Mapping Assistive Technology Start-ups

Assistive technology (AT) is the application of organised knowledge and skills related to assistive products, systems and services designed to maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence, thereby promoting their well-being [1]. We can enable life-changing differences in millions of lives worldwide using and enabling access to assistive technology. However, with all the incredible innovation, development and distribution of assistive products, there is still a significant gap between design and awareness to access and use of assistive products [2]. This was corroborated through our project to understand the met and unmet needs of AT through a country-capacity assessment [3]. As a part of this project, we carried out 5 focus group discussions with AT Users, policy stakeholders, AT developers, providers, and those that work in AT distribution and support (n=31).

This paper explored their experiences of providing and accessing AT, including procurement strategies, adoption of new technologies, and provision pathways. Overall, we found that there is still a substantial knowledge gap in assistive products, how to access products, and funding for needed products. These discussions also enlightened us that word-of-mouth and peer networks are the main avenues through which knowledge of assistive products is shared. Difficulties in keeping up with the expanding innovative landscape was raised as a key concern.