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The Opportunity of a Billion - special webinar series exploring the Assistive Tech Impact Fund

Global Disability Innovation Hub

Nov. 15, 2021

Africa

We're delighted to announce a special Disability Innovation Live webinar series showcasing current AT pioneers and exploring the future role of assistive technology (AT) in the impact investing landscape. The series will be a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of our AT Impact Fund, hearing from the innovators, experts and investors on entering new markets, exploring never-used-before financing models and developing pioneering business models.
Can Paralympic sport break down barriers to assistive technology use in Africa?

Nyasha Mharakurwa, Stacy Konadu Mensah, Patrick Yaw Obeng

Sept. 13, 2021

Africa

In this blog, Nyasha Mharakurwa, a wheelchair tennis player and London 2012 Paralympian from Zimbabwe, Stacy Konadu Mensah, a wheelchair tennis player from Ghana, and Patrick Yaw Obeng, a para-athlete from Ghana share their reflections and experiences of barriers to assistive technology access and how Para sports can help break down these barriers for disabled people in Africa.
Press release: IPC–led partnership secures a record breaking 49 territories for free-to-air African broadcast coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Loughborough University

Aug. 19, 2021

Africa

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has confirmed that it will provide free-to-air coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games to 49 Sub-Saharan African territories as part of the AT2030 programme’s Para Sport Against Stigma project, which is funded by UK Aid. This is an effort to elevate Para sport and ensure human rights for people with disabilities around the world. Globally, there are 1.2 billion people with disabilities who are often unable to reach their full potential. Central to this is disability stigma, which limits full participation in society from employment and education to sport.
Unlocking the potential of the Paralympics: Para Sport Against Stigma

Dr. Jessica Noske Turner (LU London), Prof. Mufunanji Magalsi (UofMalawi), Sheila Mogalo (IPC Consultant)

Aug. 17, 2021

Africa

Publisher Link

Community engagement is indispensable to realising the potential impact of the Paralympic Games in different African contexts. The Para Sport Against Stigma project is using action research with partners to try out different approaches in practice to develop a knowledge pool for the kinds of community engagement processes that could ground the Paralympics in diverse contexts across the ‘arc’ of the Games cycle: the lead up, the main event, and the legacy of this year’s Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games.
Record 49 territories for free-to-air African broadcast coverage of Paralympic Games

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

Aug. 17, 2021

Africa

Publisher Link

The International Committee for Paralympics (IPC) has confirmed that 49 Sub-Saharan African territories will be provided free-to-air coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as part of the AT2030 programme's ParaSport Against Stigma Project. For the first time, African viewers will watch the opening and closing ceremonies broadcast live on 24 August and 5 September 2021. Daily 52-minute highlights packages of African centred content featuring the continent’s biggest Paralympic heroes and rising stars, will be provided in English, French and Portuguese. It is estimated that the broadcasts will reach over 250 million viewers in Africa.
Assistive Tech Impact Fund launches global call for innovative African solutions

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Catherine Holloway, Brink, Catalyst Fund, Tamara Giltsoff

Feb. 11, 2021

Africa

The Assistive Tech Impact Fund (ATIF) is changing the prospects of AT innovators in Africa, providing up to £200k of grant funding alongside expert-led venture-building support to facilitate the growth of the AT sector.
Celebrating Inspirational Entrepreneurs Building Tech that Matters for Africa

Bernard Chiira, AMREF Health Africa

May 13, 2020

Africa

Bernard presents an overview of the innovations and teams that were part of the first cohort of Innovate Now, Africa's first Assistive Tech Accelerator.
An AT Innovator Case Study: Amparo

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Catherine Holloway, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Dr Rhys Williams

Dec. 3, 2020

Germany, Africa

PDF

In this innovation insight paper, we interviewed Lucas Paes de Melo, the CEO of Amparo, to discuss the journey so far of prosthetics company, Amparo. Rather than focus on the product, this insights paper provides an honest reflection of the journey to establishing an assistive technology company and delves into transferable insights. In doing so, we aim to provide insights to help current and future AT entrepreneurs to see behind the curtain of working in this space.

Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.

Mobile-powered employment opportunities for all; i2i challenge call for Bangladesh

Global Disability Innovation Hub

March 14, 2021

Bangladesh

People with disabilities are creative leaders within workforces however are often unable to access employment opportunities or progress within careers. Mobile technology can act as a bridge to employment opportunities by helping people learn skills, increasing awareness of job opportunities and helping to get and retain employment opportunities. The i2i programme, funded by UK Aid and led by Leonard Cheshire has teamed up with Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) and SBK Foundation to launch the mobile innovation challenge for employment for all. Up to £20,000 is available to support winning applicants in the development of employment solutions focused around mobile in Bangladesh with access to global expertise from GDI Hub and local innovation networks and support through SBK Foundation. Applications close on 14th March 2021, with projects completed by November 2021.
Video: How does mobile empower me? Sumona’s story

GSMA

Nov. 29, 2019

Bangladesh

Sumona Khan lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She is preparing herself for a government job. Sumona earns income through mobile. She records books for blind users.
Understanding the mobile disability gap

Global Disability Innovation Hub, GSMA

Dec. 14, 2020

Kenya, Bangladesh

PDF

There has been limited research to understand access to mobile phones by persons with disabilities and the impact of mobile technology in their lives. This research aims to bridge the knowledge gap and to understand the potential of mobile phones as assistive technologies (ATs) for persons with disabilities in Kenya and Bangladesh. It presents an evaluation of the gap and barriers to mobile phone ownership experienced by persons with disabilities, as well as the usage patterns of four main mobile-enabled services (voice, SMS, mobile internet and mobile money) and the role of mobile phones to enable access to basic services, such as education, healthcare, transportation, employment and financial services.
Exploring the experience of persons with disabilities of using mobile technology in their daily lives in Kenya and Bangladesh

Nusrat Jahan

Nov. 6, 2020

Kenya, Bangladesh

Although, mobile phones are universally used for communication, for persons with disabilities they become essential assistive technologies that bridge barriers to opportunities which are not accessible otherwise.

Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.

Estimating assistive product need in Cameroon and India: results of population-based surveys and comparison of self-report and clinical impairment assessment approaches.

Dorothy Boggs, Hannah Kuper, Islay Mactaggart, GV Murthy, Joseph Oye, Sarah Polack

Nov. 8, 2020

Cameroon, India

Publisher Link

A paper estimating population need and coverage for assistive devices in India and Cameroon.

Gender and disability in informal settlements during COVID-19: What we have learnt so far

Dr Ignacia Ossul Vermehren

June 30, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Chile

On Tuesday 11th February, we held an event on The Politics of Making Disability Visible in Community-led Urban Research as part of the Dialogues in Development series at The Bartlett Developing and Planning Unit (UCL). The aim of the event was to share reflections and learnings from the action-research project "Community-led solution: Assistive Technologies in Informal Settlements– an ongoing research project in four low-income urban communities: two in Freetown, Sierra Leone and two in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. Dr Ignacia Ossul Vermehren discussed gender and disability in informal settlements during COVID-19. and sheds a light on what we've learnt so far.

Medellín announced as the sixth AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure Case Study

Global Disability Innovation Hub

Nov. 15, 2022

Colombia

The Global Disability Innovation Hub is delighted to announce that under the UK Aid-funded AT2030 programme, the sixth and final case study of the Inclusive Infrastructure sub-programme will take place in the city of Medellín, Colombia. The case study will start in January 2023 with the aim of launching the report in early summer.

Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.

Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.
Final Report: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment in seven African Countries using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Liberia, Ethiopia

PDF

Draft prepared by Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)

Estimating Need for Glasses and Hearing Aids in The Gambia: Results from a National Survey and Comparison of Clinical Impairment and Self-Report Assessment Approaches

Dorothy Boggs, Abba Hydara, Yaka Faal, John A. Okah, Segun I. Olaniyan, Haruna Sanneh, Abdoulie Ngett, Isatou Bah, Mildred Aleser, Erima Denis, Ian McCormick, Tess Bright, Suzannah Bell, Minjung Kim, Allen Foster, Hannah Kuper, Matthew J. Burton, Islay Mactaggart, Sarah Polack

July 13, 2021

Gambia

Publisher Link

This study estimates population-level need for glasses and hearing aids in The Gambia based on (1) clinical impairment assessment, and (2) self-reported assistive device awareness, and explores the relationship between the two methods.

An AT Innovator Case Study: Amparo

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Catherine Holloway, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Dr Rhys Williams

Dec. 3, 2020

Germany, Africa

PDF

In this innovation insight paper, we interviewed Lucas Paes de Melo, the CEO of Amparo, to discuss the journey so far of prosthetics company, Amparo. Rather than focus on the product, this insights paper provides an honest reflection of the journey to establishing an assistive technology company and delves into transferable insights. In doing so, we aim to provide insights to help current and future AT entrepreneurs to see behind the curtain of working in this space.

