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Unlocking Sustainable and Resilient Assistive Technology Innovation and Delivery Ecosystems: Personalised Co-creation of Locally Produced Prosthetics: Research Summary
Dr Ben Oldfrey, RAM CHANDRA THAPA, Ashish Thapa, Bikash Paudel, Amit Bajracharya, Ganga Gurung, Rosemary Gowran, Pratisthit Lal Shrestha, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, Mark Miodownik, Catherine HollowayJan. 9, 2025NepalResearch SummariesThe UK Aid-funded AT2030 project improved access to assistive technology in Nepal by developing locally produced prosthetics through collaboration between Nepali experts and global innovators. Emphasizing user-centred design, prosthetic users helped shape the final devices, ensuring they met both functional and personal needs. The project provided effective prosthetics while strengthening Nepal’s innovation capacity, securing further funding to expand the initiative.
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Demographic, socioeconomic, and social barriers to use of mobility assistive products: a multistate analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Jamie Danemayer, Mikaela Bloomberg, Adam Mills, Catherine Holloway, Shereen HusseinDec. 12, 2024Academic Research PublicationsFactors like age, gender, location, and socioeconomic status influence access to assistive technology. While much research focuses on devices like glasses and hearing aids, mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs) often receive less attention despite growing demand. Understanding these access disparities is crucial for identifying the groups most in need of support and guiding better policies.
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Development of Priority Assistive Product Lists in Three African Countries: Research Summary
Emma M. Smith, Ikenna D. Ebuenyi, Ying Zhang, Laura LigthartNov. 7, 2024Research SummariesAccess to assistive products (APs) is crucial for the independence of people with disabilities, yet availability is limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study compares the development of national AP lists in Malawi, Liberia, and Sierra Leone using the WHO’s 5P model—people, policy, personnel, products, and provision—each country tailoring the model to local needs. Findings emphasize that inclusive policies, trained personnel, and reliable data are essential for improving AP access, providing insights to guide future AP policies and infrastructure in LMICs.
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Unlocking Sustainable and Resilient Assistive Technology Innovation and Delivery Ecosystems: Personalised Co-creation of Locally Produced Prosthetics
Dr Ben Oldfrey, RAM CHANDRA THAPA, Ashish Thapa, Bikash Paudel, Amit Bajracharya, Ganga Gurung, Rosemary Gowran, Pratisthit Lal Shrestha, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, Mark Miodownik, Catherine HollowayNov. 5, 2024NepalAcademic Research PublicationsThe World Health Organisation (WHO) reports significant disparities in access to assistive products, with 64% access in high-income countries compared to 33% in medium-income and 11% in low-income countries. The AT2030 Programme, led by the Global Disability Innovation Hub in Nepal, aims to enhance local innovation in assistive technology (AT). In Nepal, the estimated disability rate is only 2.2%, likely underestimated, as organisations work to provide tailored AT and rehabilitation services. This paper outlines our experiences in the AT2030 project, focusing on developing a global-local community, interdisciplinary innovation teams in Kathmandu, and preliminary findings from bespoke product development cases.
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A Mentoring Playbook for Disability Innovation
Daniel Hajas, Thomas Hørdam, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, Shantosh Cumarasurier, Clare CassonNov. 1, 2024AT2030 ResourcesThis playbook provides a comprehensive guide for organisations seeking to launch and manage mentoring programmes aimed at early career researchers (ECRs) and start-ups in the disability innovation sector. Rooted in the experiences of the TIDAL ECR Accelerator, insights from the Attvaran Accelerator, run by GDI Hub as part of the AT2030 programme, and We Love Mentors, this playbook outlines a practical and adaptable framework for fostering mentoring in a complex, yet essential, area of innovation.
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PSAS Athlete Toolkit
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Loughborough University, The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), University of MalawiSept. 30, 2024Ghana, Malawi and ZambiaAT2030 ResourcesThis toolkit is aimed at athletes with a disability who aspire to become world class and compete for their country at an international level. The toolkit is designed to provide useful information and step by step guides on important aspects of Para sport such as classification, competition, coaching and communication.
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PSAS Coach Toolkit
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Loughborough University, The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), University of MalawiSept. 30, 2024MalawiAT2030 ResourcesThis toolkit is aimed at supporting coaches who work with disabled athletes within their national and international sporting systems. The toolkit is designed to provide useful information and step-by-step guides on important aspects of Para sport, such as classification systems and processes, competition requirements, coaching checklists and communication methods.