World Day for Assistive Technology this month (4th June 2025) was the perfect opportunity for everyone - individuals, organisations, and policymakers from across the globe - to come together and champion the importance of AT. With one goal in mind, to increase access and raise awareness, especially in lower-income countries.

The Global Disability Summit 2025, held in Berlin in April this year, brought together over 4,500 participants from governments, organisations, and advocates who collectively committed to advancing disability inclusion and access to assistive technology.

This got us thinking about access to AT globally, and we wanted to do some research. We know that AT encompasses a wide range of products and services, all designed to enhance the capabilities of individuals with disabilities or cognitive challenges. And this covers a huge spectrum, including wheelchairs, hearing aids, communication devices, and specialised software applications. Globally, over 2.5 billion people require one or more assistive products, yet nearly one billion lack access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access can be as low as 3% of the needed products. who.int

Countries Excelling in Assistive Technology Implementation

High-income nations often lead the way in the adoption and integration of assistive technologies. These countries have established comprehensive policies, funding mechanisms, and support services to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access the necessary assistive technologies. For instance, nations like Sweden and Japan have robust healthcare systems that incorporate assistive technology provisions, ensuring widespread availability and good support for users.

Challenges in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

In contrast, low- and middle-income countries face significant barriers to AT access, including:

• High Costs and Limited Availability: The expense of assistive devices, coupled with limited supply, makes them inaccessible to many. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
• Lack of Awareness: Many individuals and communities are unaware of the available assistive technologies and their potential benefits.
• Insufficient Trained Personnel: There's a scarcity of professionals trained to assess needs, fit devices, and provide training.
• Weak Governance and Inadequate Financing: Many work/education settings lack effective policies and funding to support AT provision.

These challenges are particularly pronounced in countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Peru, and Rwanda, where individuals often cannot choose appropriate products and services, and have reduced provisions from charitable organisations or donors. internationaldisabilityalliance.org