar
Conference Program
Here is our conference program
Opening and Welcome Address
Speakers: HE Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social, Family, and Childhood Affairs HE Ambassador Ghada Eltahir Mudawi, UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait Prof. Khalid Al-Begain, President of Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Location : KCST Auditorium
Inspirational Panel Featuring Success Stories of Kuwaiti Talents “ATSN’24 Ambassadors”
Moderator : Abdulkareem AlEnezi, Ambassador of the Disabled, Poet & Kuwait TV Presenter
Panelist : Sarah Al Marhoun ,Kuwait Acvist in Disabilies Field, Kuwait Faisal Al Mousawi, Kuwait Acvist in Disabilies Field, Kuwait Abdulatif Ghazi , Kuwait Acvist in Disabilies Field, Kuwait
Location : KCST Auditorium
Poster Display Opening and Coffee Break
Keynote Speaker I: Prof. Meenakshi Balakrishnan, IIT Delhi, India
Talk Title : ASSISTECH (IIT Delhi): A Translational Research Journey in Assistive Technology
Keynote Speaker II: Dr. Achraf Othman, Mada Center, Qatar
Talk Title : JUMLA Sign Language Framework: Overview and Applications
" Technical Session I " Sign Language, Natural Language Processing Eng. Nasser Bader Al Snayen and Dr. Ali Hameed Al Qallaf, System & Software Development Department, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Kuwait, “Development of Pharmacy Sign- Language Communication Solution.” Ahmad Hussaini, Abdulrahman Al Rashidi, Abdulaziz Al Rashidi , Khaled AlQadeeri, and Dr. Mohammed Faisal Naji, KCST, Kuwait, “KSignStart: Mobile Application Teaching Kuwaiti Sign Language for Kids.” Sadaf Manzoor, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, and Yasir Khan (Online), Department of ST & IT, Peshawar, Pakistan, "Voice of Hearing and Speech Impaired People." Eng. Zainab Abualhassan, Mohammed Faisal Naji, Haidar Ramadhan, and Hajar Alsulaili, KCST, Kuwait, “Kuwaiti Sign Language Recognition Using the YOLOv5 Machine Learning Model.”
Poster Display, Exhibition, and Lunch Break
Keynote Speaker III: Prof. Mohamed Jemni, ALECSO, Tunisia
Talk Title : AI and Accessibility: New Horizons for Empowering People with Disabilities
Discussion Panel I
A deep Look at Artificial Intelligence in Assisting People with Special Needs: Technology, Ethics, and Risks
Moderator: Dr. Huda Al Rashidi, KCST, Kuwait
Panelist:
Prof. Meenakshi Balakrishnan, IIT Delhi, India
Prof. Mohamed Jemni, ALECSO, Tunisia
Dr. Achraf Othman, Mada Center, Qatar
Dr. Mohammed Faisal Naji , KCST, Kuwait
Coffee Break and Networking
Technical Session II : (Auditorium) AI-Enabled Assistive Technology: Applications, Ethics, and Risks
Workshop I : (HALL C) Dr. Mariam Al Kandari (KU) Leveraging AI to Empower Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Workshop II : (HALL E) Camille Matta: ConSort Word Introduction to Assistive Technology with Early Intervention and its Impact
Dr. Márcia Luciana da Costa Peixoto, Thierry Marie Guerra, Mathias Blandeau, Hajer Srihi, and Philippe Pudlo, Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, France Automatic Control and Disability: experiences
Prof. Hend Al-Khalifa (Online),King Saud University, KSA Accessibility barriers in Arabic news websites for visually impaired users: a mixed-method evaluation approach
Dr. Ali Alfayly,PAAET, Kuwait Arabic-Supported CBT Chatbot for Accessible Mental Health Support in Kuwait
Dr. Abdullatif BABA ,Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Kuwait, “Adaptive Neurofeedback Therapy; AI-Powered Technique for Personalized Cognitive and Motor Recovery.”
