It is estimated that by 2050 over 3.5 billion people would benefit from Assistive Technology, yet 90% will not have access.

AT2030 is changing that. 

GDI Hub

It is estimated that by 2050 over 3.5 billion people would benefit from Assistive Technology, yet 90% will not have access.

AT2030 is changing that. 

AT2030 tests ‘what works’ to improve access to life-changing Assistive Technology (AT) for all. Led by Global Disability Innovation Hub and funded by UK International Development, we've reached 64 million people in 61 countries, driving a lifetime of potential. In 2023 UK International Development announced a further £31 million investment to the AT2030 programme.

Search the AT2030 programme

AT2030 Impact - find out more

AT2030 explores and test innovative ways to address systematic challenges to get more AT to the people that need it. From creating deep community leadership to generating new evidence & insights, we answer critical research questions and develop foundational methodologies, addressing intersectional challenges and research and evidence gaps.

From incubating future tech inspired solutions to venture acceleration, we bring effective solutions to market by testing new mechanisms and ambitious scaling pathways. We embed disability innovation into national policy landscapes, stimulating demand, activating country pilots, strengthen systems and creating enabling markets environment in Low-and Middle- Income Countries.

We've reached 10 million people directly and over 64 million in total, working with over 150 partners in over 50 countries. 

Programme Clusters

The current programme (AT2030 version 3) is divided into five Programme Clusters and 13 sub-programmes to test ‘what works’ for AT. For more about AT2030 version 1 and 2 and our delivery between 2018 and 2024 - visit the about section.

AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure - six cities

We've researched inclusive city design in 6 global cities to understand the current challenges, the opportunities, what's working well and what isn’t. To get AT to people who need it, the built environment must be inclusive, easy to use and navigate. Hear from the cities involved, and the next steps.

Find out more.

Latest

  • Dot Glasses Field Trial Template Pack

    Dot Glasses
    July 8, 2026
    Kenya
    AT2030 Resources

    Dot Glasses Field Trial Template Pack

  • Seeing Clearly: The Impact of Affordable Eyeglasses on Daily Life in Kenya

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, Dot Glasses, Senses Hub
    July 8, 2026
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    The report draws on survey, questionnaire, and interview data from people who received eyeglasses through the trial. Participants reported meaningful improvements in daily activities such as reading, phone use, schoolwork, and mobility, alongside increased independence and confidence. Experiences were not uniform: some participants reported discomfort or more modest benefits, and a small minority reported no improvement or reduced independence

  • A Critical Review of Sexuality, Technology and Disability

    Patel Dilisha, Ekat Osipova, Dr Giulia Barbareschi, Katta Spiel
    July 8, 2026
    Global
    Academic Research Publications

    The investigation of technologies facilitating sexual interactions and sexuality-related explorations is becoming more established in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), albeit with little systematic attention to the sexual lives of disabled people. In this space, we undertook a literature review utilising feminist content analysis to take stock and critically analyse the domains of sexuality, technology and disability when they intersect. Our approach aligns with the broader goals of promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity in technology design and application. We present a descriptive and analytical outline of existing research on sexuality, technology and disability through which we identified unmarked norms governing research.

  • Simplified Refraction Eyewear for Low Resource Settings Field Trial Toolkit - DOT Glasses

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, Dot Glasses, Senses Hub
    June 25, 2026
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    This toolkit is a practical guide for delivering simplified refraction eyewear in low-resource settings. It draws on a field trial conducted across seven community sites in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties from June to August 2025. It is designed to help teams: • deliver vision camps safely and efficiently • maintain protocol and data quality • generate evidence that supports real decisions about scale. This toolkit focuses on how to deliver. It covers field operations, ethics and safeguarding, monitoring, and partner roles, based on what worked in practice.

