Highlights
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Joseph Etyang: Mobile as AT
Joseph EtyangMarch 28, 2025Joseph Etyang, a Deaf professional in Nairobi, shares how a specialised phone from Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa has transformed his daily life. With real-time captions, sound alerts, and accessible messaging, he can now communicate more independently; at work, at home, and beyond.
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Changing perspective of Deaf and disabled people in sport and art: London 2012 – Choreographer Mark Smith reflects on his experience of the powerful legacy of a Paralympic Opening Ceremony
Global Disability Innovation HubSept. 3, 2024London 2012 – Choreographer Mark Smith reflects on his experience of the legacy of a Paralympic Opening Ceremony Changing perspective of Deaf and disabled people in sport and art look at what made the opening ceremony of the Paralympics London 2012 so special , and how it changed people's perspective of Deaf and disabled people especially in sport and art.
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Impact Story - Emmanuel Nii Tetteh Oku - Paralympics Ghana
Loughborough UniversityMarch 28, 2023GhanaTokyo Paralympics aired to 49 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa for the very first time. In this video we hear from Emmanuel Nii Tetteh Oku, a Paralifter representing Ghana at the games. Emmanuel discusses his return from the games and the impact of the TV coverage, specifically in relation to stigma. Reflecting on his experiences, Emmanuel discusses his pride in representing his country and the confidence and freedom that Assistive Technology and Para Sport has given him. He also discssed being a role model in his community, and inspiring others with disabilities to follow a Para Sport route.
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Koalaa: an AT impact story
Kate MattickMarch 28, 2023Sierra LeoneBetween August and December 2022, 60 Decibels conducted a survey with 29 upper limb prosthetic users of the Koalaa product. They wanted to capture and understand the impact AT had on the users. This impact story shares these findings
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Wazi: An AT impact story
Kate Mattick, Louise GebbettMarch 28, 2023Between August and December 2022, 60 Decibels conducted a survey with 29 upper limb prosthetic users of the Koalaa product. They wanted to capture and understand the impact AT had on the users. This impact story shares these findings
All Impact Stories
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Man Kumari, 11 years old’s Journey: Walking Towards Independence with a 3D-Printed Prosthetic Leg
Global Disability Innovation HubMarch 28, 2025At just 11 years old, Man Kumari from rural Nepal now walks to school on her own using a 3D-printed prosthetic leg provided through the AT2030 programme. After losing her leg at age five, she spent years reliant on her mother to move around. The new device, designed and fitted using digital technology, has transformed her daily life, enabling her to attend school, help at home, and play with friends. Her story reflects both the promise and ongoing challenges of delivering sustainable, child-focused assistive technology in remote, climate-vulnerable regions.
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Joseph Etyang: Mobile as AT
Joseph EtyangMarch 28, 2025Joseph Etyang, a Deaf professional in Nairobi, shares how a specialised phone from Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa has transformed his daily life. With real-time captions, sound alerts, and accessible messaging, he can now communicate more independently; at work, at home, and beyond.
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Aakash’s Journey with Transtibial Prosthesis
Global Disability Innovation HubMarch 28, 2025After losing his leg in a devastating accident during Nepal’s COVID-19 lockdown, Aakash faced immense challenges accessing care and continuing his education. Through the AT2030 programme, he received a 3D-printed prosthetic limb, significantly improving his mobility and independence. His story illustrates the transformative potential of digital assistive technology in low-resource settings.
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Paralympics and Inclusive Sport
Maryam BandukdaSept. 17, 2024GlobalMore than 4,000 disabled athletes competed in Paris. Each of these athletes have a story of passion, of resilience, and overcoming barriers. We would love to hear stories from disabled people who are passionate about sports. Do you have a story to share?
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Changing perspective of Deaf and disabled people in sport and art: London 2012 – Choreographer Mark Smith reflects on his experience of the powerful legacy of a Paralympic Opening Ceremony
Global Disability Innovation HubSept. 3, 2024London 2012 – Choreographer Mark Smith reflects on his experience of the legacy of a Paralympic Opening Ceremony Changing perspective of Deaf and disabled people in sport and art look at what made the opening ceremony of the Paralympics London 2012 so special , and how it changed people's perspective of Deaf and disabled people especially in sport and art.
