The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Post

We're pleased to share our blog celebrating the First World Day for Assistive Technology! Together with my colleagues Casey McCowan and Vânia de la Fuente-Núñez, MD, MA we explore the transformative power of assistive technology (AT) in enhancing independence and participation worldwide. With 2.5 billion people currently in need of AT and projections rising to 3.5 billion by 2050, our blog emphasizes the importance of inclusive initiatives. We discuss Australia's commitment in the Pacific region, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive AT policies that cater to diverse age groups—from childhood through to older adulthood. The fastest growing unmet AT needs globally are among older people, and we encourage governments, donors and other stakeholders to consider this often neglected demographic in policy and programming decisions. Join us as we advocate for a future where AT ensures safety, well-being, and equal opportunities for all. Let's promote #AssistiveTechnology, #InclusiveDevelopment, and address the challenges of our #AgeingPopulation together. 🌐 ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, DFAT, Sarah Goulding, Dr Lucas de Toca PSM.

🚨 Check out this piece I co-authored with my wonderful colleagues Casey McCowan and Lisa Johnson on the need to expand access to #AssistiveTechnology to #OlderPeople. 👇 👩🦼👨🦯🦻👓  Currently, 2.5 billion people need AT, a number expected to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050. Most are older people. Older people often face ageism, ableism, and financial barriers to accessing necessary AT like hearing aids, mobility devices, and glasses. These tools can significantly enhance their independence, social participation, safety, and well-being. We call on governments, donors, and other stakeholders in Australia and elsewhere to develop more inclusive AT initiatives so that existing inequities can be addressed & older people can gain access to the AT they need. Join us in these advocacy efforts so that we can build on the momentum generated by the first #WorldDayforAssistiveTechnology on 4 June ❣ 🌟 #DisabilityRights #Inclusion ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology Satish Mishra

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 On June 4th, 2024, we mark the inaugural World Day for Assistive Technology. This global initiative, part of the Unlock the Everyday campaign, aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of assistive technology (AT) and the urgent need to enhance access in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). With 2.5 billion people worldwide requiring one or more assistive products, access to AT is a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, while 90% of people in high-income countries have access to the assistive technology they need, only 10% of those in low-income countries can say the same. Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of products and services, including wheelchairs, eyeglasses, hearing aids, artificial limbs, and digital devices, all designed to help individuals move, communicate, and see better, thereby enabling them to lead healthier and more independent lives. World Day for Assistive Technology calls on organizations, policymakers, and the public to take action and improve access to these essential tools. We urge businesses and individuals to show their support by sharing promotional assets, pledging commitment to improving access and advocating for increased funding and resources for safe, affordable, and appropriate assistive technology. AT promotes independence, enhances communication, supports education, increases employment opportunities, improves health and well-being, facilitates accessibility, and fosters social inclusion. It is a lifeline for many, providing essential support for daily activities and improving quality of life. Join us in celebrating the first World Day for Assistive Technology and help unlock a world of opportunities for all. #WorldATDay #AssistiveTechnology #AtforAll #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll #EmpowerThroughAT #TechForGood #DisabilityInclusion #AccessToAT

Today, an estimated 2.5 billion people require some form of assistive technology, from wheelchairs and hearing aids to smart glasses. However, a stark disparity exists, with only 10% of people in low-income countries having access to these essential technologies, compared to 90% in high-income countries. This gap hinders education, employment, and the ability to lead independent, fulfilling lives, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. Research underscores the significant return on investment in assistive technology - for every dollar invested, a $9 return is expected through improved educational outcomes, employment opportunities, and healthcare savings. However, a substantial funding gap remains, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and investment. As an assistive tech innovator, we stand with the first ever global campaign for access to assistive technology launched at the World Economic Forum with ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology in collaboration with International Disability Alliance . We invite our community and partners to join us in supporting #UnlockTheEveryday campaign. Together, we can drive change and build a world where technology empowers everyone, everywhere. Get involved: https://lnkd.in/dZQGrhuP #Accessibility #LetsEnvision #PerceivePossibilities #AssistiveTechnology #AI4Good

On the first ever World Day for Assistive Technology, we’re calling on governments to prioritize the needs of people who would benefit from assistive technology. Assistive technology (AT) refers to assistive products, and their related systems and services. Assistive products can facilitate people’s everyday actions such as their ability to move, communicate, and see better than before. Ultimately, it transforms lives. There is also a clear economic case for improving access. Research shows investment in four products - hearing aids, prosthetics, eyeglasses and wheelchairs - will result in a return on investment of 9:1. For a child in a low- or middle-income country, access to assistive technology can also help them increase their lifetime income by US$100,000. Let’s improve access, unlocking the everyday for individuals and stronger economic development. Find out what you can do to help 👉 https://lnkd.in/eR8AWWvt #UnlockTheEveryday #WorldATDay

