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<div class="noeditbox">Welcome to [[Assistive Technology Content Development Project|Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation Content Development Project]]. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!! If you would like to get involved in this project and earn accreditation for your contributions, please get in touch!</div> <div class="editorbox">


'''Original Editors ''' - [[User:User Name|Habibu Salisu Badamasi]]
'''Original Editors ''' - [[User:User Name|Habibu Salisu Badamasi]]
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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
[[Category:Assistive Technology Content Development Project]]
[[Category:Assistive Technology Content Development Project]]
Assistive technology (AT) is identified by the United Nations Convention on the  Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) as human rights obligation of both States and international donors.  157 Countries that have ratified the  UNCRPD  must ensure  the  availability of  high-quality,  affordable assistive  products  as a  right, because they  are  recognized as  the  first  crucial—and  mediating—step towards equal opportunities.<ref>Khasnabis C, Mirza Z, MacLachlan M. Opening the GATE to inclusion for people with disabilities. The Lancet. 2015 Dec 5.</ref> One billion people globally need assistive technology to lead healthy, productive and dignified lives but only one in 10 has access. As the world’s population ages and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases increases, the need for assistive technology will continue to rise. Access to assistive technology is essential for many people to participate in education, work, as well as family and community life. Among the people who commonly need AT are older people, people with disabilities and people living with chronic conditions, although it is used by people of all ages with various impairments.<ref>Assistive technology factsheet. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018 (<nowiki>https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/assistive-technology</nowiki>, accessed 24 may 2021).  </ref> <ref name=":1">de Witte, L., Steel, E., Gupta, S., Ramos, V.D. and Roentgen, U., 2018. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17483107.2018.1470264 Assistive technology provision: towards an international framework for assuring availability and accessibility of affordable high-quality assistive technology]. ''Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology'', ''13''(5), pp.467-472.</ref> Assistive technologies include any item, piece of equipment or product used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Assistive technologies include low-vision devices, hearing aids, and augmentative and alternative communication systems, walking frames, wheelchairs and prostheses such as artificial legs. <ref>Tangcharoensathien V, Witthayapipopsakul W, Viriyathorn S, Patcharanarumol W. Improving access to assistive technologies: challenges and solutions in low-and middle-income countries. WHO South-East Asia journal of public health. 2018 Jul 1;7(2):84.</ref>
Assistive technology (AT) refers to "[[Assistive Devices|assistive products]] and related systems and services developed for people to maintain or improve functioning and thereby promote well-being".<ref name=":2">Matter R, Harniss M, Oderud T, Borg J, Eide AH. Assistive technology in resource-limited environments: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 2017 Feb 17;12(2):105-14.</ref><ref name=":4">Tangcharoensathien V, Witthayapipopsakul W, Viriyathorn S, Patcharanarumol W. [https://www.who-seajph.org/article.asp?issn=2224-3151;year=2018;volume=7;issue=2;spage=84;epage=89;aulast=Tangcharoensathien Improving access to assistive technologies: challenges and solutions in low-and middle-income countries]. WHO South-East Asia journal of public health. 2018 Jul 1;7(2):84.</ref> It allows people with disabilities, ageing individuals, and others who experience limitations in participation in society to live independent, healthy and productive lives by participating in education, work and social activities.<ref name=":6">Smith, R.O., Scherer, M.J., Cooper, R., Bell, D., Hobbs, D.A., Pettersson, C., Seymour, N., Borg, J., Johnson, M.J., Lane, J.P. and Sujatha, S., 2018. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/17483107.2018.1473895?needAccess=true Assistive technology products: a position paper from the first global research, innovation, and education on assistive technology (GREAT) summit.] ''Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology'', ''13''(5), pp.473-485.</ref> <ref name=":1">de Witte, L., Steel, E., Gupta, S., Ramos, V.D. and Roentgen, U., 2018. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17483107.2018.1470264 Assistive technology provision: towards an international framework for assuring availability and accessibility of affordable, high-quality assistive technology]. ''Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology'', ''13''(5), pp.467-472.</ref><ref>Smith EM, Ebuenyi ID, Kafumba JA, Jamali-Phiri M, Munthali A, MacLachlan M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9661997/pdf/ZGHA_15_2133381.pdf Relevance of assistive technology and the sustainable development goals to stakeholder organizations in Malawi]. Glob Health Action. 2022 Dec 31;15(1):2133381. </ref> AT reduces the burden on caregivers and the need for formal health and support services. Without AT, people with disabilities are often caught in a cycle of exclusion, isolation and poverty, which further increases disability and morbidity.<ref name=":2" />
=== Needs  ===
One billion people worldwide need assistive technology to lead healthy, productive, dignified lives. By 2050 there will be two billion people in need of assistive technology.<ref>Oldfrey B, Barbareschi G, Morjaria P, Giltsoff T, Massie J, Miodownik M, Holloway C. [https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/19/10867 Could Assistive Technology Provision Models Help Pave the Way for More Environmentally Sustainable Models of Product Design, Manufacture and Service in a Post-COVID World?] Sustainability. 2021; 13(19):10867.</ref> Although AT can be used throughout the lifespan, the need is greatest for the elderly, people living with chronic conditions and people with disabilities.<ref name=":5">Assistive technology factsheet. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018 (<nowiki>https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/assistive-technology</nowiki>, accessed 24 may 2021).  </ref> <ref name=":1" /> Of those persons living with a disability, 1 in 10 are children.<ref>Shi G, Ke S, Banozic A. The Role of Assistive Technology in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals. Front. Polit. Sci. 2022; 4:859272.</ref> As the world’s population ages and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases increases, the need for AT will continue to rise.<ref name=":5" /> Those who require AT must be able to [[Access to Assistive Technology|access]] it to participate in education, work, and family and community life. [[Access to Assistive Technology|Accessing AT]] in low-resource countries can be difficult because of issues with affordability, availability and acceptability.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4" />  In addition, COVID-19 pandemic has shown, that lack of provider availability and diminished one-to-one services has had a huge impact on the access to and delivery of AT services. <ref>Smith EM, Toro Hernandez ML, Ebuenyi ID, Syurina EV, Barbareschi G, Best KL, Danemayer J, Oldfrey B, Ibrahim N, Holloway C, MacLachlan M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9309903/pdf/ijhpm-11-747.pdf Assistive Technology Use and Provision During COVID-19: Results From a Rapid Global Survey.] Int J Health Policy Manag. 2022 Jun 1;11(6):747-756. </ref><br>
{{#ev:youtube|NHNV0jpC8sY}}