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The Story of Khadijatu Bangura
KoalaaMarch 31, 2024Sierra LeoneGlobally, there remains a significant need for affordable and comfortable prosthetics that can aid independence, inclusivity and health equity. This is particularly true in areas that have experienced conflict, and within lower/middle income countries. Working with governments, charities and other key partners on the ground to provide access to our prosthetics, in areas of the world that need them the most, is the focus of our dedicated Global Access Team. We have been lucky enough to secure a grant as part of the Assistive Technology Impact Fund (ATIF), under the banner of AT2030, which aims to increase access to assistive technology of all kinds, all over the world.
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Spotlight on Sierra Leone – Meet Santos
KoalaaMarch 31, 2024Sierra LeoneThere is a significant need for prosthetics, coupled with a lack of access and also a strong stigma around having limb differences. Below is a video of Santos.
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Digital assistive technology - Joseph's story
Harrison KamauMarch 8, 2024KenyaJohn Mwangi's story serves as a realistic portrayal of the intersection between technology and disability, showcasing the everyday impact on individuals' lives. It echoes a larger narrative unfolding on a global scale, where smartphones are emerging as powerful tools to transform the lives of persons with disabilities.
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A Journey with Technology
Harrison KamauMarch 8, 2024KenyaWhat makes Felista's adjustment remarkable is the user-friendly design of her device, especially its short applications that simplify tasks, such as efficient navigation. The training she received on utilizing voice commands with Google has proven to be a positive change, enabling her to effortlessly send voice messages.
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Mobile as AT Kenya
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Harrison KamauFeb. 28, 2024KenyaThis project measures how mobile phones act as an assistive technology and how the technology alongside training can transform lives.
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Spotlight on Sierra Leone – Meet Sulaiman
KoalaaFeb. 27, 2024Sierra LeoneSulaiman is 28 years old 'top-up' seller for mobile phone sim cards, he lives with his wife and children in Makeni, Sierra Leone. Receiving a Koalaa ALX sleeve has been his first experience with prosthetics and one of the ways he loves to use it is to hold his baby daughter.
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News and Social Media Coverage Malawi and Ghana
Loughborough UniversityDec. 31, 2023Here are some media coverage and pictures for Para Sport Against Stigma in Malawi and Ghana.
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Spotlight on Sierra Leone – Meet Alimatu
KoalaaDec. 31, 2023Sierra LeoneAlimatu is 20 years old and lives in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Born with a below elbow limb difference, meaning her left arm did not develop fully at birth. Alimatu is currently at university studying finance. She was first introduced to Koalaa in 2021, through a local pastor. Koalaa spoke to Alimatu on our recent visit to Sierra Leone, to find out more about her experiences growing up with a limb difference and what she thinks of her Koalaa ALX.
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Innovation Spotlight: ACE Mobility, A Journey Fueled by Love and Resilience
Harrison KamauDec. 20, 2023KenyaFounded by Daniel Gatura, Ace Mobility provides safe, reliable, affordable, and inclusive transport services (taxi with ramps) through their taxi hailing app, available on play store. The beginning of ACE Mobility can be traced back to a pivotal moment in the founder's life, a moment that altered the course of his destiny. At the tender age of seven, his world was shaken by a tragic accident that befell his father, who was involved in a serious accident that left him physically disabled.
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Shifting Stigma - Stories from Malawi’s first-ever Para Games
Kritika NaiduDec. 1, 2023MalawiIn Malawi, the landscape of sports is evolving, creating avenues for inclusivity, empowerment, and redefining the narrative for young people with disabilities. Nelia Majawa from the Chilinde Township in Lilongwe, arrives at the Bingu National Stadium to support and encourage around 30 young people with disabilities to play sport and interact with each other at the first Malawian Para Sport Games (27 July 2023). Her daughter is one of them. Her 13-year-old is a weightlifting enthusiast, and her mother beams with pride and joy when stating that she lifted 25 kgs on the day.
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Riziki Source Case Study
Global Disability Innovation HubNov. 1, 2023KenyaThe 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.
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Lugha Ishara Case Study
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Innovate NowNov. 1, 2023KenyaLugha 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.
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Syna Case Study
Global Disability Innovation HubNov. 1, 2023KenyaSyna 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.