I want to share a very interesting document that promises to be a game-changer in Assistive Technology (AT) - "The IDEAL PROCESS for Developing Assistive Technology Policy" by Ikenna Ebuenyi , Emma M. Smith, PhD, OT, ATP/SMS, Monica Jamali, Alister Munthali and Malcolm MacLachlan. In a world where nearly 2.5 billion individuals need assistive products, a figure projected to soar to 3.5 billion by 2050, the necessity for comprehensive and inclusive policies cannot be overstated. The IDEAL PROCESS framework emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a systematic pathway to crafting policies that resonate with different regions' unique contexts and needs globally. 🤝 This innovative framework is built upon collaboration and inclusivity, involving diverse stakeholders in the policy development process. It aligns perfectly with international policies such as the UNCRPD and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the pivotal role of AT in achieving global objectives. 🔗 I highly recommend professionals, policymakers, and enthusiasts in the field to delve into this insightful document. It outlines a promising approach to policy development and stands as a tool that can potentially bridge the gaps in AT accessibility. 📖 Dive deeper into this pioneering framework and explore how it can pave the way for a future where assistive technology is accessible to all. Let's foster a world characterized by inclusivity and equal opportunities! #AssistiveTechnology #InclusivePolicies #GlobalDevelopment #Innovation #Collaboration #SDGs #UNCRPD #Accessibility

Policy development and implementation are key to improving access to Assistive Technology. In this paper, we describe a strength-based framework for doing this at national level. Very proud to be a part of this publication where we describe the process of applying our emergent framework and how our findings support it. We identified seven guiding principles for effective policy process: Participatory, Resource aware, Outcomes focused, Collaborative, Evidence-informed, supporting good practices, and System strengthening – which can be summarized by the acronym PROCESS. Five crucial building blocks for effective AT policy development emerged: Identification of the assistive technology ecosystem, Demography of disability and AT use, Evaluation of inclusion and participation in existing policy, Alignment with UNCRPD and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Locality of implementation – which can be summarized with the acronym IDEAL. The IDEAL PROCESS incorporates key content building blocks and core process principles, constituting a systematic framework for guiding the development of context sensitive AT policy and a strength-based pathway to improving access to AT. Ikenna Ebuenyi Full paper here: https://lnkd.in/ep2g_FQN

Did you know that 2.5 billion people need at least one form of assistive technology? Whether it’s glasses, a hearing aid or a wheelchair, most people on the planet will require assistive technology at some point in their lifetime. CHAI is working with governments and partners such Missing Billion Initiative, ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, and Global Disability Innovation Hub to set up and strengthen systems that integrate the provision of assistive technology in the public sector and create sustainable demand and supply for appropriate and quality assistive products. We’re joining #UnlockTheEveryday to help improve access to assistive technology in 15 countries. Discover more in the link below. https://lnkd.in/eR8AWWvt #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #InclusiveHealth #AsssitiveTech

Talent is evenly distributed, but opportunities aren't. Let's change that! Meet Oriola Soyemi a Nigerian genius who's breaking barriers with innovative tech. Check out his final year project: a gesture-controlled wheelchair that's revolutionizing mobility! Simple head tilts control the chair's movement - forward, left, and right. Watch the video to see how intuitive gesture recognition can empower individuals with greater independence. Mobility and accessibility with Tech for good. Key takeaways from this project: 1. Talent knows no borders. Invest in people, not geographies. 2. Innovation can equalize access. Tech can bridge gaps and empower marginalized communities. 3. Create opportunities, support not just talent. Let's create platforms for underrepresented groups to shine. Oriola's work inspires us to rethink assistive tech and ability. Let's amplify voices like hers and create a more inclusive future for all! #Innovation #AssistiveTech #Mobility #Empowerment #TalentUnlocked #OpportunitiesForAll #OkareCares #KingShaba ♻️Repost PS: Don't miss this event specially for Healthcare executives or Domiciliary care service providers in the UK. Thank me later :) https://lnkd.in/eGERkEat

A crucial element in the journey towards 2030 and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, Assistive Technology stands as a vital bridge. It connects individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those facing non-communicable diseases to opportunities in education, employment, and societal inclusion. The key lies in emphasizing affordability and accessibility, ensuring that people from diverse backgrounds can equally benefit from the transformative power of Assistive Technology. It's about creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all. 🌐💙 #AssistiveTechnology #InclusionForAll #SDGs2030 #AccessibilityMatters