  • Youth-Led OPD Innovation and Economic Empowerment Through Digital Inclusion

    Kilimanjaro Blind Trust
    June 23, 2026
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    This experience highlights how youth-led OPDs, when equipped with digital skills and Assistive Technology, can move beyond advocacy to become effective drivers of innovation, resource mobilisation, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities

  • Coast Cerebral Palsy Foundation in Mombasa

    Kilimanjaro Blind Trust
    June 23, 2026
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    As part of post-training follow-up, KBTA documented the experience of Teresia Wamboi, Chairperson of the Coast Cerebral Palsy Foundation, to understand how knowledge gained through the OPD strengthening and Assistive Technology training sessions has been applied within her community.

  • Elizabeth Wangari founder of Gikazi Self Help Group in Nairobi

    Kilimanjaro Blind Trust
    May 8, 2026

    Here is Elizabeth Wangare is the founder of Gikazi Self Help Group in Nairobi, a community initiative supporting mothers of children with disabilities. As an OPD leader, she champions caregiver support, inclusion, and advocacy for children living with disabilities and their families.

  • George Kangaya

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    March 31, 2026
    Global
    Case Studies and Reports

    George Kangaya research examined Malawi’s assistive technology ecosystem — mapping providers, barriers, repair pathways, financing, and user experiences. His findings intersect strongly with Paralympic and community sport systems and his work highlights the structural shifts needed to improve access and long-term use of AT in Malaw

  • COSP-19: a year of anniversaries and action, to consider what next

    Iain McKinnon
    June 29, 2026
    United States
    AT2030 Resources

    This statement was delivered by GDI Hub CEO Iain McKinnon, at the UN in New York, as part of the General Debate for COSP-19, the UN’s annual disability conference.

  • Accesssibility 2030 Pavilion in Azerbaijan

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    May 18, 2026
    Azerbaijan

    Baku, Azerbaijan, 17 May 2026. The Accessibility 2030 Pavilion will return to the World Urban Forum (WUF) when WUF13 opens its doors in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026. Building on the historic momentum generated at WUF12 in Cairo, the Pavilion once again creates a dedicated space to explore the role of accessibility and disability inclusion in ‘Housing the World’.

  • Accessibility 2030 Pavilion

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    May 13, 2026
    Azerbaijan

    Join us at the Accessibility 2030 Pavilion at WUF in Baku, Azerbaijan, and be part of this historic moment as we work together to shape the future of accessible urban design!

  • Innovation for Inclusion: Marking the 2026 Winter Paralympics with a Disability Sport reception in Rome

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    March 24, 2026
    Italy

    Last week the Global Disability Innovation Hub were delighted to join David Burton OBE, British Chargé d’Affaires Ad Interim to Italy, at the British Ambassador’s Residence, Villa Wolkonsky in Rome for a reception on inclusive participation and the power of disability sports legacy.   With opening addresses by the Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, UK Minister for Social Security and Disability and Hon. Alessandra Locatelli, Italian Minister for Disabilities the reception and panel reflected on participation and its role in stigma reduction. Highlighting the barriers, particularly those additional challenges faced by low- middle- income countries (LMICs), the panel considered the role of governance, policy, infrastructure and the media.

  • Advance Cohort of 2026

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    July 7, 2026
    United Kingdom
    Case Studies and Reports

    Advance 2026 is an annual global innovation accelerator led by the Royal Academy of Engineering.  This year, in partnership with the Global Disability Innovation Hub’s UK International Development-funded AT2030 programme, the accelerator is addressing accessibility and assistive and inclusive technologies as founders tackle real-world challenges across healthcare, education, manufacturing and sustainability.

  • WHO–UNICEF assistive technology workshop in Nairobi.

    Maryam Bandukda
    June 23, 2026
    Kenya
    AT2030 Resources

    Dr Maryam Bandukda, Global Disability Innovation Hub. Reflections on the WHO–UNICEF Accelerating Access to Assistive Technology African Region workshop, Nairobi, 9–11 June 2026.

