Publications

Assistive technology, such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, is essential for independence and social participation for people with disabilities. However, access remains limited, even in high-income countries. For example, over 30% of people with disabilities in England have unmet needs for assistive devices.

Factors like age, gender, location, and socioeconomic status influence access to assistive technology. While much research focuses on devices like glasses and hearing aids, mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs) often receive less attention despite growing demand. Understanding these access disparities is crucial for identifying the groups most in need of support and guiding better policies.

Long-term data on assistive technology use is limited, but by combining data on disability and device use, we can identify gaps in access—especially for individuals who may not identify as disabled but still face significant functional limitations. Examining the links between demographic, social, and economic factors with unmet needs can help improve access and ensure more inclusive support for those most need it.

Today, as we mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we want to focus on innovation’s vital role in creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities.

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we are delighted to share a new playbook designed to support organisations in launching and managing mentoring programmes for early-career researchers and start-ups in the disability innovation sector. This playbook, informed by insights from the TIDAL Accelerator, Attvaran Accelerator, and We Love Mentors, provides a practical framework for overcoming the unique challenges of assistive technology (AT) ventures. The TIDAL Accelerator supports early-career researchers in disability innovation, while the Attvaran Accelerator aids start-ups and entrepreneurs through mentorship and business training.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that access to assistive products like prosthetics, wheelchairs, and hearing aids varies significantly by income level. In high-income countries, 64% of people needing these products have access, while only 33% in medium-income countries and 11% in low-income countries do.

Assistive technology (AT) encompasses assistive products (APs) and services necessary for effective use. Globalisation has facilitated the mass production of assistive products but often leads to monopolies that create barriers to local innovation and repair strategies, especially in low-income countries. The AT2030 Programme, led by the Global Disability Innovation Hub in Nepal, aims to enhance localised innovation within the global assistive product system.

In Nepal, official estimates suggest that only 2.2% of the population has a disability, but this figure is likely underestimated. Various organisations are working to provide AT and rehabilitation services, addressing local needs, such as difficult terrain and logistics.

This paper reflects on our journey within the AT2030 project, highlighting the development of a global-local community, interdisciplinary innovation teams in Kathmandu, and preliminary results from two bespoke product development cases, emphasising collaboration between global and local expertise for effective AT solutions.

Our recent one-day workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to examine the challenges and opportunities in wheelchair repair services. By engaging multiple perspectives, we gained valuable insights into how improved repair processes can enhance service delivery, empower users, and support sustainability efforts.

Key discussions focused on the urgent need to address data gaps in repair practices, promote user involvement, and shift towards systems that prioritise repair and maintenance. Innovative ideas, such as creating digital profiles for wheelchairs and using AI to predict breakdowns, were explored as ways to streamline repair services and improve user autonomy.

Going forward, collaboration between manufacturers, healthcare providers, and users will be essential to building a more sustainable, user-centred approach to wheelchair repairs.

Read the full report to learn more about the ideas and strategies shared during the wheelchair workshop

Our recent one-day workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore the critical role of repair in the assistive technology sector. Through a range of perspectives, we uncovered valuable insights into how repair can drive sustainability, improve service delivery, and empower users.

Key discussions centered on the urgent need for a systemic shift toward more repairable and modular designs alongside regulatory changes and innovative frameworks that support efficient repair services. We also highlighted the importance of better data on repair practices and the need for transparency and user engagement.

As we look ahead, the conversation must include all stakeholders, particularly the users themselves. This collaborative approach will be vital to building a more sustainable and repairable future for assistive technology.

Read the full report to learn more about the ideas and strategies shared during the P&O workshop

The objective of this research was to describe the assistive technology ecosystem in Kenya through descriptive information about key stakeholder organizations, and a network analysis demonstrating the nature and strength of relationships between organizations. An assistive technology ecosystem is an interconnected community of actors, including government, civil society, and the private sector who work together or in parallel to deliver assistive products and services to the people who need them. Using the network analysis, we aimed to demonstrate the degree to which key stakeholder organizations within the ecosystem did (or did not) interact, which will provide policy makers with data from which to further develop collaborations within the ecosystem