Krishna Priya and Anju S Pillai,Uni Teck, Oman Elderly Cardiac Care: AI-Integrated IoT Arrhythmia Detection System
Gala Dinner
Social and Networking Event at the iconic Kuwait Towers
Keynote Speaker IV
Dr. Anasse Bouhlal, UNESCO The Role of Education in Achieving Accessibility and Inclusion
Location : KCST Auditorium
Discussion Panel II
Requirements, Barriers, and Tools for an Inclusive Educational Environment
Moderated by: Dr. Zainab AlMeraj, Kuwait University, Kuwait
Panelists: Dr. Anasse Bouhlal, UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, Qatar Mrs. Amaal Al Sayer, Founder and Chair, KALD, Kuwait Dr. George Chedid, Director of the counseling center, AUK, Kuwait Prof. Khalid Al-Begain, KCST President, Kuwait.
Location : KCST Auditorium
Coffee Break and Networking
Keynote Speaker V
Dr. Dena Al-Thani, HBKU, Qatar Towards Personalized Learning in Inclusive Education: Attention Detection in Children with Autism Using Machine Learning
Technical Session III
Technologies for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Selected Applications
Dr. Maryam Alkandari, Kuwait University, Kuwait, “AI for Autism: An Innovative Framework to Improve Daily Living and Employment Opportunities.” Dr. Hanouf Al-Hammadi, PAAET, Kuwait, “AI- Assisted Health and Fitness: A New Era for Special Needs Children.” Dr. Mohamad Hassan Fadi Hijab, Shaza Khatab, Mariam Bahameish, Marwa Qaraqe, Maria Jimenez Andres, Achraf Othman, Dena Al-Thani, HBKU, Qatar, “Exploring Engagement Patterns in Autistic Children During Play: A Statistical Analysis.” Dr. Zainab AlMeraj, Kuwait University, Kuwait, “The Ethical Challenges of AI-Driven Inclusive Technologies: Balancing Personalization, Privacy, Accessibility, Autonomy, Fairness and Cybersecurity.” Yonah Welker (Online), MIT Speaker, EU Commission projects, “Human Capacity (Disability) Centered AI Policy - Eurasian and Transatlantic Safety Dialogue.”
Student Project Competition, and Lunch Break
Keynote Speaker VI
Dr. Mohamed Bouri, EPFL Switzerland
Lower Limb Exoskeletons to assist Gait, and for Lower Limb Rehabilitation
Technical Session IV (Auditorium) Exoskeletons, Wearable Technology, and Limb Rehabilitation
Technical Session V (HALL C) Selected Machine Learning Based Assistive Applications
Workshop III (HALL E) Zainab Abualhassan, Kuwaiti Sign Language Recognition Workshop
Technical Session IV (Auditorium) Exoskeletons, Wearables, Personalized Prosthetics, and Rehabilitation
Technical Session IV (Auditorium) Abdulaziz Nasser, Australian University, Kuwait , “NeuroGait: AI-Powered Wearable Technology for Parkinson’s Disease Monitoring and Management” Dr. Latifah AlEnezi, Kuwait University, Kuwait, “Innovative Rehabilitation: HAL Robotics in Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Disabilities - A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Prof. Muralimohan G (Online), VIT Chennai, India, Design and Development of Physics-informed neural network controlled artificial muscle-based Exoskeleton to reduce back pain of farmers during cutting operations in paddy field. Vijay Jeyakumar (Online), SSN Engineering College, India, “Walk India: 3D Scanning-Based Personalized Prosthetics for Rural Amputees” Pavithra L K (Online), VIT Vellore, India, “Enhancing Human Pose Estimation Accuracy through Key Point Detection and Joint Angle Refinement using Deep Learning Techniques” Remya Nair, Dania Abdelhamid, and Nader Shehata, Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST), Kuwait, “Piezoelectric Nanofiber Energy Harvesting for IoT-Enabled Assistive Technologies.”