  • Disability Inclusion and Innovation for Clean Energy Access: Embracing Co-Design and Collaboration

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 18, 2026
    Kenya

    In April 2026, the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform convened 40 members in Nairobi, Kenya, including people with disabilities, representatives from organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), TEA partners, and disability innovators for a hands-on workshop titled ‘Co-Designing Disability-Inclusive Energy Access’. Designed and delivered by the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub, London, with Senses Hub, Nairobi, as the local engagement partner, a series of interactive sessions explored key needs, barriers, and opportunities to maximise the impact of the clean energy transition for people with disabilities.

  • Addis Ababa at World Urban Forum 13

    Shivani Gupta
    June 10, 2026
    Azerbaijan

    For the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), participation in the WUF is important for sharing our work and learning from others about inclusive cities. Considering our ongoing Inclusive City Pilot Project in Addis Ababa, this year we invited and supported the participation of Abayneh Gujo, Executive Director of the Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities, and Mahmoud Kedir Reshid, Persons with Disabilities Social Rehabilitation Senior Expert at the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs of Ethiopia, to accompany the GDI Hub delegation at World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

  • AT Innovation and Impact Podcast

    Maryam Bandukda, Harrison Kamau
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    This podcast is brought to you by the Global Disability Innovation Hub’s flagship AT2030 programme, funded by UKAid. In this series, we're embarking on a journey through the heart of Africa to explore a world where creativity and technology meet to challenge and change our understanding of disability. We will spotlight the incredible work of Innovate Now, Africa’s first assistive technology accelerator, and the pioneering spirits behind its success. We’ll uncover how the AT innovation ecosystem in Africa is not just evolving but also revolutionising the way assistive technologies are perceived, developed, and adopted. Innovate Now was co-founded 2019 by the Global Disability Innovation Hub and Bernard Chiira.

  • Innovation Podcast

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London, Giulia Barbareschi, Government of Kenya, ALL Institute (Maynooth University), UK Aid, UCL, Rhys Williams, Dr Rhys Williams, Institute of Making
    Feb. 15, 2021
    Global
    News

    A podcast featuring interviews and stories from the brains behind the disruptive and cutting-edge innovations that are aiming to impact the lives of millions of people living in different areas of the world.

  • Webinar: Introducing the Global OPD Map

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    July 9, 2026
    Global

    Join our upcoming webinar: Introducing the Global OPD Map: Connecting the Transnational Disabled People’s Movement, Thursday 9th July, 12-1pm GMT

  • Bridging the Mobile Disability Gap: advancing access and use of mobile as assistive technology

    GSMA
    Dec. 4, 2025
    10am GMT

    Explore the power of mobile driven inclusion, as we welcome researchers, innovators and the mobile industry to reflect on the future of mobile, the Mobile Disability Gap, and how a Mobile as Assistive Technologies can change lives. Accessible digital products and services are progressing at pace, yet this means little if people with disabilities are unable to access mobile phones, the data to power services, or the skills to maximise use. Getting internet-enabled, accessible first devices into people’s hands and supporting their application matters. In this session leading researchers from GMSA and the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) will share new evidence and insights.

  • Second World Summit for Social Development: Inclusive Employment: Advancing Access to Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities

    UK International Development
    Nov. 5, 2025
    15:00-16:15
    Qatar

    This solution-focused side event at the Second World Summit for Social Development will explore how to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decent work. It will present global evidence on inequalities in employment in low- and- middle- income- countries (LMICs) and learnings from programmes that seek to strengthen the livelihoods of persons with disabilities. It will highlight the experiences of people with disabilities from the Global South.

  • Empower Conference: Automatic Speech Recognition & Voice Cloning

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, Richard Cave
    Oct. 3, 2025
    India

    Change or loss of natural voice is likely for many people living with progressive neurological conditions such as MND/ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, MSA, PSP and many others. Also, for people living with the effects of head and neck cancer, trauma. And for many others, they may have never had natural voice to communicate with, for example some people with cerebral palsy. Is this situation, text to speech (or picture to speech) apps are sometimes used, using a synthesised voice that frequently sounds very different to how a person sounded or should be represented.