Publications
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Developing National Priority Assistive Products Lists: experiences and lessons from six Sub-Saharan African countries
Frederic Seghers, Satish MishraSept. 27, 2025Academic Research PublicationsThis study examines the experiences and lessons learned from six Sub-Saharan African countries in developing National Priority Assistive Products Lists (APLs) between 2020 and 2024, aiming to provide insights for improving assistive technology (AT) access in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Data analysis involved synthesising information to identify common themes, challenges, and best practices in APL development. The study highlights the complex nature of developing National APLs and emphasises the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement, data-driven prioritisation, and integration within broader health system strengthening efforts. These insights can guide other countries in developing and implementing effective APLs, ultimately improving AT access and advancing disability rights.
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Exploring the Usability of Gaze-based Mobile Communication in Ghana
Gifty Ayoka, Vicki Austin, Catherine Holloway, Dr Giulia Barbareschi, Richard Cave, Derick OmariSept. 26, 2025GhanaAcademic Research PublicationsIn Ghana, people with communication challenges could benefit from gaze-based Augmented and Assistive Communication devices (AACs), widely used in countries with greater resources. However, there is limited evidence about the potential of such devices by people with communication disabilities in the Global South. Our study sought to evaluate the usability, identifying barriers and facilitators of adoption of a freely available Android-based eye-gaze AAC application called Look to Speak. The study included training of 10 local speech and language therapists and 15 people with communication difficulties. Our findings highlight how, despite some initial successes and the positive opinions of clients, caregivers and speech and language therapists the Look to Speak application largely failed to deliver substantial communication benefits to individual users. This was due to a combination of factors including the high cognitive load, design flaws of the application - such as the lack of optimi
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Inclusive Climate Infrastructure Design Challenge
Global Disability Innovation HubSept. 25, 2025GlobalAT2030 ResourcesWe had an enlightening session today as part of the New York Climate Action Week, exploring Inclusive Climate Infrastructure Design Challenge
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A scoping review of gendered barriers and facilitators of access and use of assistive technology
Vicki Austin, Dr Dilisha Patel, Elizabeth Mc GuinnessSept. 18, 2025GlobalAcademic Research PublicationsA disparity exists in the access and use of assistive technology (AT), with women exhibiting lower rates of access compared to men, despite a higher reported prevalence of disability. To address these gendered inequities in AT, a comprehensive understanding of the influence of sex and gender on AT utilisation, access pathways, and associated perceptions is crucial.
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A scoping review of gendered barriers and facilitators of access and use of assistive technology
Vicki Austin, Dr Dilisha Patel, Elizabeth Mc GuinnessSept. 18, 2025GlobalAcademic Research PublicationsThis scoping review aimed to synthesise existing evidence concerning how sex and gender affect access, use, and attitudes towards AT. A systematic search across seven databases yielded 120 relevant publications.
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Need equality and access equity to assistive products across genders and locations in 29 countries: a cross-sectional study
Wei Zhang, Johan Borg, Irene Calvo, Chapal Khasnabis, Luc De Witte, Arne H EideAug. 8, 2025GlobalAcademic Research PublicationsEvidence from nationally representative assistive product studies on needs equality and access equity is essential for effectively targeting measures by health and other services to improve access to assistive products. This multi-country study explored equality regarding the need for and equity regarding access to assistive products across genders and locations.
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Inclucity 4: Climate resilience and innovation for inclusive cities
Global Disability Innovation HubJuly 23, 2025AT2030 ResourcesIn this final webinar, we will be focusing on climate resilience and innovation for inclusive cities. This project focuses on the need and opportunities for disability inclusion within the climate adaptation, mitigation, resilience, and innovation narratives and actions. It situates inclusive cities within the larger just transition ambition.
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Understanding the Impact of Assistive Technology on Users’ Lives in England: A Capability Approach
Rebecca Joskow, Dilisha Patel, Anna Landre, Kate Mattick, Catherine Holloway, Jamie Danemayer, Vicki AustinJuly 9, 2025Academic Research PublicationsThis study explores the real-life impact of assistive technology (AT) in England, drawing on findings from a 2023 Country Capacity Assessment conducted by GDI Hub and the UK Disability Unit using the WHO’s ATA toolkit. It revealed the personal significance of AT in shaping identity and confidence, while identifying systemic barriers that limit access and effectiveness. The findings emphassze the need for user-centered approaches in measuring and improving AT systems.
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Estimates of the global workforce required for providing assistive technology: a modeling study
Johan Borg, Irene CalvoJuly 8, 2025GlobalAcademic Research PublicationsDespite being a fundamental human right, access to assistive products varies between 3% and 90% across countries. Ensuring adequate and trained human resources is a prerequisite for improving access to assistive products. To support workforce planning and development, this study estimated the global workforce required for assistive technology provision to achieve a high level of access.
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Reflective narrative of OPD's and capacity building in Pakistan
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP)June 30, 2025Academic Research PublicationsThis report explores the Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) ecosystem in Pakistan, focusing on how capacity building can drive systemic change, improve access to Assistive Technology (AT), and strengthen advocacy for the rights of People with Disabilities (PwDs). Part of the AT2030 programme, funded by UK International Development, the initiative draws on policy analysis, consultations with OPDs, and engagement with government, academia, and the private sector. It identifies key challenges, highlights opportunities, and offers practical recommendations to enhance OPD effectiveness and AT access.