Technical Session V (Hall C) Selected Machine Learning Based Assistive Applications
Maria Nazir (Online), CUC Ulster University, Qatar, “End-to-End Multi-task Learning Architecture for Brain Tumor Analysis with Uncertainty Estimation in MRI Images.” Ahmed Ibrahim Abdullah Almoamary (Online) and Mohammed Jubair Meera Hussain, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Al Musanna, Oman, “IoT-Based Smart Aquarium Management System: Enhancing Accessibility for Physically Challenged Individuals.” ESSAKI MUTHU A (Online), SCAD, India, “Classification of Cataract and Grading with Data Privacy through Federated Learning and Modified Resnet-50 based on CNN.” Siddharth K Nagaraj (Online) and Janavi T. S., College of Engineering, Anna University, India, “MLDriven Speaker Recognition with MFCC and Time Domain Feature Extraction Using SVM Classification.” Prof. Muralimohan G (Online), VIT Chennai, India, “Comparative analysis of path planning algorithms for autonomous vehicles for the visually impaired.” Edward Jero Sam Jeeva Raj (Online), VIT Vellore, India, “Design and Validation of an Assistive Technology for Squatting Task Guidance in Athletic Training Using a CNN-LSTM Hybrid Model.”
Workshop III (Hall E)
Kuwaiti Sign Language Recognition Using the YOLOv5 Machine Learning Model Zainab Abualhassan, KCST, Kuwait
Closing & Awards Address
Exploring Selected Cultural Locations of Kuwait
View Detailed Program
Event Venue
Event venue location info and gallery
KCST Campus , Kuwait
KCST Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Workshop
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Empower Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Dr. Maryam Alkandari
Associate Professor, Kuwait University, Kuwait
Camille Matta
Assistive Technology Professional, Consort World, UAE
Dr. Mariam AlOrifan
Speech-language Pathology Consultant, Assistant Professor Kuwait University, Kuwait
Ms. Asmaa Salem
Special Needs School Coordinator & Social Worker
Developing a Machine Learning Model for Sign Language Detection Using Python
Eng. Zainab Abualhassan
Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Kuwait
PATRONAGE
ORGANIZERS
SPONSOR
PARTNERS
COMMITTEES
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International Steering Committee
Member : H.E. Ghada Al Tahir - Affiliation : UN Kuwait
Member : H.E. Mr. Salah Khaled - Affiliation : UNESCO
Member : Prof. Khalid Al-Begain - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Zainab Al Meraj - Affiliation : Kuwait University
Member : Dr. Achraf Othman - Affiliation : Mada Center Qatar
Member : Mr. Nasser Al Shatti - Affiliation : UN Kuwait Office
Member : Dr. Anasse Bouhlal - Affiliation : UNESCO
Member : Mr. Nejib Mokni - Affiliation : UNESCO
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General Chair
Member : Prof. Khalid Al-Begain - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
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Conference Co-chairs
Member : Prof. Mohamed Trabelsi - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Chibli Joumaa - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Abdullah Al Qallaf - Affiliation : Kuwait University - IEEE Kuwait Section
Member : Prof. Haidar Ramadhan - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
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Program Co-Chairs
Member : Dr. Mohammad Faisal Naji - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Zied Bouida - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
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Student and Exhibition Committee Co-chairs
Member : Dr. Omer Adam - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Ahmed Arafa - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Basil Al Othman - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Prof. M Murugappan - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
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Scientific Committee
Member : Dr. Zainab Almeraj - Affiliation : Kuwait University, Kuwait
Member : Dr. Achraf Othman - Affiliation : Mada Center, Qatar
Member : Dr. Ali Al-Qallaf - Affiliation : Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research (KISR)
Member : Eng. Zahra Ali - Affiliation : Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research (KISR)
Member : Dr. Ali Alfayly - Affiliation : PAAET - IEEE Kuwait Section, Kuwait
Member : Dr. Mohamed Bouri - Affiliation : École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
Member : Prof. John Avaritsiotis - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Malek Adouni - Affiliation : Abdullah Al Salem University, Kuwait
Member : Prof. Mohamad Al Rahhal - Affiliation : King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Member : Prof. Eslam Al Maghayreh - Affiliation : King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Member : Dr. Ines Chihi - Affiliation : University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Member : Prof. Mohamed Djemai - Affiliation : Université Polytechnique Hauts de France (UPHF), France
Member : Dr. Ehtesham Hassan - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Swagat Kumar - Affiliation : Edge Hill University, U.K.
