Generate new evidence & insights.
We answer critical research questions and develop foundational methodologies, addressing intersectional challenges and research and evidence gaps. Led by GDI Hub at University College London, with academic and community partners globally, this cluster will answer critical research questions and develop foundational methodologies to support the evidence base for best practices in assistive technology provision in low- and middle-income countries.
Sub-Programmes
- Data and Evidence Portal: Our Data and Evidence portal combines research from the Rapid Assessments of Assistive Technology and various global studies. The portal aims to improve access to life-changing assistive technology for all by providing access to data and evidence for government policymakers, INGOs, OPDs, and specialised agencies, enabling informed, evidence-based decisions.
- What Works: Wrap around, programme wide research across the entirety of the AT2030 programme using an interactive, responsive methodology which builds realist analysis to identify the underlying generative causal mechanisms that explain how outcomes were caused and how context influences these outcomes and is designed for programmes that are complex.
- Mobile & Emerging Technology: Mobile and emerging technologies are enhancing assistive devices with features like text-to-speech and eye-gaze control, improving accessibility. The ‘Mobile as AT’ project has influenced mobile phone developers to improve accessibility and is informing other programmes, such as FCDO’s AI for Development (AI4D). Building on this learning, the Centre for Digital Language Inclusion (CDLI), co-funded by Google.org, is now harnessing the power of AI and the potential of communication solutions to change lives. The CDLI is developing inclusive solutions for people with communication difficulties and trains people how to use them. They are collecting datasets of non-standard speech to build Automatic Speech Recognition models, enabling disabled people with communication barriers to take advantage of Automatic Speech Recognition software.
Latest
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Dot Glasses Field Trial Template Pack
Dot GlassesJuly 8, 2026KenyaAT2030 ResourcesDot Glasses Field Trial Template Pack
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Seeing Clearly: The Impact of Affordable Eyeglasses on Daily Life in Kenya
Dot GlassesJuly 8, 2026KenyaAT2030 ResourcesThe 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
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Seeing Clearly: The Impact of Affordable Eyeglasses on Daily Life in Kenya
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Dot Glasses, Senses HubJuly 8, 2026KenyaCase Studies and ReportsThe 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
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A Critical Review of Sexuality, Technology and Disability
Patel Dilisha, Ekat Osipova, Dr Giulia Barbareschi, Katta SpielJuly 8, 2026GlobalAcademic Research PublicationsThe 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.
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Advance Cohort of 2026
Global Disability Innovation HubJuly 7, 2026United KingdomCase Studies and ReportsAdvance 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.