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 aid, we've reached 29 million people in 61 countries, driving a lifetime of potential. In 2023 UK aid announced a further £31 million investment to the AT2030 programme.

UK aid announces further £31 million, backing ground-breaking AT2030 innovation and research

At COSP, the UN annual Disability conference at the United Nations in New York, Rt Hon Tom Pursglove MP, Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work in the UK, announced that UK Aid would invest a further £31 million into the AT2030 programme, to reach 9 million more people directly and 12 million more people indirectly with life-changing accessible technology.

A photograph of MP Tom Pursglove announcing the £31 million investment at the conference of state parties

GDI Hub

Programme Clusters

The programme is divided into four Programme Clusters and 12 sub-programmes to test ‘what works’ for AT

GDI Hub is a founding partner in the #WeThe15 Movement

The GDI Hub is playing a key role in the #WeThe15 campaign, sport's biggest ever human rights movement.

Find out more about #WeThe15

Latest

  • 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

    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.

  • Empowering Inclusion: The Intersection of Assistive Technology and Artificial Intelligence

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    Oct. 27, 2023
    Global

    Assistive Technology (AT) has long been a pioneering force in the development of emerging technologies. From audio-books to text-to-speech software, the world of disability has driven innovation that eventually became mainstream. Likewise, as mainstream technologies become more accessible and inclusive, they play a critical role in enhancing the lives of disabled individuals. In this blog post, we explore the symbiotic relationship between assistive technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations that arise at this intersection.

  • AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure Film: Six Cities, One Park!

    Iain McKinnon
    Oct. 19, 2023
    Global

    On the 13th and 14th of September 2023, GDI Hub held its Disability Innovation Summit at our offices on the UCL East campus on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, east London. This international event provided the perfect moment for the AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure team to bring representatives from the six cities they have been researching over the past 3 years together, in person, for the first time.

  • Assistive technology in your pocket: the transformative potential of smartphones

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 2, 2023
    Kenya

    How can smartphones and digital assistive technology positively change the lives of persons with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries? How do people with visual or communication impairments in low- and middle-income countries want to use electronic devices in their everyday lives? And what are the real-world implications of this technology to people in terms of cost, use, and effectiveness, particularly in settings with low data and bandwidths? These are just some of the research questions being explored in an exciting study taking place in Kenya, India and Brazil. Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), ATscale and Google are collaborating on a two-year research project to gather evidence to support work to make smartphones more accessible, useful and empowering to persons with disabilities. The project is funded by UK Aid's AT2030 programme to test ‘what works’ to improve access to life-changing assistive technology for all.

  • AT Storytelling Workshop with the International Disability Alliance and ATScale

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    May 31, 2023
    Global

    We ran our first AT storytelling workshop as part of the Bridge CRPD-SDGs Training of Trainers Module A in Geneva, Switzerland, organised by the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) and supported by partners including the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK (FCDO).

  • Syna Case Study

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    Nov. 1, 2023
    Kenya

    Syna Consultancy is on a mission to revolutionize sanitation for individuals with mobility challenges. Their focus is not just on providing solutions but also on enhancing lives and fostering independence. This study tshows Syna's journey in innovation.

  • Riziki Source Case Study

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    Nov. 1, 2023
    Kenya

    The term ‘Riziki Source’ is derived from the Swahili word signifying “livelihood.” ‘Riziki Source’ serves as an online platform (Web,app and USSD) with the objective of narrowing the divide in the employment sector by linking individuals with disabilities who are seeking jobs to prospective employers.The platform also allows employers to find suitable candidates, promoting inclusion and diversity in the workforce. Through this platform, Fredrick aimed to offer substantial employment prospects for disabled individuals in Kenya.

  • Lugha Ishara Case Study

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, Innovate Now
    Nov. 1, 2023
    Kenya

    Lugha Ishara follows a user-centric approach in developing its products, actively involving the users to identify their challenges and using these insights as the foundation for product development. Since its inception, the company has maintained an innovation committee comprising parents with hearing-impaired children, fostering a collaborative relationship with its users and capitalizing on its strengths to create relevant solutions.

  • Paving the Way in Para Sport to Open Doors and Reduce Stigma

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, Jennie Wong, Loughborough University
    June 20, 2023
    Zambia

    Richard Lubanza (34) is a Zambian Para Powerlifter and has been competing successfully for his country since 2014. Originally from Lusaka, Richard was born with Polio and whilst he can walk short distances, he uses a pair of outdated crutches held together with duct tape, and an equally damaged wheelchair to get around.

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