G20 India: Assistive Technology Dialogue. Join us and join the conversation.

(An Online Event. May 30, 2023 Timings: Session 1: 8.00 to 11.0 UTC; Session 2: 13.00 to 16.00 UTC)

On the 30th May Global Disability Innovation Hub will be joining key stakeholders from across the G20 for this important dialogue to discuss innovation and start-up ecosystem in the space of assistive technologies.

The event is aimed towards stakeholders, researchers, decision makers, international organisations and DPO's - and those with a passion for AT advocacy and impact.

It's an online event and free to register. Join us and join the conversation.

The Global Report on Assistive Technology was launched in 2022 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It notes the number of people in need of one or more assistive products is likely to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050. Globally, only a small percentage of people who need assistive technologies are able to have them. There is huge opportunities and immense challenges for G20 countries.

Very few countries have a national assistive technology policy or program. Even in developed countries that have provisions, the assistive technology services are stand-alone. In many countries, people with disabilities face difficulties in availing state provided benefits and integrating them into their lifestyles. Hence, there is an acute need for developing innovation ecosystem and promoting start-ups that are designing and building assistive technologies and thus actively working towards making the world more inclusive.

The session will explore:

• Funding support and Tax Incentives
• Development of Assistive Technology Standards
• Regulatory Clarity
• International Collaboration
• Provisioning and Procurement policies
• Promote Accessibility
• AT Personnel

With the following points for discussion:

In the proposed dialogue, G20 countries and their representatives can present covering one or more of following questions relevant to their countries

• In activities of daily living, what are the major barriers which people with disabilities and elderly face in accessing products, services, applications and environments? What are the important unaddressed accessibility challenges which people of your country face in activities of daily living?
• How prevalent are laws/guidelines for inclusive/universal design of products, services, applications and environments? Highlight some challenges and best practices that have worked.
• What is the current innovation and startup ecosystem for AT innovation? Are there any special incentives/funds from the government to promote and incentivise start-ups to take up design and manufacture of ATs in your country?
• How do people with disabilities and elderly source their AT requirements? Who pays? What is the role of government in improving access to ATs? Are ATs a part of universal health coverage in your country?
• Comment on current system of regulation for ATs in your country? Currently, how are ATs assessed for safety and quality? Are there enough AT personnel who are trained to assess user requirements and recommending appropriate ATs?