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Paving the Way in Para Sport to Open Doors and Reduce Stigma
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Jennie Wong, Loughborough UniversityJune 20, 2023ZambiaRichard 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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The Power of the Broadcast in Dispelling Stigma and Encouraging Inclusion
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Jennie Wong, Loughborough UniversityJune 13, 2023GhanaEmmanuel Nii Tettey Okuwas working as an electrical engineer and hobby body builder but following an accident in 2013 he had to have his left leg amputated and was faced with having to adapt to a new way of living. For some time, Emmanuel felt hopeless (and angry) as he could no longer work or be active as before. However, in 2016 he watched a broadcast from the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and was excited to see people in wheelchairs lifting weights. It wasn’t until 2018 that a friend mentioned that he had seen some people doing disability sport at the Accra Sports Stadium, so he went along and met with the coach of the Para Powerlifting program, Coach Prince. Emmanuel started training straight away, “I fell in love with it. I gave it my all and now I am a national para-athlete.”
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Impact stories- The Importance of the Coach and the Media in Dispelling the Stigma of Being a Disabled Athlete
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Jennie Wong, Loughborough UniversityJune 12, 2023GhanaGhanaian athlete Tahiru Haruna, 29, from the Greater Accra area has won multiple medals in Para Power Lifting (107kg+) and Arm Wrestling for Ghana since he became an athlete in 2017. His next aim is to add Ghana’s first ever Paralympic Gold medal to his haul at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024 and showcase to other people with disabilities that it is possible to achieve a sporting dream. Tahiru’s sporting success has seen him travel to many other countries around the world for competition. This access to new cultures, sporting infrastructures and systems has provided him with some valuable experiences on how disability is perceived and managed within his own country.
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Lugha Ishara: Tackling Language Deprivation in Deaf Children.
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Harrison KamauMarch 29, 2023KenyaLugha Ishara was founded by Nancy Maina and a team of four volunteers who were passionate about improving the lives of Deaf children and young adults in the country. Their goal was to provide child-friendly KSL testing products that would tackle the challenges of language deprivation and understand the systemic causes to provide solutions. They provide methods and tools for early detection and intervention of hearing loss and language development in deaf children.
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Koalaa: an AT impact story
Kate MattickMarch 28, 2023Sierra LeoneBetween August and December 2022, 60 Decibels conducted a survey with 29 upper limb prosthetic users of the Koalaa product. They wanted to capture and understand the impact AT had on the users. This impact story shares these findings
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Wazi: An AT impact story
Kate Mattick, Louise GebbettMarch 28, 2023Between August and December 2022, 60 Decibels conducted a survey with 29 upper limb prosthetic users of the Koalaa product. They wanted to capture and understand the impact AT had on the users. This impact story shares these findings
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Impact Story - Emmanuel Nii Tetteh Oku - Paralympics Ghana
Loughborough UniversityMarch 28, 2023GhanaTokyo Paralympics aired to 49 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa for the very first time. In this video we hear from Emmanuel Nii Tetteh Oku, a Paralifter representing Ghana at the games. Emmanuel discusses his return from the games and the impact of the TV coverage, specifically in relation to stigma. Reflecting on his experiences, Emmanuel discusses his pride in representing his country and the confidence and freedom that Assistive Technology and Para Sport has given him. He also discssed being a role model in his community, and inspiring others with disabilities to follow a Para Sport route.
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Signs TV Case Study
Global Disability Innovation HubFeb. 27, 2023KenyaSigns Media TV was launched in 2015 when the company applied to the Communication Authority of Kenya for permission to run a television station broadcasting in sign language and was granted the permission. In February 2017, Signs Media started broadcasting on free-to-air platforms – Signs TV and is also found on channels like GoTV and StarTimes. The platform broadcasts in Kenyan sign language with voice as an override, airing films, movies, music (both gospel and secular), and Bible interpretation. Its main objectives are to educate, inform, and entertain in sign language, by extension enhancing disability and the deaf culture, where 80% of the programs are hosted by persons with disabilities.
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Video: Disability, Resilience and Inclusion in our Cities
Kota KitaFeb. 13, 2023Cities worldwide are increasingly exposed to the growing impact of climate crisis, from increased heat, intense weather changes to disasters. This video tells the story of people living with disabilities who might be at most risk from these times of uncertainty. It is reported in this video, that 1 in 7 people around the world are disabled, and approximately 80% of persons with disabilities live in potentially highly-climate vulnerable countries. When a disaster occurs, like floods or extreme heat, orientation and mobility are top priorities for people with disabilities.
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Video: Inclusive Public Space in Kelayan Barat
Kota KitaFeb. 13, 2023IndonesiaThis video takes a look at the constructed public space in Kelayan Barat. Residents and stakeholders share the experience of designing and constructing the inclusive public space, some of the challenges they encountered along the way and the impact it has had on the community.