Para Sport Against Stigma: Commonwealth Games athletes and coaches from Ghana and Zambia visit Loughborough University

Loughborough University

Aug. 31, 2022

Ghana, Zambia

Publisher Link

Para Sport Against Stigma is a four-year project hat looks at how representation, education and communication in Para sport can challenge stigma associated with disability in Sub-Sarhan Africa. One part of PSAS focuses on Athlete Development and will see the International Paralympic Committee to deliver a programme to support National Paralympic Committees in Malawi, Ghana and Zambia to develop Para sport. As part of the Athlete Development focus, Para-Powerlifters who represented Ghana and Zambia at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, along with their coaches, took the opportunity to visit and work with researchers and practitioners from Loughborough University and the International Paralympic Association.
I’mPOSSIBLE toolkits: Ghana

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

May 10, 2021

Ghana

PDF

I’mPOSSIBLE is an education programme to spread the Paralympic values and the vision of the Paralympic Movement to young people throughout the world. Through education of inclusion and the Paralympic values, I’mPOSSIBLE aims to challenge and change the perceptions of how young people perceive people with an impairment. This toolkit has been adapted to fit the local context of Ghana as part of AT2030's Para Sport Against Stigma project.

Inclusive Design and Accessibility of the Built Environment in Varanasi, India

Mikaela Patrick, Iain McKinnon, Satish Mishra, Shivani Gupta, Prabha Roy, Utsav Choudhury, Kavita Murugkar, Gaurav Raheja

Oct. 13, 2021

India

PDF

The purpose of this case study is to explore the state of inclusive and accessible environments for persons with disabilities in Varanasi, India, through engagement with policy, industry and community stakeholders (policy, practice and people). Through this engagement, the case study is developing evidence on the challenges and opportunities for implementing inclusive and accessible design in Varanasi and makes recommendations on local actions towards becoming a more inclusive city.
Co-design workshop exploring inclusive and accessible urban environment in Varanasi, India

Global Disability Innovation Hub

March 19, 2021

India

GDI Hub, NIUA and Kiran Society hold co design workshop to build insights on creating inclusive and accessible urban environment in Varanasi, India. As part of the ongoing research case study, the workshop aimed to understand the state of inclusive design and accessible urban environment in the city of Varanasi.
GDI Hub, NIUA and Kiran Society hold co design workshop to build insights on creating inclusive and accessible urban environment in Varanasi, India

Global Disability Innovation Hub

March 18, 2021

India

The workshop looked to understand the barriers and challenges faced by disabled people in accessing basic infrastructure services, identifying key priority areas for improvement and recommendations for city stakeholders.
Estimating assistive product need in Cameroon and India: results of population-based surveys and comparison of self-report and clinical impairment assessment approaches.

Dorothy Boggs, Hannah Kuper, Islay Mactaggart, GV Murthy, Joseph Oye, Sarah Polack

Nov. 8, 2020

Cameroon, India

Publisher Link

A paper estimating population need and coverage for assistive devices in India and Cameroon.

Championing Assistive Technology in Indonesia’s new National Commission for Disabilities

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Clinton Health Access Initiative

Feb. 11, 2022

Indoneisa

PDF

An 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.

Video: Inclusive Public Space in Kelayan Barat

Kota Kita

Feb. 13, 2023

Indonesia

This 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.
Video: Inclusive Public Space in Pelambuan

Kota Kita

Feb. 6, 2023

Indonesia

Community 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.
Inclusive Infrastructure Case Study Solo Indonesia written in Bahasa Indonesia

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Kota Kita, UK Aid

Nov. 3, 2022

Indonesia

PDF

The third case study as part of the Inclusive Infrastructure programme on Solo, Indonesia. This is the Bahasa Indonesia version of the report. This case study builds a picture of the current state of inclusion and accessibility in the built environment and infrastructure in Solo through engaging local stakeholders and communities and exploring the understanding of and potential for inclusive design to address some of the current barriers to inclusion.
Inclusive Design and Accessibility of the Built Environment in Solo, Indonesia

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Kota Kita, UK Aid

March 11, 2022

Indonesia

PDF

The third case study as part of the Inclusive Infrastructure programme on Solo, Indonesia. This case study builds a picture of the current state of inclusion and accessibility in the built environment and infrastructure in Solo through engaging local stakeholders and communities and exploring the understanding of and potential for inclusive design to address some of the current barriers to inclusion.
Video: Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on disabled people's daily lives

Development Planning Unit (DPU)

Dec. 1, 2020

Indonesia

As 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”.
Catalysing AT access: A unified approach to fund and provide AT services in Indonesia

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Oct. 30, 2020

Indonesia

PDF

Under Cluster 3: Country Implementation of the AT2030 programme, AT2030 partners are working with country governments to identify opportunities to drive availability and affordability of AT. CHAI and the AT2030 programme published a case study on how a new coordinating mechanism within Indonesia is catalysing access to AT within the country.
Country Capacity Assessment for Assistive Technologies: Informal Markets Study, Indonesia

Julian Walker, Ahmad Rifai, Fuad Jamil (AA), Vindi Kurniawan, Global Disability Innovation Hub, Kota Kita, Development Planning Unit (DPU), UCL

Oct. 22, 2020

Indonesia

PDF

This study was conducted as part of the AT2030 Research Programme, funded by the FCDO and delivered by the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub). It was carried out by a team from the Indonesian NGOs Kota Kita and Kaki Kota, and from the Development Planning Unit (DPU) of University College London (UCL).
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.
Characterising mobile phone inclusion among Assistive Technology users

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Kota Kita, Development Planning Unit (DPU), SLURC, the SHM foundation

March 10, 2022

Sierra Leone, Indonesia

PDF

Characterising mobile phone inclusion among Assistive Technology users: An intersectional disability analysis of mobile phone access and use in Banjarmasin, Indonesia and Freetown, Sierra Leone This report shares the findings of research conducted in five informal settlements across the cities of Banjarmasin, Indonesia and Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2020- 2021 as part of the AT2030 Project (AT2030 SP9).
Assistive Technology in urban low-income communities in Sierra Leone & Indonesia

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Dr Mark Carew, Development Planning Unit (DPU), Julian Walker, Dr Ignacia Ossul Vermehren

Jan. 21, 2022

Sierra Leone, Indonesia

PDF

A new report presenting the findings from surveys in five urban low-income communities in Sierra Leone and Indonesia using the rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) tool.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities in informal settlements in Sierra Leone and Indonesia

Dr Ignacia Ossul Vermehren, UCL, Nina Asterina, Kota Kita, Hawanatu Bangura, SLURC

Dec. 3, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia

The 3rd of December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. We reflect on this year’s theme “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World” through DPU’s research “AT2030: Community led solutions” in informal settlements Sierra Leone and Indonesia.
Gender and disability in informal settlements during COVID-19: What we have learnt so far

Dr Ignacia Ossul Vermehren

June 30, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Chile

On Tuesday 11th February, we held an event on The Politics of Making Disability Visible in Community-led Urban Research as part of the Dialogues in Development series at The Bartlett Developing and Planning Unit (UCL). The aim of the event was to share reflections and learnings from the action-research project "Community-led solution: Assistive Technologies in Informal Settlements– an ongoing research project in four low-income urban communities: two in Freetown, Sierra Leone and two in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. Dr Ignacia Ossul Vermehren discussed gender and disability in informal settlements during COVID-19. and sheds a light on what we've learnt so far.

Digital assistive technology for inclusion: Zainab's story

Barbara Goedde

Nov. 23, 2020

Iraq

Zainab Jalal Ahmed is 37 years old and works as a translator (Arabic-English) for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Iraq. The documents she translates include Memorandums of Understanding and other legal document, as well as - to facilitate the sponsorship of Iraqi students to study in overseas universities in Britain, the United States or Australia - applications, transcripts of their marks and abstracts of their works. As many are documents are legal in nature, the translations need to be very precise. Zainab also interprets for delegations and other visitors.
Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.

