Assistive technology plays an essential role in facilitating individuals to lead independent, satisfying lives and actively participate in various aspects of society, including education, the workforce, and civic activities. It also diminishes the reliance on formal health and support services and eases the burden on caregivers. The absence of assistive technology leads to exclusion, isolation, and an increased susceptibility to poverty for people with disabilities, elderly individuals, and those with chronic health conditions, ultimately impacting their families and communities.
Who can derive advantage from Assistive Technology?
A wide range of individuals, such as persons with disabilities, elderly adults, those with noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and stroke, and individuals experiencing mental health conditions such as dementia and autism, can greatly benefit from assistive technology. Moreover, assistive technology is crucial in assisting individuals with gradual functional decline to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Health, Well-being, and Socioeconomic Benefits
The positive impact of assistive technology on health and well-being is significant. For example, the use of hearing aids in young children has been proven to improve language skills, offering opportunities for enhanced education and employment. Furthermore, manual wheelchairs can enhance access to education and employment while simultaneously decreasing healthcare costs. Additionally, assistive technology enables older individuals to continue living at home, delaying or even preventing the necessity for long-term care. Therapeutic footwear for diabetes has also been evidenced to reduce foot ulcers, thereby lessening the risk of lower limb amputations and alleviating the strain on health systems.
Challenges
Policy
Numerous countries lack a national assistive technology policy or programme, resulting in inadequate or non-existent access to assistive technology in the public sector. Even in high-income countries, assistive products are frequently not encompassed within health and welfare schemes, leading to high out-of-pocket expenses for users and their families.
Products
The assistive products industry is limited and primarily caters to high-income markets, resulting in a lack of funding, nation-wide service delivery systems, user-centred research and development, procurement systems, quality and safety standards, and context-appropriate product design.
Provision
Services in high-income countries are often fragmented and not integrated, necessitating users to attend multiple appointments at different locations, incurring unnecessary costs. Additionally, in low- and middle-income countries, national service delivery for assistive products is non-existent, leaving those who can afford them to rely on private clinics or workshops. Consequently, individuals from lower-income sectors are forced to depend on erratic donations or charity services, often receiving low-quality or used products unsuitable for their needs.
Personnel
The absence of adequately trained health personnel for the proper prescription, fitting, user training, and follow-up of assistive products presents a significant obstacle. Without these crucial steps, assistive products may be of no benefit, abandoned, or worse, cause physical harm to the user.
Assistive Technology within Universal Health Coverage
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) holds meaning only when quality assistive products are accessible to all in need. Addressing the unmet need for assistive products is crucial in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and providing UHC, as well as upholding the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
WHO’s Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading the Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) to enhance access to high-quality, affordable assistive technology worldwide. The GATE initiative aims to address the challenges outlined above and contribute to the realization of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UHC, and the Sustainable Development Goals. In doing so, WHO seeks to strengthen its global strategy on people-centred and integrated health services, along with action plans on noncommunicable diseases, aging and health, disability, and mental health.
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