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Video: Inclusive Public Space in Pelambuan
Kota KitaFeb. 6, 2023IndonesiaCommunity initiative of an inclusive design project in Pelambuan, Indonesia. The initiative was built on the shared aspirations identified by research participants for inclusive public spaces. Being part of the design process was cited by participants as an important knowledge sharing and learning experience.
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Riziki Source: Connecting People with Disabilities to Job Opportunities
Global Disability Innovation HubFeb. 2, 2023KenyaIn today's digital age, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. From social media to online shopping, we rely on technology to make our lives easier and more efficient. However, for people with disabilities, technology can also play a crucial role in helping them to find and secure employment. One organization that is using technology to help people with disabilities find jobs is Riziki Source
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From Junk to Wheelchairs: The Story of Lincoln Wamae – an engineer and innovator
Global Disability Innovation HubFeb. 2, 2023KenyaLincoln Wamae is a Kenyan inventor and engineer who has made it his mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities through the power of innovation. Using his skills in mechatronics and electrical engineering, Wamae has developed a range of electric wheelchairs that are not only functional and reliable, but also environmentally friendly.
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Andrew Mtegha’s Story: Infusing disability rights advocacy into Paralympic sport broadcasting in Malawi
Loughborough UniversityJuly 29, 2022MalawiAndrew Mtegha is a disability rights advocate and presenter of several programmes about disability inclusion on the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), such as Disability is Not Inability. The aim of these programmes is to give a platform to people with disabilities to voice out their views about their own issues in Malawi. Although Andrew has never done any sports reporting he was invited to be part of the MBC commentary team for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, provided in Chichewa.
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Championing Assistive Technology in Indonesia’s new National Commission for Disabilities
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Clinton Health Access InitiativeFeb. 11, 2022IndoneisaCase Studies and ReportsAn impact story introducing Eka Prastama Widiyanta - one of the seven members of the newly established National Commission for Disabilities (KND) in Indonesia, for the 2021-2026 period. December 2021 has marked a new milestone for persons with disabilities in Indonesia. President Joko Widodo appointed seven members of the newly established National Commission for Disabilities (KND) for the 2021-2026 period. Eka Prastama Widiyanta, former programme officer for CHAI under the AT2030 programme in Indonesia, was appointed as one of the country’s seven KND Commissioners.
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Fan Snapshot
Shujaaz IncJune 23, 2021KenyaFans responses to stories on Shujaaz's social media platforms featuring people with disabilities
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Vicky's Story
Humanity & InclusionJune 23, 2021UgandaImpact StoriesLife in a refugee settlement can be so difficult and challenging. You can imagine how it is like to trek so many kilometres fleeing a conflict from your home country. You can also now imagine the challenges Persons with Disabilities go through 365 days a year. This is twice the suffering experienced by other people, in terms of accessing services, information, the discrimination that comes from being different. 6-year-old Vicky, a resident of Rhino-camp refugee settlement is the second-born in an extended family of eleven. Together with her family members, she fled South Sudan in 2016, when she was only 2 years due to the war.
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Brenda's Story
Humanity & InclusionJune 23, 2021UgandaImpact Stories10-year-old Brenda who lives with her mother in Ofua, Rhino Camp, Arua district in Uganda was born with hydrocephalus, a condition in which build-up fluid is stored in the cavities deep within Brenda’s brain. The extra fluid has put pressure on Brenda’s brain which the mother felt would cause damage to her daughter’s brain, as she narrates,” My daughter’s head has enlarged since she was born, she experiences headache, has cognitive difficulties, impaired vision and she has loss coordination and incontinence”.
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Hakim's Story
Humanity & InclusionJune 23, 2021UgandaImpact StoriesHakim is a 30-year-old male refugee from South Sudan staying in one of the 6 villages that make up Omugo Refugee settlement, the 7th zone in Rhino Camp. AT2030 partner Humanity & Inclusion (HI) has been working with persons with disabilities (PwD) like Hakim since 2018.
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Video: Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on disabled people's daily lives
Development Planning Unit (DPU)Dec. 1, 2020IndonesiaAs we prepare to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities as part of the action research “AT2030: Community led solutions”, we reflect on this year’s theme, “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.