Understanding the mobile disability gap

Global Disability Innovation Hub, GSMA

Dec. 14, 2020

Kenya, Bangladesh

PDF

There has been limited research to understand access to mobile phones by persons with disabilities and the impact of mobile technology in their lives. This research aims to bridge the knowledge gap and to understand the potential of mobile phones as assistive technologies (ATs) for persons with disabilities in Kenya and Bangladesh. It presents an evaluation of the gap and barriers to mobile phone ownership experienced by persons with disabilities, as well as the usage patterns of four main mobile-enabled services (voice, SMS, mobile internet and mobile money) and the role of mobile phones to enable access to basic services, such as education, healthcare, transportation, employment and financial services.
Exploring the experience of persons with disabilities of using mobile technology in their daily lives in Kenya and Bangladesh

Nusrat Jahan

Nov. 6, 2020

Kenya, Bangladesh

Although, mobile phones are universally used for communication, for persons with disabilities they become essential assistive technologies that bridge barriers to opportunities which are not accessible otherwise.
Experiences of lower limb prosthesis users in Kenya: a qualitative study to understand motivation to use and satisfaction with prosthetic outcomes

Catherine Holloway, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Grace Magomere, Kate Mattick, Maggie Kate Donovan-Hall, Joseph Gakunga

Feb. 27, 2023

Kenya

Publisher Link

This paper explores the personal and system factors that motivate and enhance outcomes for patients accessing a prosthetic service and using a lower-limb prosthesis within a low resource setting. This study employed a qualitative approach to explore the motivations and satisfaction of individuals with lower limb loss engaging with a prosthetic service in Mombasa, Kenya. In-depth interviews were conducted over Microsoft Teams with 10 lower limb prosthesis users and thematic analysis was applied. Five key themes emerged: acceptance, self-determination, hope, clinician relationship and perception. These findings demonstrate the importance of hopeful thinking and a supportive community in overcoming physical and stigmatising challenges. The findings further highlight the value of the service provider relationship beyond just prescribing an assistive device.
Signs TV Case Study

Global Disability Innovation Hub

Feb. 27, 2023

Kenya

PDF

Signs 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.
Riziki Source: Connecting People with Disabilities to Job Opportunities

Global Disability Innovation Hub

Feb. 2, 2023

Kenya

In 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
From Junk to Wheelchairs: The Story of Lincoln Wamae – an engineer and innovator

Global Disability Innovation Hub

Feb. 2, 2023

Kenya

Lincoln 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.
New Assistive Tech Impact Fund playbook - a unique window into our experiences

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Brink

Jan. 23, 2023

Kenya

Publisher Link

PDF

Set up as a trial to learn if grant capital + venture building support would help African Assistive Tech (AT) ventures overcome the problems that stood in the way of scaling, the Assistive Tech Impact Fund playbook is a unique window into this UK aid funded project. It exlores the challenges, learnings & mechanisms for Assistive Tech ventures entering and scaling new markets in Africa.
Inclusive Infrastructure Case Study is launched in Nairobi, a city experiencing rapid growth and investment in infrastructure

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, Kounkuey Design Initiative

Nov. 14, 2022

Kenya

Nairobi is a city of innovation - business opportunities and the start-up ecosystem is vibrant. Kenya has a strong legal framework to create inclusive cities and further disability inclusion. There is clear appetite from Government to take action represented through these legal frameworks, but there remains lots to be done.
Inclusive Infrastructure Case Study Nairobi, Kenya

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, Kounkuey Design Initiative

Nov. 3, 2022

Kenya

PDF

Nairobi is experiencing rapid growth and investment in infrastructure which offers great potential to embed inclusion. The city has complex urban development challenges with roads and transportation commonly cited as major challenges. This case study explore the current state of the infrastructure provision - and makes recommendations for opportunities to imbed accessibility and inclusion.
Innovation Spotlight: Building a walking companion for the visually impaired.

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Harrison Kamau

Oct. 13, 2022

Kenya

Hope Tech Plus Limited is dedicated to developing innovative technologies and building tools and programs for empowerment that support inclusion in all sectors of society. They accomplish this by utilizing modern technology to produce tools that improve interaction with the physical environment and promote personal development. "The Fourth Eye" was the first product, a device that employs echolocation technology to image obstructions and warns the user via haptic feedback.
Innovation Spotlight: From recovery to innovation; the journey to create a revolutionary, low cost, all-terrain wheelchair, that can be manufactured with basic tools, using locally available materials and components.

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Harrison Kamau

Oct. 5, 2022

Kenya

The Safari seat, a revolutionary, low-cost, all-terrain wheelchair, was born—an easy-to-repair, customizable solution, that can be manufactured with basic tools, using locally available materials and components.
Innovation Spotlight: Creating universal access to safe and appropriate sanitation, through innovating accessible toilets for people with disability.

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Harrison Kamau

Sept. 29, 2022

Kenya

Syna Consultancy is a social enterprise committed to delivering fair and inclusive sanitation solutions. While their mandate has transformed over the years, their major objective is to ensure universal access to safe and appropriate water and sanitation, with special emphasis paid to the needs of underprivileged communities.
Innovation Spotlight: Completing the communication cycle – how a mentoring experience began a journey into machine learning and avatars to create a new sign language interpretation tool.

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Harrison Kamau

Sept. 23, 2022

Kenya

From the onset, Veezaviz set out to bridge communication barriers. Savatia and his team created a new generation of technology that enables two-way communication among deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people. They make this possible by using machine learning-based sign language interpretation and automated avatar sign language generation.
HearX publication: Hearing care by community health workers using digital technologies

hearX, Caitlin Frisby, Tersia de Kock, De Wet Swanepoel

Feb. 4, 2022

Kenya

PDF

A brilliant new report by hearX published in ENT UK Global Health showcasing innovative digital technologies and service solutions to meet the unmet need of hearing loss.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Kenya

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Dec. 13, 2021

Kenya

The President also launched the new Digital Registration System developed by the National Council for Persons With Disabilities this year, aimed at addressing data gaps and curbing cases of fraud. The system will also offer a new generation disability identification card with security features to prevent potential fraud and ensure the right people get registered.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Dec. 8, 2021

Kenya

President Uhuru Kenyatta was the Chief Guest in 3rd December's International Day of Persons with Disabilities held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. In the history of the commemorations, this is the first time a Head of State has graced the event.
What difference does tech make? Conceptualizations of Disability and Assistive Technology among Kenyan Youth: Conceptualizations of Disability and AT

Catherine Holloway, Giulia Barbareschi, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Norah Kopi

Oct. 31, 2021

Kenya

Publisher Link

This research article examines how young Kenyans without disabilities view people with disabilities and AT users.
“When They See a Wheelchair, They’ve Not Even Seen Me”—Factors Shaping the Experience of Disability Stigma and Discrimination in Kenya

Giulia Barbareschi, Mark T. Carew, Elizabeth Aderonke Johnson, Norah Kopi, Catherine Holloway

Aug. 3, 2021

Kenya

Publisher Link

This paper addresses the gap in research on the factors that shape the experience of disability stigma including social interactions and AT use in Kenya. Via a series of focus groups with Kenyans without disabilities (Study 1) and secondary data analysis of consultations with Kenyans with disabilities and their allies (Study 2), we identify shared and divergent understandings of what shapes disability stigma and discrimination and highlight assistive technology as an influential factor that served to identify or “mark” someone as having a disability.
Final Narrative Report

Shujaaz Inc

June 23, 2021

Kenya

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Launched in 2019, this program heralded the purposeful inclusion of persons with disability in Shujaaz Inc’s media campaigns. We carried out a GroundTruth study to develop a profound understanding of the issue in general as well as of how it is “experienced” (understood, perceived and acted on) by our target audience. This study informed us that there is a high level of knowledge amongst young people on disability, that young people’s attitudes towards persons with disabilities depend on their visibility in their community and that frequent and positive engagements with PWDs goes a long way in improving attitudes. With these insights, we successfully rolled out a targeted media campaign in 2020 and we intend to continue incorporating a disability lens into our communications going forward.
GroundTruth Report

Shujaaz Inc

June 23, 2021

Kenya

PDF

Many factors can help improve the life of PWDs by making it possible for them to participate in such activities as work, schooling, taking care of the home, and being involved with family and friends in social, recreational and civic activities. Well Told Story, in partnership with UCL, will conduct a research study to understand the existing attitudes and perceptions of young Kenyans towards PWDs and execute a 12-month action research campaign to refine the understanding of Kenyan youth (15-24) attitudes towards PWD, the influencers and the contexts responsible for forming the attitudes, and will suggest a SBCC campaign to modify the attitudes, thus, removing one of the barriers for PWDs lifestyle improvement. This reports gives a summary of findings from the Ground Truth study conducted in November, 2019.
Fan Snapshot

Shujaaz Inc

June 23, 2021

Kenya

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Fans responses to stories on Shujaaz's social media platforms featuring people with disabilities
Catalysing AT access: Scaling rehabilitative services and increasing access to AT in Kenya

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Jan. 13, 2021

Kenya

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It is estimated that about 100,000 people need a wheelchair in Kenya annually. Across the 47 counties in Kenya, anecdotal evidence showed that health centres and access points for rehabilitative services are not evenly distributed, appropriately staffed, and sufficiently equipped. The situational analysis showed that Kenya’s access challenges are driven by a policy gap, limited service points with few trained personnel, fragmented delivery landscape, no national specifications, standards or supply chain and limited financing of rehabilitative services and wheelchairs.
Value beyond function: analyzing the perception of wheelchair innovations in Kenya

Catherine Holloway, Vicki Austin, Giulia Barbareschi, Sibylle Daymond, Jake Honeywill, Dominic Noble, Nancy Mbugua, Ian Harris, Aneesha Singh

Oct. 31, 2020

Kenya

Publisher Link

Innovations in the field of assistive technology are usually evaluated based on practical considerations related to their ability to perform certain functions. The study involved eight expert wheelchair users and five healthcare professionals who routinely provide wheelchair services in their community.
Bridging the Divide: Exploring the use of digital and physical technology to aid mobility impaired people living in an informal settlement