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IncluCITY 3: Making Services Inclusive
Global Disability Innovation HubJune 25, 2025AT2030 ResourcesIn this third webinar, the focus was on Making Services Inclusive—exploring inclusive services and facilities, including essential services, and how to create seamless cities with connected, inclusive service ecosystems. It examined different aspects of inclusive services, including policy, training, financing, design, implementation, and monitoring.
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Outcomes of assistive technology use by sex and gender; a scoping review
Vicki Austin, Mikaela Patrick, Dr Dilisha PatelJune 25, 2025GlobalAcademic Research PublicationsThis paper synthesises evidence on the influence of sex and gender on assistive technology (AT) outcomes, recognising AT as a tool for enabling participatory rights.
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Consultation guide to inform the development of Dignity Kits customised for women and girls with disabilities
Patel Dilisha, Global Disability Innovation HubJune 23, 2025GlobalAcademic Research PublicationsThis new toolkit is here to help us hold impactful consultations to develop Dignity Kits specifically for women and girls with disabilities! Created with GDI Hub and UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Office, this guide has been refined through piloting in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Fiji, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka UNFPA Country Offices. Their experiences are now integrated, making this a powerful tool for UNFPA country offices worldwide to ensure their offerings are truly inclusive.
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AUSC Region 5 Namibia Youth Games
Global Disability Innovation HubJune 18, 2025AT2030 ResourcesThese videos showcase the journeys of athletes Boyson Masego, Sandra Mughogho, and Wongani Chawinga as they prepare to participate in the AUSC Region 5 Namibia Youth Games.
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Wheelchair Provision in Nepal: Pokhara, Gandaki Province
Global Disability Innovation Hub, University of Limerick, Kathmandu UniversityJune 17, 2025NepalAcademic Research PublicationsApplying the Sustainable Community of Practice (SCOP) model to view wheelchair provision in Nepal, this study seeks to understand the landscape of overall wheelchair product and service provision, deep diving into its provincial situation. This report provides an insight on the provincial workshops conducted in the Pokhara using the SCOP model and Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) which were pivotal in collaboratively identifying context-specific solutions and stakeholder-driven recommendations.
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Wheelchair Provision in Nepal: Butwal, Lumbini Province
Global Disability Innovation Hub, University of Limerick, Kathmandu UniversityJune 15, 2025NepalAcademic Research PublicationsApplying the Sustainable Community of Practice (SCOP) model to view wheelchair provision in Nepal, this study seeks to understand the landscape of overall wheelchair product and service provision, deep diving into its provincial situation. This report provides an insight on the provincial workshops conducted in the Butwal using the SCOP model and Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) which were pivotal in collaboratively identifying context-specific solutions and stakeholder-driven recommendations.
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Wheelchair Provision in Nepal: Biratnagar, Koshi Province
Global Disability Innovation Hub, University of Limerick, Kathmandu UniversityJune 12, 2025NepalAcademic Research PublicationsApplying the Sustainable Community of Practice (SCOP) model to view wheelchair provision in Nepal, this study seeks to understand the landscape of overall wheelchair product and service provision, deep diving into its provincial situation. This report provides an insight on the provincial workshops conducted in the Biratnagar using the SCOP model and Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) which were pivotal in collaboratively identifying context-specific solutions and stakeholder-driven recommendations.
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The Future of Financial Inclusion
Global Disability Innovation HubJune 11, 2025GlobalCase Studies and ReportsConsulting for global development actors and private sector partners globally, Global Disability Innovation Hub is a thought leader in inclusive practices and mechanisms. Working across consumer facing accessible services, recruitment and workforce, we are also exploring private capital as an emerging force within the international development and inclusive innovation sphere.
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How can the principles of Human Computer Interaction inform responsible AI adoption in humanitarian practice?
Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, Maarya Omar, Davor Orlic, James Smith, Dr Maria Kett, Catherine HollowayMay 28, 2025AT2030 ResourcesOn Wed, 30 April 2025, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar presented a paper at the CHI 2025 conference, on 'Bridging AI and Humanitarianism: An HCI-Informed Framework for Responsible AI Adoption' by Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, Maarya Omar, Davor Orlic, James Smith, Catherine Holloway, Maria Kett, as part of a session on Trust and Responsibility in AI. CHI is the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. It is the premier international conference of Human Computer Interaction. This video explores some of the issues detailed in the research.
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The Global Disability Inclusion Report: Accelerating Disability Inclusion in a Changing and Diverse World
A Multi-stakeholder Report for the Global Disability Summit 2025May 27, 2025Academic Research PublicationsThe Global Disability Inclusion Report: Accelerating Disability Inclusion in a Changing and Diverse World was developed specifically for the Global Disability Summit 2025. It provides an overview of how the profound changes shaping our world impact the diversity of persons with disabilities and pathways to address these changes and drive inclusion across all aspects of life.
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