Overview

This report outlines measures adopted worldwide to improve access to assistive technology, thereby enabling, empowering and promoting the inclusion, participation and engagement of persons with disabilities, ageing populations, and people living with chronic conditions or temporary impairments. Special attention is given to the need of vulnerable populations, especially children with disabilities, people living with multiple or severe impairments, older people and people living in poverty. The current report: presents a comprehensive dataset, description and analysis of current assistive technology access; draws the attention of governments, bilateral and multilateral organizations, private sectors and civil societies to the need for, and benefits of, assistive technology, including its related return on investment; makes recommendations for concrete actions that will improve access to assistive technology, especially in resource-limited settings, based on the best available scientific information and international experience; and supports implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and making universal health coverage (UHC) inclusive and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report is primarily directed at policymakers, bilateral and multilateral organizations, donors and funding agencies, providers of assistive technology, as well as industry leaders. It is also aimed at: users and potential users of assistive technology and their families or caregivers; organizations representing people with disabilities, older people or people living with chronic conditions; health and social care professionals and their associations; designers and engineers; manufacturers; suppliers; academic institutions; communities; local authorities; public services; the private sector (including information and communication technology (ICT) companies); investors; media organizations; nongovernmental or faith-based organizations; and development organizations.