Giulia Barbareschi, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Long Xin, Grace Nyachomba Magomere, Wycliffe Ambeyi Wetende, Carol Wanjira, Joyce Olenja, Vicki Austin, Catherine Holloway

Oct. 5, 2020

Kenya

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Living in informality is challenging. It is even harder when you have a mobility impairment. Traditional assistive products such as wheelchairs are essential to enable people to travel. Wheelchairs are considered a Human Right.
Uncovering unexpected impacts: the case of digital manufacturing of wheelchairs in Kenya

Dr Giulia Barbareschi, Sibylle Daymond, Jake Honeywill, Dominic Noble, Nancy Mbugua, Ian Harris, Catherine Holloway, University College London Interaction Centre (UCLIC), Global Disability Innovation Hub, Motivation, Motivation Africa

Sept. 1, 2020

Kenya

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To address issues around the provision of appropriate wheelchairs in low-and-middle income countries Motivation developed a new method for producing customized wheelchairs leveraging technologies such as Computer Aided Design and 3D printing. This article was part of the RESNA 2020 Virtual Conference, GAATO/RESNA Assistive Technology Outcomes/Impact Summit.
Innovate Now, Africa’s first Assistive Technology Accelerator announces KES2M Prize for First Winner

Global Disability Innovation Hub, AMREF Health Africa, Bernard Chiira

June 15, 2020

Kenya

Innovate Now has selected its first winner as part of the Global Disability Innovation Hub’s Assistive Technology AT2030 Programme
Innovate Now Accelerator Programme Seeks Mobile Solutions to Assist Persons with Disabilities

Global Disability Innovation Hub, AMREF Health Africa, Bernard Chiira

June 13, 2020

Kenya

Innovate Now, Africa’s first Assistive Technology Accelerator is seeking applications from innovators across the African continent who are dedicated to developing mobile-based technologies designed to assist people living with disabilities.
The Social Network: How People with Visual Impairment use Mobile Phones in Kibera, Kenya

Catherine Holloway, Dr Giulia Barbareschi, Katherine Arnold, Grace Magomere, Wycliffe Ambeyi Wetende, Gabriel Ngare, Joyce Olenja

May 4, 2020

Kenya

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This paper on how social interactions mediate the use of mobile phones by visually impaired people in Kibera, Kenya was accepted to the CHI2020 Conference, a global event on Human-Computer Interaction.
Video: How does mobile empower me? Joseph’s story

GSMA

Dec. 20, 2019

Kenya

Joseph 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.
Video: How does mobile empower me? John’s story

GSMA

Dec. 11, 2019

Kenya

John 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.
Unveiling the First Cohort of Assistive Technology Entrepreneurs of the Innovate Now Accelerator

Global Disability Innovation Hub, AMREF Health Africa, Bernard Chiira

Dec. 3, 2019

Kenya

As the world celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Global Disability Innovation Hub and Amref Enterprises Limited have today unveiled the five local entrepreneurs selected as finalists to the First Cohort of the Innovate Now Accelerator Program.
Video: How does mobile empower me? Angie's story

GSMA

Dec. 3, 2019

Kenya

Angie 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'.
Innovate Now: 19 companies focused on Assistive Technologies have been selected for the Round 1 shortlist

Global Disability Innovation Hub, AMREF Health Africa

Sept. 30, 2019

Kenya

Innovate Now has completed the 1st round of selection. We received 30 applications from 7 countries around the world. A majority of our applicants were from Kenya, with a total of 22 followed by the US with a total of 3 and one each from UK, Bulgaria, Nigeria Ghana and Tanzania.

Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.
Final Report: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment in seven African Countries using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Liberia, Ethiopia

PDF

Draft prepared by Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
MiracleFeet: The human impact of foot braces in Nigeria and Liberia

Miracle Feet

Dec. 2, 2021

Nigeria, Liberia

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The Assistive Technology Impact Fund (ATIF), part of the AT2030 programme, has committed investment to support the company MiracleFeet, who provide clubfoot treatment to children in LMICs. To better understand and evidence the impact of MiracleFeet's work for children living with clubfoot, ATIF commissioned 60 Decibels to conduct research using specifically designed tools that could measure the impact of assistive technology. The results are shared in this insightful report, including findings from 200 parents and guardians of Nigerian and Liberian children who have undergone treatment using the MiracleFeet brace.
Liberia: Country Investment Fund and the production of National Priority Assistive Products List and National Roadmap to Increase Access to AT

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Dec. 31, 2021

Liberia

PDF

Under the AT2030 programme and with the support of ATscale and the Country Investment Fund (CIF), the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) was the lead technical partner to the Liberia Ministry of Health in the development and validation of two major national documents for access to assistive technologies: National Roadmap to Increase Access to Assistive Technologies (2021-2023) and Liberia National Priority Assistive Products List (APL), First Edition. The development of these documents will pave the way in ensuring Assistive Technology can be accessed by disabled and older people living in Liberia.
Liberia Country Capacity Assessment

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Nov. 2, 2021

Liberia

PDF

Liberia has a disability prevalence of 3.17%. Of the disabled population, the majority experience visual impairments (34%), followed by mobility impairments (25%), hearing impairments (11%), communication impairments (4%), and cognitive impairments (4%). This Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment looks to understand the country’s current systems capacity to provide AT. The findings are intended to increase awareness and knowledge of AT among partners; and to identify gaps that would benefit from increased and coordinated investments.
The Liberia Evidence Lab: A new scalable model to deliver School Eye Health

Clinton Health Access Initiative, EYElliance

Oct. 30, 2020

Liberia

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Under Cluster 3: Country Implementation of the AT2030 programme, AT2030 partners are working with country governments to identify opportunities to drive availability and affordability of AT. EYElliance, CHAI and the AT2030 programme published a case study on work happening in Liberia to expand access to eyeglasses so that students can achieve better outcomes in school.

Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.
Final Report: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment in seven African Countries using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Liberia, Ethiopia

PDF

Draft prepared by Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Andrew Mtegha’s Story: Infusing disability rights advocacy into Paralympic sport broadcasting in Malawi

Loughborough University

July 29, 2022

Malawi

PDF

Andrew 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.
Para Sport Against Stigma: Research Report on the Tokyo 2020 Broadcasting in Sub-Saharan Africa

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Loughborough University, The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), University of Malawi

July 26, 2022

Malawi

PDF

The AT 2030 Para Sport Against Stigma project aimed to examine how disability stigma can be overcome through Para sport so to increase assistive technology (AT) adoption in Africa. The project centred on a four-pillar approach: education, athlete development, Paralympic broadcast and cross-cutting research activity. This research report documents the research insights.

Inclusive Design and Accessibility of the Built Environment in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in Mongolian

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Vicki Austin, Iain McKinnon, Mikaela Patrick, AIFO, Tegsh Niigem, Universal Progress ILC

April 26, 2021

Mongolia

PDF

Inclusive Infrastructure in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - case study in Mongolian
An online launch of the AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure Case Study in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Global Disability Innovation Hub

April 26, 2021

Mongolia

On Thursday May 6th an online launch event was held, bringing together key stakeholders in the domains of disability inclusion and inclusive design and urban development in Mongolia.
Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment Survey Mongolia Report

Dr. Sunil Deepak, Global Disability Innovation Hub, World Health Organization, Tegsh Niigem

April 25, 2021

Mongolia

PDF

Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment (ATA-C) National Survey was carried out in September-October 2019 by Dr. Sunil Deepak, consultant of Italian Association Amici di Raoul Follereau (AIFO), in collaboration with Tegsh Niigem (Mongolia), with technical support of the AT2030 team of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and with funding from Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub, UK. This survey was the first step in the effort to improve and strengthen the Assistive Technology (AT) services in the country.
Inclusive Design and Accessibility of the Built Environment in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Mikaela Patrick, Iain McKinnon, Vicki Austin, Global Disability Innovation Hub, AIFO, Tegsh Niigem, Universal Progress ILC

Oct. 22, 2020

Mongolia

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The Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) is launching the first case study on Inclusive Infrastructure in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. GDI Hub worked with AIFO, Tegsh Niigem and Universal Progress ILC conducting research on the state of accessibility and inclusion in the built environment. This case study is part of a series of six global case studies.
Summary of Inclusive Design and Accessibility of the Built Environment in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Mikaela Patrick, Iain McKinnon, Vicki Austin, Global Disability Innovation Hub, AIFO, Tegsh Niigem, Universal Progress ILC

Oct. 22, 2020

Mongolia

PDF

This is the summary of the first report of the Inclusive Infrastructure case studies on Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.

