AT2030 programme secures A+ rating from Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and has reached 12m people so far

We are delighted to announce that Global Disability Innovation Hub’s (GDI Hub) AT2030 programme has been recognised as; excellent ‘Exceeding Expectations’ by funders UK Aid and has already reached 12m people in more than 31 countries. Alongside 56 partners we are finding new ways of tacking long standing problems. Through a consortium of expert delivery partners, the AT2030 programme was designed to test ‘what works’ to improve access to AT (assistive technology) globally; supporting solutions to scale with a focus on innovative products, new AT service delivery models and global capacity support.

The lack of access to AT is complex and has persisted for many decades. AT2030 develops partnerships which can overcome traditional barriers by trailing innovative markets, systems and community-level interventions. By testing new evidence led approaches, the programme is able to quickly identify and scale success, recognising opportunity and balancing risk.

AT2030 delivery

Reporting strong progress at output and outcome level, AT2030 has already reached over 12 million people (nearly 3 million beneficiaries directly and 9 million beneficiaries indirectly). From AT product innovations, to new ventures and the scaling of service delivery models, the AT2030 programme has also supported countries and organisations to implement new methodologies and ideas.

AT2030 has exceeded expectations against several output indicator targets, including the number of influencing papers published to address critical research questions; strategic tools developed to increase AT capacity; country capacity assessments (CCAs) completed and; CCA recommendations already being delivered or completed through a series of pilot studies.

Our recently launched Assistive Tech Impact Fund (ATIF) is changing the prospects of the AT sector in Africa, providing up to £200k of grant funding alongside expert-led venture-building supporting the growth of new solutions and delivery models. Focused on organisations with evidence of business model traction in an African market, the first investment in HearX targets the provision of hearing aids through a subscription model on continental Africa. It is an opportunity to test alternative distribution models in South Africa and Kenya getting high-quality hearing aids to everyone, everywhere.

Building back stronger

As an innovative research programme, ongoing learning and programme flexibility has enabled AT2030 to adapt and respond to both learnings from the programme itself, and the wider impact of COVID-19.

We know that disabled people are among the worst affected by COVID-19, with economic and social impacts. The pandemic has highlight embedded inequalities, and the failures of existing systems to create equitable opportunities for disabled people.

Overcoming these challenges is essential too create a fairer world; and for this we need the right AT to be available to those that need it, alongside accessible living, working and social environments to support equitable opportunities for all.

There has never been a more important moment for disability innovation as the world looks to build back stronger from COVID-19.

What's next

Over the coming year, we will have the opportunity to further drive impact, begin to codify ‘what works’ l scale success. New models of delivery will be tried and we’ll reach more people than ever before through the broadcasting of the Paralympics across sub-saharan Africa for the first time. From getting AT to people that need it, to challenging stigma, our UK aid funded AT2030 programme will push boundaries and challenge convention to change lives.

Get involved

We’re looking for companies to match our investment into AT through the Assistive Tech Impact Fund, for governments willing to trail new methods of AT delivery and for AT users to share their experiences. Get in touch