Overview: AI is opening new possibilities for learners with learning differences, offering tools and personalized approaches that were previously unimaginable. However, technology advances also demand a renewed emphasis on equity, accessibility, and inclusive design.  The AI+Learning Differences Hackathon is gathering technologists, educators, students, families, researchers, and innovators for a full-day, hands-on event dedicated to creating solutions that support diverse learning needs. This hackathon will bring together participants to collaborate and prototype cutting-edge tools and applications that empower learners with differences and intellectual disabilities. Whether you’re passionate about technology, education, or making a positive impact, this is a chance to turn ideas into action. Be a part of this groundbreaking event—let’s build a more inclusive future for education.

The event is made possible through the generosity of the  Alana Foundation and collaboration with the  CAST, the Children’s Health Council (CHC), and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). Hackathon Tracks and Prizes

There will be five tracks for the hackathon, each one eligible for a $250 prize for the entire winning team (with a maximum of $100 per participant)*. The top winning project will be eligible for a $1,000 prize* for the entire winning team. [*Gift prizes in excess of $100 are taxable.]

 

AI for Personalized Learning in PK-12: Empowering Every Student’s Potential

Reimagine learning with AI tools that adapt to diverse needs, enhance engagement, and unlock the potential of every learner.

 

AI for Educators: Revolutionizing Teaching for Inclusive Classrooms

Develop AI-powered solutions to support teachers with real-time insights, reduce workloads, and foster equity in education.

 

AI for Social and Emotional Growth: Building Resilience and Connection

Harness AI to nurture emotional well-being, strengthen social skills, and create supportive environments for all learners.

 

AI as a Lifeline: Transformative Assistive Technologies for All Abilities

Create AI innovations that remove barriers, amplify abilities, and ensure accessibility for learners of all ages and abilities.

 

AI for Lifelong Learning: Thriving in Work, Life, and Beyond

 

Design AI solutions that empower adults with learning differences to achieve success in education, the workforce, and personal growth.

 

Requirements

Hackathon Criteria

There are six criteria the judges will be assessing the projects against. Those include:

 

Relevance to Learning Differences

How effectively does the project address challenges faced by individuals with learning differences?

Does the solution cater to diverse needs, such as sensory, motor, cognitive, affective, behavioral, neurological, and/or other needs?

 

Innovation and Creativity

Is the solution original and innovative in its approach to using AI to support learning differences?

Does the project offer a unique perspective or apply AI in a novel way?

 

Impact and Potential

Does the solution have the potential to create meaningful impact for individuals with learning differences?

Can the solution be scaled to benefit a larger audience or address systemic challenges?

 

User-Centered Design

To what extent  does the project incorporate input from individuals with learning differences or their advocates?

Is the solution designed with empathy, accessibility, and usability in mind?

Does the solution have the potential to shift the design of similar services and experiences for persons with learning differences?

 

Feasibility and Practicality

Is the solution realistic and implementable within current technological, educational, and societal constraints?

Does the solution align with ethical standards, accessibility, and inclusivity?

 

Ethical Considerations

Does the project account for ethical implications, such as data privacy, bias, and fairness?

How does the solution safeguard against potential misuse or harm?

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$2,250 in prizes
Top Prize
1 winner

Track Prize
5 winners

There will be five tracks for the hackathon, each one eligible for a $250 prize for the entire winning team (with a maximum of $100 per participant)*.

AI for Personalized Learning in PK-12: Empowering Every Student’s Potential
Reimagine learning with AI tools that adapt to diverse needs, enhance engagement, and unlock the potential of every learner.

AI for Educators: Revolutionizing Teaching for Inclusive Classrooms
Develop AI-powered solutions to support teachers with real-time insights, reduce workloads, and foster equity in education.

AI for Social and Emotional Growth: Building Resilience and Connection
Harness AI to nurture emotional well-being, strengthen social skills, and create supportive environments for all learners.

AI as a Lifeline: Transformative Assistive Technologies for All Abilities
Create AI innovations that remove barriers, amplify abilities, and ensure accessibility for learners of all ages and abilities.

AI for Lifelong Learning: Thriving in Work, Life, and Beyond
Design AI solutions that empower adults with learning differences to achieve success in education, the workforce, and personal growth.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

NA

NA

Judging Criteria

  • Relevance to Learning Differences
    How effectively does the project address challenges faced by individuals with learning differences? Does the solution cater to diverse needs, such as sensory, motor, cognitive, affective, behavioral, neurological, and/or other needs?
  • Innovation and Creativity
    Is the solution original and innovative in its approach to using AI to support learning differences? Does the project offer a unique perspective or apply AI in a novel way?
  • Impact and Potential
    Does the solution have the potential to create meaningful impact for individuals with learning differences? Can the solution be scaled to benefit a larger audience or address systemic challenges?
  • User-Centered Design
    To what extent does the project incorporate input from individuals with learning differences or their advocates? Is the solution designed with empathy, accessibility, and usability in mind?
  • Feasibility and Practicality
    Is the solution realistic and implementable within current technological, educational, and societal constraints? Does the solution align with ethical standards, accessibility, and inclusivity?
  • Ethical Considerations
    Does the project account for ethical implications, such as data privacy, bias, and fairness? How does the solution safeguard against potential misuse or harm?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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