Nigeria: Priority Assistive Products List

Ministary of Abuja

March 14, 2022

Nigeria

PDF

The outcome of extensive deliberations and consultations by various stakeholders in the assistive technology sector in Nigeria, this document is designed to set in motion the catalytic change required in the assistive technology sector to improve access to assistive devices and fulfill the vital needs of the 25 million persons with disabilities who live in Nigeria.
Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.
Final Report: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment in seven African Countries using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Liberia, Ethiopia

PDF

Draft prepared by Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
MiracleFeet: The human impact of foot braces in Nigeria and Liberia

Miracle Feet

Dec. 2, 2021

Nigeria, Liberia

PDF

The Assistive Technology Impact Fund (ATIF), part of the AT2030 programme, has committed investment to support the company MiracleFeet, who provide clubfoot treatment to children in LMICs. To better understand and evidence the impact of MiracleFeet's work for children living with clubfoot, ATIF commissioned 60 Decibels to conduct research using specifically designed tools that could measure the impact of assistive technology. The results are shared in this insightful report, including findings from 200 parents and guardians of Nigerian and Liberian children who have undergone treatment using the MiracleFeet brace.

Baseline Survey in Pakistan Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA)

World Health Organisation (Pakistan), Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination Government of Pakistan

March 1, 2023

Pakistan

Publisher Link

Pakistan is the first country globally to conduct the rATA national survey with the objective to assess the needs and unmet needs of assistive technology and identify the barriers to access assistive technology in the population of Pakistan. Federal Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (NHSRC) in collaboration with World Health Organization successfully implemented the survey in 16 districts of the country, including over 9000 households and nearly 63000 respondents. The data collected provides useful insights into the current situation of access to assistive technology in the country, and offers recommendations to improve access.

Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.
Final Report: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment in seven African Countries using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Liberia, Ethiopia

PDF

Draft prepared by Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)

A World Apart: A Global Clubfoot Journey Fuelled by One Woman’s Resolve

Miracle Feet

Oct. 1, 2021

Senegal

Doctors told Aisha Mballo’s parents it was “God’s will” that she was born with clubfoot, and their attempts to find treatment all ended the same way: no answers. The article tracks her experiences through treatment.

Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.
Final Report: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment in seven African Countries using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Liberia, Ethiopia

PDF

Draft prepared by Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Characterising mobile phone inclusion among Assistive Technology users

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Kota Kita, Development Planning Unit (DPU), SLURC, the SHM foundation

March 10, 2022

Sierra Leone, Indonesia

PDF

Characterising mobile phone inclusion among Assistive Technology users: An intersectional disability analysis of mobile phone access and use in Banjarmasin, Indonesia and Freetown, Sierra Leone This report shares the findings of research conducted in five informal settlements across the cities of Banjarmasin, Indonesia and Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2020- 2021 as part of the AT2030 Project (AT2030 SP9).
Assistive Technology in urban low-income communities in Sierra Leone & Indonesia

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Dr Mark Carew, Development Planning Unit (DPU), Julian Walker, Dr Ignacia Ossul Vermehren

Jan. 21, 2022

Sierra Leone, Indonesia

PDF

A new report presenting the findings from surveys in five urban low-income communities in Sierra Leone and Indonesia using the rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) tool.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities in informal settlements in Sierra Leone and Indonesia

Dr Ignacia Ossul Vermehren, UCL, Nina Asterina, Kota Kita, Hawanatu Bangura, SLURC

Dec. 3, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia

The 3rd of December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. We reflect on this year’s theme “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World” through DPU’s research “AT2030: Community led solutions” in informal settlements Sierra Leone and Indonesia.
Koalaa, an AT impact story

Kate Mattick

March 28, 2023

Sierra Leone

Between 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
User feedback of Koalaa prosthetics by CHAI in Sierra Leone

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Nov. 6, 2022

Sierra Leone

PDF

User feedback of Koalaa prosthetics by Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in Sierra Leone. This document provides reporting on evidence from the experience of 27 Koalaa prosthetic users by the Clinton Health Access Initiative, in collaboration with AT2030, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the Global Disability Innovation Hub - looking at outcomes and recommendations.
Assistive Technology (AT) Policy and Strategic Plan 2021-25

Clinton Health Access Initiative, Government of Sierra Leone

Feb. 24, 2022

Sierra Leone

PDF

The Assistive Technology Policy and Strategic Plan was developed by the Clinton Health Access Initiative under the AT2030 Programme Country Investment Fund.
Priority Assistive Technology Products List of Sierra Leone

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Feb. 24, 2022

Sierra Leone

PDF

The Priority Assistive Technology Products List of Sierra Leone Report was developed by the Clinton Health Access Initiative under the AT2030 programme's Country Investment Fund.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Sierra Leone

Dr. Abdulaya Dumbuya

Dec. 13, 2021

Sierra Leone

One of our brilliant partners in Sierra Leone, Dr Abs Dumbuya, who works with us on the AT2030 project, recently wrote a letter on the celebrations in the country on International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December and the progress the country has made.
Country Capacity Assessment for Assistive Technologies: Informal Markets Study, Sierra Leone

Julian Walker, Nada Sallam, Samuel Sesay, Ibrahim Gandi, Development Planning Unit (DPU), Global Disability Innovation Hub, Centre of Dialogue on Human Settlement and Poverty Alleviation (CODOHSAPA)

Oct. 26, 2020

Sierra Leone

PDF

This study was conducted as part of the AT2030 Research Programme, which is funded by FCDO and delivered by the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub). It was carried out by a team from the Sierra Leonean Centre of Dialogue on Human Settlement and Poverty Alleviation (CODOHSAPA), the Sierra Leone Federation of the Urban and Rural Poor (FEDURP), the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC), and the Bartlett Development Planning Unit (DPU) at University College London (UCL).
Sierra Leone Country Capacity Assessment

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Dec. 18, 2019

Sierra Leone

PDF

Assistive Technology Scoping Assessment in Sierra Leone evaluated and monitored the country’s capacity to procure and provide Assistive Technology that appropriately meet the population’s needs. Our methodology was characterized by a participatory, consultative, inclusive and transparent processes; with clear time-bound objectives and provided an opportunity to reflect on the applicability of evidence in different contexts and promoting dialogue among several types of stakeholders. WHO ATA-C instrument was customized for the purpose.
Gender and disability in informal settlements during COVID-19: What we have learnt so far

Dr Ignacia Ossul Vermehren

June 30, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Chile

On Tuesday 11th February, we held an event on The Politics of Making Disability Visible in Community-led Urban Research as part of the Dialogues in Development series at The Bartlett Developing and Planning Unit (UCL). The aim of the event was to share reflections and learnings from the action-research project "Community-led solution: Assistive Technologies in Informal Settlements– an ongoing research project in four low-income urban communities: two in Freetown, Sierra Leone and two in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. Dr Ignacia Ossul Vermehren discussed gender and disability in informal settlements during COVID-19. and sheds a light on what we've learnt so far.

Access to life changing spectacles for millions. A new vision for KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Oct. 2, 2020

South Africa

PDF

The publication gives an overview of the challenge, what works and next steps. Under Cluster 3: Country Implementation of the AT2030 programme, CHAI is partnering with country governments to identify opportunities to drive availability and affordability of AT.

Musculoskeletal impairment among Syrian refugees living in Sultanbeyli, Turkey: prevalence, cause, diagnosis and need for related services and assistive products

Dorothy Boggs, Oluwarantimi Atijosan-Ayodele, Hisem Yonso, Nathaniel Scherer, Timothy O’Fallon, Gülten Deniz, Selin Volkan, Ahmed Örücü, Isotta Pivato, Ammar Hasan Beck, İbrahim Akıncı, Hannah Kuper, Allen Foster, Andrea Patterson, Sarah Polack

April 20, 2021

Turkey

Publisher Link

Epidemiological data on musculoskeletal impairment (MSI) and related service and assistive product (AP) needs for displaced populations are lacking. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, aetiology, and specific MSI diagnosis and the need for related services and APs among Syrian refugees living in Sultanbeyli, a district in Istanbul, Turkey.
Disability and mental health among Syrian refugees in Sultanbeyli, Istanbul: 2019 Survey Report

Sarah Polack, Nathaniel Scherer, Shaffa Hameed, Dorothy Boggs, International Centre for Evidence in Disability at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Dec. 2, 2019

Turkey

Publisher Link

PDF

This survey aims to provide reliable data on disability and mental health among Syrian refugees in Istanbul, with which to inform service planning, policy and advocacy.

Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Lessons learned from assistive technology country capacity assessments 2019/2020

Luke Bostian, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Oct. 7, 2020

Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mongolia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Malawi, Iraq, Bahrain, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia

PDF

The purpose of the CCAs is to “capture a high-level understanding of the often-fragmented AT sector in a country or region,” helping raise awareness about AT gaps and opportunities and contributing to advocacy and policy and program development. One year after the first CCAs began, GDI Hub commissioned research into lessons learned so far and recommendations for how the tool and process might be improved in the future.
Hakim's Story

Humanity & Inclusion

June 23, 2021

Uganda

PDF

Hakim 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.
Brenda's Story

Humanity & Inclusion

June 23, 2021

Uganda

PDF

10-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”.
AT2030 – Final Report 3D PETRA Project

Humanity & Inclusion

June 23, 2021

Uganda

PDF

The 3D Petra project sought to develop effective solutions combining tele- rehabilitation, Computer Aided Design (CAD) Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and 3D printing to increase access to orthotic devices (a sub-set of AT) for use in emergencies and remote settings. Regarding the technology in use, only the shells of the orthoses were printed. The rest of the devices were assembled using conventional materials and components. Fitting also followed a conventional process. The project was implemented in the West Nile part of Uganda, specifically Arua District, within the refugee settlements of Omugo and Imvepi, including the catchment of host communities.
Vicky's Story

Humanity & Inclusion

June 23, 2021

Uganda

PDF

Life 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.
Humanity and Inclusion 3D prints face shields for COVID 19 first responders in Uganda

Humanity & Inclusion

Oct. 27, 2020

Uganda

In Uganda, HI has adapted 3D printing technology used for physical rehabilitation to produce protective face visors for health professionals on the front line
Uganda Capacity Assessment Report

Clinton Health Access Initiative

March 25, 2020

Uganda

PDF

The Uganda Functional Difficulties Survey indicated that over 62% of persons with disabilities who needed AT did not have such devices. Similarly, according to a recent survey carried out by the Department of Health in Gulu, 83 percent of people who needed assistive devices do not have access to them, and the quality of the devices that exist is often poor. The purpose of Assistive Technology Scoping Assessment in Uganda was to evaluate and monitor country’s capacity to procure and provide Assistive Technology that appropriately meet the population’s needs.
Final Report: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment in seven African Countries using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Liberia, Ethiopia

PDF

Draft prepared by Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)

Allied Health Profession Day

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Kate Mattick

Oct. 14, 2022

United Kingdom

In this blog Kate Mattick, an Allied Health Professional (AHP) and GDI Hub team member, shares her reflections on working as a physiotherapist and the challenges when people who may need AT don't have access. Kate explains who AHPs are, their role in AT delivery and how the new Training in Assistive Products, to be launched by the WHO, is so promising in creating effective AT service models.
GDI Hub at COP26

Global Disability Innovation Hub

Nov. 11, 2021

United Kingdom

As the earth warms and water levels rise, we need to design cities that support and adapt to the reality of the human experience. We need cities that are resilient in changing climates, that have the capacity to flex and adjust around both the needs of our planet AND the needs of our people. Catch up on our Inclusive Infrastructure and Climate session at COP26.
Prosthetics Startup Amparo wins FT & IFC award in innovating for disability

Global Disability Innovation Hub

June 20, 2019

United Kingdom

Amparo, one of our AT2030 partners, received the Special Award for Innovating for Disability yesterday evening, at the Financial Times and IFC’s Transformational Business Awards 2019. A group of 9 judges selected the winners from a diverse selection of 270 businesses from all over the world.

Assistive Technology Data & Insights Portal - a vision for a highly accessible tool to serve the global Assistive Technology ecosystem

Global Disability Innovation Hub

Jan. 26, 2023

United Kingdon

Globally the AT space is developing rapdily, and alongside this comes a growing demand for highly accessible data & insight portal to serve the wider ecosystem, stakeholders, researchers and decision makers. Without a relevant and accessible source of data and insight, participants are struggling to connect, engage, research, invest, source, scout, procure, and contribute to the evolution of this nascent and rapidly growing global ecosystem. We are looking to change this.

Learnings from the Implementation: Assistive Technology Country Capacity Assessment using WHO Assistive Technology Assessment-Capacity Tool

Clinton Health Access Initiative

April 30, 2020

Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Iraq, Bahrain, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mongolia

PDF

This draft was prepared by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)

Para Sport Against Stigma: Commonwealth Games athletes and coaches from Ghana and Zambia visit Loughborough University

Loughborough University

Aug. 31, 2022

Ghana, Zambia

Publisher Link

Para Sport Against Stigma is a four-year project hat looks at how representation, education and communication in Para sport can challenge stigma associated with disability in Sub-Sarhan Africa. One part of PSAS focuses on Athlete Development and will see the International Paralympic Committee to deliver a programme to support National Paralympic Committees in Malawi, Ghana and Zambia to develop Para sport. As part of the Athlete Development focus, Para-Powerlifters who represented Ghana and Zambia at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, along with their coaches, took the opportunity to visit and work with researchers and practitioners from Loughborough University and the International Paralympic Association.
I’mPOSSIBLE toolkits: Zambia

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

May 16, 2021

Zambia

PDF

I’mPOSSIBLE is an education programme to spread the Paralympic values and the vision of the Paralympic Movement to young people throughout the world. Through education of inclusion and the Paralympic values, I’mPOSSIBLE aims to challenge and change the perceptions of how young people perceive people with an impairment. This toolkit has been adapted to fit the local context of Zambia as part of AT2030's Para Sport Against Stigma project.

Launch of WHO Training in Assistive Products

World Health Organization

Oct. 16, 2022

Global

Training in Assistive Products (TAP) is a new open access online training resource to prepare primary health and other personnel to fulfil an assistive technology role. This new global resource has been driven by support from UK aid through GDI Hub's AT2030 programme.
AT2030 Midterm Impact Summary

Global Disability Innovation Hub

May 19, 2022

Global

PDF

With the launch of the Global Report on Assistive Technology, AT2030 publishes the Midterm Impact Summary brochure to highlight the impact of the work across our programmes.
Global Report on Assistive Technology is launched - setting the roadmap for improving access to assistive technology for everyone

UNICEF, World Health Organization

May 17, 2022

Global

There is a large, unmet need for assistive technology worldwide. The WHO-UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology will play an instrumental role in setting the global roadmap for improving access to assistive technology for everyone, everywhere.
Global Report on Assistive Technology due to be launched!

Katherine Perry

May 13, 2022

Global

16th May 2022 marks the launch of the first ever Global Report for Assistive Technology
Project Summary: Drive Affordability and Availability

Clinton Health Access Initiative

March 10, 2022

Global

PDF

Project Summary of Sub-Programme 6: Drive Affordability and Availability, under Cluster 3. The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) partnered with country governments to identify opportunities to drive AT availability and affordability. This summary document highlights objectives of the project, impact, key achievements, lessons learned and outputs.
Professor Catherine Holloway at UNESCO: Global Media and Information Literacy Week

Global Disability Innovation Hub

Nov. 12, 2021

Global

Publisher Link

On 29th October, Professor Catherine Holloway was invited to speak as a research partner of UNESCO and advocated for the need of technology to account for the needs of the population. The event was held virtually and organised by The Permanent Mission of Chile in its capacity of Presidency of the Group of Friends of Older Persons, UNESCO, WHO and ITU.
Estimating need and coverage for five priority assistive products: A systematic review of global population based research

Jamie Danemayer, Dorothy Boggs, Vinicius Delgado Ramos, Emma M. Smith, Ariana Kular, William Bhot, Felipe Ramos Barajas, Sarah Polack, Catherine Holloway

Sept. 20, 2021

Global

PDF

EPUB

This systematic review collates data extracted from 207 studies, presenting indicators of population-level access to AT globally.
Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment (ATA-C) Instruction Manual

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Clinton Health Access Initiative, World Health Organization

Sept. 14, 2021

Global

PDF

The Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment (ATA-C) tool has been developed to help understand the AT sector at national and subnational level using the 5P framework. The aim is to assist local stakeholders in collecting information to build up a comprehensive understanding of a country’s capacity to regulate, finance, procure and provide AT to meet national needs appropriately. This in turn can inform decision-making, strengthen the AT sector and improve access to AT.
New report calls for global action for children and adults with clubfoot

Miracle Feet

Aug. 2, 2021

Global

Publisher Link

A new report by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for AT2030, a UK Aid-funded program led by the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), aims to drive progress for children and adults with clubfoot to reach their full potential.
The Launch of the Clubfoot Product Narrative

Miracle Feet, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Frederic Seghers

July 29, 2021

Global

This blog highlights the need for appropriately resourced and accessible clubfoot treatment programmes around the world. Through this story meet Quraish who shares his experience of the impact early treatment had on his life. Born with clubfoot, a birth defect in which one or both feet are turned inward and downward, it wasn’t until Quraish was four years old that his parents found treatment for his condition. “It changed my life forever,” he says. “I can wear shoes, run like any person can.” Now, with an accounting degree from Makerere University, he wants to pay it forward and help others realize their full potential.
Preventing lifelong impairment: Access to clubfoot treatment in low- and middle-income countries

Clinton Health Access Initiative

July 19, 2021

Global

PDF

Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), commonly known as clubfoot is one of the most common congenital conditions, affecting 1 in 800 births. Left untreated, it can lead to life-long impairment, impacting participation in society, education, and employment. Most children with clubfoot can be successfully treated with the Ponseti method, a low-cost, cost-effective, and minimally invasive treatment protocol. Despite progress, less than 1 in 5 children born with clubfoot in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) currently receive treatment. This new cutting edge report, authored by CHAI under AT2030, explores solutions and recommendations for ensuring affordable and appropriate assistive technologies reach the children and adults with clubfoot that need it.
An online launch of the WHO and UNICEF procurement manual for assistive products, accessories, spare parts, and related services