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Video: How does mobile empower me? Joseph’s story
GSMADec. 20, 2019KenyaJoseph Matheka Nzioka is deaf and works in construction, plumbing, roofing and welding. He lives in Ngoloni, Kenya. Mobile helps Joseph do his work and be financially included.
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Video: How does mobile empower me? John’s story
GSMADec. 11, 2019KenyaJohn was born blind, he is a student at Kenyatta University and lives in Nairobi. He uses his mobile device to study and live an independent life.
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Video: How mobile operators are driving inclusion of persons with disabilities
GSMA, Clara ArandaDec. 3, 2019This case study by GSMA aims to highlight how mobile operators are closing the mobile disability gap and also driving inclusion. The report spotlights two mobile operators that are championing disability inclusion– Safaricom and Turkcell.
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Video: How does mobile empower me? Angie's story
GSMADec. 3, 2019KenyaAngie has albinism and has low-vision. She is a student, an actress and a model. 'Mobile technology has helped me to learn more about albinism and access information. Also to use financial services'.
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Video: How does mobile empower me? Sumona’s story
GSMANov. 29, 2019BangladeshSumona Khan lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She is preparing herself for a government job. Sumona earns income through mobile. She records books for blind users.
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Video: Changing Prosthetic Service Delivery with Amparo
Amparo ProstheticsJan. 31, 2019To reduce the cost and difficulties of lower limb prosthetic manufacturing, Amparo GmbH has developed a new socket (the part of the prosthetics that connects with the person’s residual limb) that is made of thermoplastic material which can be molded directly on the person’s limb.
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Trialing 3D Printed Bespoke Orthotics to Refugees with Humanity and Inclusion
Humanity & InclusionNov. 15, 2018As part of the AT2030 programme, Humanity & Inclusion is testing the feasibility of extending their new digital manufacturing approach to provide bespoke orthotics devices across three refugee settlements which are located in North West Uganda. GDI Hub has partnered with Humanity & Inclusion to support them with the research components of the project, to ensure that robust evidence is collected and analysed across all sites. The long term goal of this project is to create digital manufacturing hubs across the region that can support better provision of bespoke prosthetic and orthotic devices to people who live in refugee camps in the East African region.
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Digital Technology, to Revolutionise Wheelchair Provision with Motivation
MotivationNov. 15, 2018As part of the AT2030 programme, the Global Disability Innovation Hub supports Motivation in testing their new provision system in Kenya to evaluate the quality of the new designs and understand how distributed manufacturing through 3D printing could augment current wheelchair service, provision models.
Impact Stories & Community Collaboration
Storytelling can be a great tool to amplify the voices of disabled people and have their voices heard. Building on our previous work, this project explores ways for creative expressions of disabled people’s lived experiences through multi-sensory impactful storytelling.
Storytelling is the oldest form of knowledge sharing and learning that transcends geographies, cultures, and generations. In African and indigenous cultures, the storytelling tradition sustains communities, validates the experiences of indigenous people and nurtures inter-generational relationships and knowledge sharing. Telling stories also helps regain a sense of belonging, collective identity, and connection to the land.
Storytelling can be a great tool to amplify the voices of disabled people and have their voices heard. Building on our previous work, this project explores ways for creative expressions of disabled people’s lived experiences through multi-sensory storytelling. Sharing experiences and stories this way is the first step towards helping individuals develop a voice and skills to advocate for their rights and access to AT. We also explore ways to use technology to amplify these stories to create a positive impact on disability inclusion and improved AT provisions across LMICs.
Research
Social Media as Disability Self-advocacy Tool
This project explores the role of social media as a self-advocacy tool for disabled people. Using a mixed-methods human-centred approach, this project will generate in-depth insight into how disabled people use social media for advocate for disability rights, the barriers and facilitators that impact socia media use, and a toolkit to better serve disability storytelling through social media.
Activities
14 March 2023: AT Storytelling Workshop with International Disability Alliance, Geneva, Switzerland
Outputs
- Maryam Bandukda, Catherine Holloway, Diane Bell, Victoria Austin, "Challenges to disabled people’s participation in digital activism: A global south perspective", CHI 2023 Workshop: Supporting Social Movements through HCI and Design Research, https://sites.google.com/view/hcisocialmovements
- Maryam Bandukda, Catherine Holloway, "Bridging the disability divide in the global south through digital disability inclusion", CHI 2023 Workshop: HCI Across Borders: Towards Global Solidarity, https://hcixb.org/
People