Member : Dr. Lilia Sidhom - Affiliation : Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Tunisia
Member : Dr. Prabha Sundaravadivel - Affiliation : The University of Texas at Tyler, USA
Member : Prof. Kemal Polat - Affiliation : Abant Izzet Baysal University, Turkey
Member : Dr. Wan Khariunizam Bin Wan Ahmad - Affiliation : Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia
Member : Dr. Murad Khan - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Fahad Albogamy - Affiliation : Taif University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Member : Dr. Basem Abdulaziz - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Majdi Mansouri - Affiliation : Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Member : Prof. Ramaswamy Palaniappan - Affiliation : University of Kent, United Kingdom
Member : Dr. Abdullatif Baba - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Zeinab Kermansaravi - Affiliation : Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands
Member : Dr. Huda Alrashidi - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Ms. Ayah Dahash - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Xiaokang Wang - Affiliation : Hainan University, China
Member : Dr. Chao Li - Affiliation : Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
Member : Ms. Deepa Vijayaraghavan - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Ahlem Assila - Affiliation : CESI Reims, France
Member : Dr. Ahmed Tlili - Affiliation : Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University, China
Member : Dr. Fahriye Altinay - Affiliation : Near East University, Northern Cyprus
Member : Dr. Fathi Essalmi - Affiliation : University of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Member : Dr. Ismaeel Al Ridhawi - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Dr. Haifa Ben El Hadj - Affiliation : Qatar University, Qatar
Member : Dr. Hajer Chalghoumi - Affiliation : Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Consulting Inc., Canada
Member : Dr. Khaled Koubaa - Affiliation : Medeverse, USA
Member : Dr. Oussama El Ghoul - Affiliation : Mada Center, Qatar
Member : Dr. Samia Kouki - Affiliation : Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE
Member : Dr. Tawfik Al-Hadhrami - Affiliation : Nottingham Trent University, UK
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Local Organization Committee
Member : Mr. Ibrahim Al Mutawa - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
Member : Ms. Markeza Al Qunneh - Affiliation : Kuwait College of Science and Technology
About Our Event
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PANEL
Day 1
Panel I
Inspirational Panel Featuring Success Stories of Kuwaiti Talents “ATSN’24 Ambassadors”
- Moderator : Abdulkareem AlEnezi
Ambassador of the Disabled, Poet & Kuwait TV Presenter, Kuwait - Panelists : Sarah Al Marhoun
Kuwait Activist in Disabilities Field, Kuwait - Panelists : Faisal Al Mousawi
Kuwait Activist in Disabilities Field, Kuwait - Panelists : Abdulatif Ghazi
Kuwait Activist in Disabilities Field, Kuwait
Day 1
Panel II
A deep Look at Artificial Intelligence in Assisting People with Special Needs: Technology, Ethics, and Risks
- Moderator : Dr. Huda Al Rashidi KCST, Kuwait
- Panelists : Prof. Meenakshi Balakrishnan IIT Delhi, India
- Panelists : Prof. Mohamed Jemni ALECSO, Tunis
- Panelists : Dr. Achraf Othman Mada Center, Qatar
- Panelists : Dr. Mohammed Faisal Naji KCST, Kuwait
Day 2
Panel III
Requirements, Barriers, and Tools for an Inclusion Education Environment
- Moderator : Dr. Zainab AlMeraj Kuwait University, Kuwait
- Panelists : Prof. Khalid Al-Begain KCST, Kuwait
- Panelists : Dr. Anasse Bouhlal UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, Qatar
- Panelists : Mrs. Amaal Al Sayer Kuwaiti Association for Learning Differences (KALD), Kuwait
- Panelists : Dr. George Chedid American University of Kuwait (AUK), Kuwait
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