World Health Organization, UNICEF

July 7, 2021

Global

Publisher Link

On 06 July 2021, an online event was held to launch the WHO and UNICEF manual for public procurement of assistive products, accessories, spare parts, and related services. This manual focuses on public procurement and specifically on tendering (competition) for assistive products, accessories, spare parts and related services, hereafter called assistive products. The manual is based on procuring these products from manufacturers, or one of their economic operators, called suppliers.
Product Narratives: Digital Assistive Technology (Chinese)

Catherine Holloway, Katherine Perry, Felipe Ramos Barajas, Margaret Savage, Dennis Sondergaard, Barbara Goedde, Cynthia Liao, Mathilde Chaudron, Priya Morjaria, Jeffrey Boyar, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, George Torrens

June 25, 2021

Global

PDF

Product Narratives are key elements of our AT2030 objectives. They help to identify opportunities for AT2030 and others to test innovative models of what works to improve access to Assistive Technology with the potential to reach scale through innovative products; new service delivery models and local capacity.
Product Narratives: Digital Assistive Technology (Spanish)

Catherine Holloway, Katherine Perry, Felipe Ramos Barajas, Margaret Savage, Dennis Sondergaard, Barbara Goedde, Cynthia Liao, Mathilde Chaudron, Priya Morjaria, Jeffrey Boyar, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, George Torrens

June 25, 2021

Global

PDF

Product Narratives are key elements of our AT2030 objectives. They help to identify opportunities for AT2030 and others to test innovative models of what works to improve access to Assistive Technology with the potential to reach scale through innovative products; new service delivery models and local capacity.
Shifting the focus to functioning: essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 inclusive Universal Health Coverage and supporting COVID-19 survivors

Dorothy Boggs, Sarah Polack, Hannah Kuper, Allen Foster

April 27, 2021

Global

Publisher Link

This paper defines functioning, presents measurement options and highlights the importance of functioning when considering the need for, and outcome of, rehabilitation and assistive technology following a health condition illustrated by the example of COVID-19.
Product Narrative: Eyeglasses (Spanish)

Mathilde Chaudron, Margaret Savage, Frederic Seghers, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Alison End Fineberg, Barbara Goedde, ATscale, Global Disability Innovation Hub, UCL, Catherine Holloway, Katherine Perry, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Priya Morjaria, Vicki Austin

April 25, 2021

Global

PDF

Product Narratives help to identify opportunities for AT2030 and others to test innovative models of what works to improve access, scale and serivce delivery models.
Product Narrative: Eyeglasses (Chinese)

Mathilde Chaudron, Margaret Savage, Frederic Seghers, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Alison End Fineberg, Barbara Goedde, ATscale, Global Disability Innovation Hub, UCL, Catherine Holloway, Katherine Perry, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Priya Morjaria, Vicki Austin

April 25, 2021

Global

PDF

Product Narratives help to identify opportunities for AT2030 and others to test innovative models of what works to improve access, scale and serivce delivery models.
Product Narratives: Digital Assistive Technology (French)

Catherine Holloway, Katherine Perry, Felipe Ramos Barajas, Margaret Savage, Dennis Sondergaard, Barbara Goedde, Cynthia Liao, Mathilde Chaudron, Priya Morjaria, Jeffrey Boyar, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, George Torrens

April 25, 2021

Global

PDF

Product Narratives are key elements of our AT2030 objectives. They help to identify opportunities for AT2030 and others to test innovative models of what works to improve access to Assistive Technology with the potential to reach scale through innovative products; new service delivery models and local capacity.
Product Narratives: Eyeglasses (French)

Mathilde Chaudron, Margaret Savage, Frederic Seghers, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Alison End Fineberg, Barbara Goedde, ATscale, Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London, Catherine Holloway, Katherine Perry, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Priya Morjaria, Vicki Austin

April 25, 2021

Global

PDF

Product Narratives help to identify opportunities for AT2030 and others to test innovative models of what works to improve access, scale and serivce delivery models.
Product Narratives: Prostheses (Chinese)

Global Disability Innovation Hub, ATscale, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Catherine Holloway, Vicki Austin, Frederic Seghers, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Alison End Fineberg, Margaret Savage, Barbara Goedde, Cynthia Liao, UCL

April 25, 2021

Global

PDF

The Product Narratives help to identify opportunities for AT2030 and others to test innovative models of what works to improve access to Assistive Technology with the potential to reach scale, through innovative products, new service delivery models and local capacity.
AT2030 programme secures A plus rating from Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and has reached 12m people so far

Global Disability Innovation Hub

April 19, 2021

Global

We are delighted to announce that the AT2030 programme has been recognised as; excellent ‘Exceeding Expectations’ by funders UK Aid and has already reached 12 million people in more than 31 countries.
Powering Inclusion: AI and AT. The findings of an online expert roundtable

Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London, UNESCO's International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence, European Disability Forum, Jožef Stefan Institute

March 29, 2021

Global

PDF

This briefing summarises the findings of an online expert roundtable on AI and AT held in November 2020. The event brought together experts working at the forefront of AI and AT to highlight the potential of using AI for AT and establish a list of ‘grand challenges’ to drive forward innovation in the AI & AT sector ahead of the launch of the newly formed International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence under the auspices of UNESCO (IRCAI). Participants included industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and AT users. The roundtable was funded by the AT2030 programme which is funded by FCDO and led by Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub). The session focused on four areas: AI & Communication, AI & Mobility, AI & Improving Information,
Global Disability Innovation Hub becomes the worlds first WHO Collaborating Centre on Assistive Technology

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology

March 15, 2021

Global

The Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), based at UCL, is the first organisation to be awarded the status of World Health Organisation (WHO) Official Collaborating Centre on Assistive Technology (AT). Led by GDI Hub’s Academic Director, Professor Cathy Holloway, the WHO Collaborating Centre will focus on driving global disability innovation to work towards a fairer world through access to assistive and accessible technology.
First ever global guide for assistive technology to improve the life of millions

Global Disability Innovation Hub, UNICEF, World Health Organization

March 4, 2021

Global

The new WHO Assistive Products Specifications is the first global guide for quality-assured assistive products, containing specs for 26 prioritised assistive products, including the minimum quality requirements for manufacturing. Funded by UK Aid under the AT2030 programme, the work is a major milestone to drive high quality, affordable AT globally.
Innovation Podcast

Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London, Giulia Barbareschi, Government of Kenya, ALL Institute (Maynooth University), UK Aid, UCL, Rhys Williams, Dr Rhys Williams, Institute of Making

Feb. 15, 2021

Global

A podcast featuring interviews and stories from the brains behind the disruptive and cutting-edge innovations that are aiming to impact the lives of millions of people living in different areas of the world.
New economics of assistive technology: A call for a missions approach

Catherine Holloway, Vicki Austin, Sarah Albala, Rainer Kattel

Jan. 25, 2021

Global

PDF

Part of the Data & Evidence Cluster this working paper answers one of the three main research questions: A Mission-Led Approach. This paper proposes a public sector-led, mission-oriented approach. While setting the mission and the directionality is the role of government, NGOs, industry, AT users and the charity sector are able to drive forward the agenda of AT access through their own essential and complementary roles.
Digital Fabrication of Lower Limb Prosthetic Sockets

Dr Ben Oldfrey, Mark Miodownik, Dr Giulia Barbareschi, Dr Rhys Williams, Catherine Holloway, Global Disability Innovation Hub, UCL, Institute of Making

Dec. 16, 2020

Global

PDF

This innovation insight discusses current approaches to digital fabrication of lower limb prosthetics (LLP) sockets aimed at low resourced settings. Digital fabrication of LLPs sockets has been researched for a number of decades, yet these technologies are not widely adopted, and most of the activities within this domain reside in high-income settings. However, the majority of amputees are in LMICs where there is a severe lack of access to services. It is in LMICs then, that the advantages that digital technologies offer could be of particular benefit however little to no progress in digital workflow adoption has been made to date
UK Aid funding to support 10.5 million more people with access to life changing Assistive Technology through three innovative investments

Global Disability Innovation Hub

Dec. 3, 2020

Global

Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) is proud to announce three new innovative investments to reach an additional 10.5 million people as part of the UK Aid funded AT2030 programme.
Assistive Tech Impact Fund: £4m fund trialling impact investment

Global Disability Innovation Hub, Brink, Catalyst Fund, Tamara Giltsoff

Dec. 3, 2020

Global

On the International Day of People with Disabilities, the new Assistive Tech Impact Fund (ATIF) has been launched out of the UK Aid-funded AT2030 programme, led by the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub. It is a collaboration between GDI Hub, Brink, Tamara Giltsoff and Catalyst Fund. The partnership combines deep expertise in AT, innovation and venture building in Africa, respectively.
IPC to provide free to air coverage of Toyko 2020 Paralympic Games in Sub-Saharan Africa thanks to support from UK Aid

Loughborough University, The International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

Dec. 2, 2020

Global

This broadcast initiative is a key element of the Para Sport Against Stigma project between the IPC, Loughborough University, and the University of Malawi, Chancellor College, which aims to support social change and overcome stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities in Africa. Para Sport Against Stigma is part of AT2030, a programme funded by UK Aid and led by the Global Disability Innovation Hub.
Sports Against Stigma: ImPOSSIBLE Educators on mission to overcome stigma in Africa

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

Nov. 28, 2020

Global

This particular November course was the first activity of the collaborative project Para Sport Against Stigma aiming to overcome stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities in Africa. This project is part of the AT2030 programme.
Product Narrative: Digital Assistive Technology (executive summary)

Margaret Savage, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, Cynthia Liao, Mathilde Chaudron, Jeffrey Boyar, George Torrens, Katherine Perry, Priya Morjaria, Felipe Ramos Barajas, Barbara Goedde, Catherine Holloway

Nov. 23, 2020

Global

PDF

This is the Executive Summary of the Product Narrative: Assistive Technology
Product Narrative: Digital Assistive Technology

Margaret Savage, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, Cynthia Liao, Mathilde Chaudron, Jeffrey Boyar, Dennis Laurentius, George Torrens, Katherine Perry, Priya Morjaria, Felipe Ramos Barajas, Barbara Goedde, Catherine Holloway

Nov. 23, 2020

Global

PDF

EPUB

This document is the final in a series of in-depth analyses that identify key barriers and promising market interventions. The previous four documents focused on wheelchairs, hearings aids, prostheses, and eyeglasses.
Sports Against Stigma: Loughborough University to play role in £1million+ Para Sport Against Stigma project that aims to change attitudes towards people with disabilities in Africa

Loughborough University

Nov. 20, 2020

Global

The project – Para Sport Against Stigma – will investigate the use of Para sport as a catalyst for change in attitudes about disability and assistive technology (AT) in Ghana, Malawi, and Zambia.
Launch of the assistive technology capacity assessment ATA C tool

GATE, Irene Calvo

Nov. 19, 2020

Global

The ATA-C can be used for awareness raising, policy and programme design and ongoing monitoring and evaluation by policy-makers, decision-makers and country governments involved in assistive technology work. The ATA-C implementation process can also serve to bring diverse stakeholders together and build momentum for action.
Powering Inclusion: Artificial Intelligence and Assistive Technology

Felipe Ramos Barajas

Nov. 14, 2020

Global

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050 two billion people will need AT, yet 90% will not have access. This is why the AT2030 programme is engaged in testing research, innovation, policy, and building community solutions to see what works in addressing that enormous challenge.
Assistive Technology Use and Provision During COVID19: Results From a Rapid Global Survey

Emma M. Smith, Maria Luisa Toro Hernandez, Ikenna D. Ebuenyi, Elena V. Syurina, Dr Giulia Barbareschi, Krista L. Best, Jamie Danemayer, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Nuha Ibrahim, Catherine Holloway, Malcolm MacLachlan

Nov. 11, 2020

Global

PDF

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted all segments of society, but it has posed particular challenges for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, those with chronic illness and older people regarding their participation in daily life. These groups often benefit from assistive technology (AT) and so it is important to understand how use of AT may be affected by or may help to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.
Designing for resilience through circular economy

Mark Miodownik

Nov. 9, 2020

Global

A talk by Professor Mark Miodownik on "Designing for Resilience through Circular Economy and Disctributed Manufacture" as part of the COVIDaction partnership under Sub-Programme 3.
Assistive Technology: What is in a name?

GATE

Oct. 19, 2020

Global

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines assistive technology as ‘the application of organized knowledge and skills related to assistive products, including systems and services.’ Assistive products are ‘any external product (including devices, equipment, instruments or software)…the primary purpose of which is to maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence, and thereby promote their well-being’.1 Put simply, assistive products are the products and assistive technology is the whole ecosystem that is needed for their safe and effective provision and use.
African Inclusive Employment Innovators sought for Assistive Technology Acceleration Opportunity with Innovate Now

Global Disability Innovation Hub, AMREF Health Africa

Oct. 15, 2020

Global

Africa’s first Assistive Technology Accelerator, Innovate Now, is launching the third call for application from innovators across the African continent to develop technologies and services designed to assist people living with disabilities around the theme of the Future of Inclusive Employment.
Call for evidence to build a research agenda on Artificial Intelligence for Assistive Technology. Privacy Notice.

UCL

Sept. 18, 2020

Global

PDF

This is the Privacy Note for the Call for evidence of Powering Inclusion: AI and Assistive Technology.
Powering Inclusion: AI and Assistive Technology. Call for evidence.

Global Disability Innovation Hub

Sept. 8, 2020

Global

As part of the AT2030 Programme, UNESCO's International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), UCL's Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), the European Disability Forum (EDF), and the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) are seeking ideas to help build a research agenda on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Assistive Technology (AT).
Product Narrative: Eyeglasses

Mathilde Chaudron, Margaret Savage, Frederic Seghers, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Alison End Fineberg, Barbara Goedde, ATscale, Global Disability Innovation Hub, Vicki Austin, University College London, Catherine Holloway, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Priya Morjaria, Katherine Perry

July 30, 2020

Global

PDF

EPUB

Product Narrative: Eyeglasses - A Market Landscape and Strategic Approach to Increasing Access to Eyeglasses in Low and Middle Income Countries.
Country Investment Fund (CIF) launched

Global Disability Innovation Hub

June 11, 2020

Global

As part of the continued work in this AT2030 subprogramme, the Country Investment Fund (CIF) will support 3-5 grants in Africa that have already completed a CCA.
Product Narrative: Prostheses

Cynthia Liao, Frederic Seghers, Margaret Savage, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Alison End Fineberg, Barbara Goedde, ATscale, Global Disability Innovation Hub, UCL, Vicki Austin, Catherine Holloway, Dr Ben Oldfrey

April 30, 2020

Global

PDF

EPUB

A Market Landscape and Strategic Approach to Increasing Access to Prosthetic Devices and Related Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
Product Narrative: Prostheses (Spanish)

Cynthia Liao, Frederic Seghers, Margaret Savage, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Alison End Fineberg, Barbara Goedde, ATscale, Global Disability Innovation Hub, UCL, Vicki Austin, Catherine Holloway, Dr Ben Oldfrey

April 30, 2020

Global

PDF

This is the Spanish translation of the publication: A Market Landscape and Strategic Approach to Increasing Access to Prosthetic Devices and Related Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
Product Narrative: Prostheses (French)

Cynthia Liao, Frederic Seghers, Margaret Savage, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Alison End Fineberg, Barbara Goedde, ATscale, Global Disability Innovation Hub, UCL, Vicki Austin, Catherine Holloway, Dr Ben Oldfrey

April 30, 2020

Global

PDF

This is the french translation of the publication: A Market Landscape and Strategic Approach to Increasing Access to Prosthetic Devices and Related Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
Hearing Aid Product Narrative launched during World Hearing Day

Global Disability Innovation Hub, ATscale, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Margaret Savage

March 3, 2020

Global

PDF

In celebration of World Hearing Day on March 3rd, AT2030 and ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, launched the publication: “Hearing Aid Product Narrative: A Market Landscape and Strategic Approach to Increasing Access to Hearing Aids and Related Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.”
WHO and UNICEF started Open Consultations for 27 Assistive Product Specifications (APS)

Nov. 6, 2019

Global

GDI Hub is supporting WHO GATE and UNICEF on conducting the Open Consultations for 27 Assistive Product Specifications (APS).
Hogan Lovells is part of the movement to accelerate Disability Innovation for a Fairer World by supporting AT2030

Sept. 2, 2019

Global

Hogan Lovells is enabling all of this work, through its pro and low bono legal support.
Capturing and Creating Value in the Assistive Technologies Landscape through a Mission-Oriented Approach: A New Research and Policy Agenda

Catherine Holloway, Vicki Austin, Sarah Albala, Malcolm MacLachlan, David Banes, Rose Bandukda, Rainer Kattel, Mariana Mazzucato, Julian Walker

Aug. 1, 2019

Global

PDF

The working paper presents a new research and policy agenda for capturing and Creating Value in the Assistive Technologies Landscape through a Mission-Oriented Approach.
UK government to double investment in AT2030 to £19.8million because of 'amazing early results'

Global Disability Innovation Hub

March 28, 2019

Global

The Minister of State for International Development, Lord Bates, announced today at the Sightgeist event in London, that the UK government is doubling its investment in the flagship AT2030 programme from £10million to £19.8million. This will be 100% matched by the private sector, country governments, academic institutions, NGOs and other partners.
Leveraging the Potential of Mobile for Persons with Disabilities

GSMA

Nov. 1, 2018

Global

Publisher Link

PDF

The GSMA published this landscaping report “Leveraging the Potential of Mobile for Persons with Disabilities” based on the review of existing research and key informant interviews with ecosystem actors and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in five emerging markets. Funded through UK aid, AT2030 programme.