== Definitions ==
=== Types of AT ===
Assistive technology refers to as "assistive products and related systems and services developed for people to maintain or improve functioning and thereby promote well-being".<ref name=":2" /><ref>Tangcharoensathien V, Witthayapipopsakul W, Viriyathorn S, Patcharanarumol W. [https://www.who-seajph.org/article.asp?issn=2224-3151;year=2018;volume=7;issue=2;spage=84;epage=89;aulast=Tangcharoensathien Improving access to assistive technologies: challenges and solutions in low-and middle-income countries]. WHO South-East Asia journal of public health. 2018 Jul 1;7(2):84.</ref> It enables people with difficulties in functioning to live healthy, productive, independent, and dignified lives, taking part in education, the labour market and social life.<ref>Smith, R.O., Scherer, M.J., Cooper, R., Bell, D., Hobbs, D.A., Pettersson, C., Seymour, N., Borg, J., Johnson, M.J., Lane, J.P. and Sujatha, S., 2018. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/17483107.2018.1473895?needAccess=true Assistive technology products: a position paper from the first global research, innovation, and education on assistive technology (GREAT) summit.] ''Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology'', ''13''(5), pp.473-485.</ref> <ref name=":1" /> It can reduce the need for formal health and support services, long-term care, and the burden on careers. Without assistive technology, people with disabilities and older people and others in need are often excluded, isolated, and locked into poverty, and the burden of morbidity and disability increases .<ref name=":2">Matter R, Harniss M, Oderud T, Borg J, Eide AH. Assistive technology in resource-limited environments: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 2017 Feb 17;12(2):105-14.</ref>Assistive technologies can be made, modified or bought.<ref name=":3">Mather, D.  Intro to Assistive Technology Course. Physioplus Course. 2022</ref>
Assistive technologies include any product, piece of equipment or item used to maintain, improve or increase the functional ability of people with disabilities.<ref name=":4" /> Assistive products can be made, modified or bought.<ref name=":3">Mather, D.  Intro to Assistive Technology Course. Plus Course. 2022</ref> Assistive devices range from simple, low-technology devices (e.g. canes) to complex, high-technology devices (e.g. motorised wheelchairs, speech-generated devices on computers).<ref name=":0" /> The video above by the World Health Organization demonstrates the benefits of assistive technology.<br>


<br>{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHNV0jpC8sY&feature=youtu.be|width}}
==== Categories ====
Because there is a wide variety of assistive devices, grouping them into different categories is useful.<ref name=":0">Khasnabis C, Heinicke Motsch K, Achu K, et al., editors. Community-Based Rehabilitation: CBR Guidelines. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. Assistive devices. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310951
</ref> Some products will fit into more than one category.<ref name=":3" />


== Common Types of Assistive Technology ==
# [[Assistive Technology: Mobility Products|Mobility Products]]:
Assistive devices range from simple, low-technology devices (e.g. walking sticks or adapted cups), to complex, high-technology devices (e.g. specialized computer software/hardware or motorized wheelchairs) It is helpful to consider this wide variety of assistive devices under different categories. <ref name=":0">Khasnabis C, Heinicke Motsch K, Achu K, et al., editors. Community-Based Rehabilitation: CBR Guidelines. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. Assistive devices. Available from:<nowiki>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310951</nowiki>
#* Assist with: mobility
</ref>Some products will fit into more than one category.<ref name=":3" />
#* Devices: crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, ramps, and grab bars
# [[Assistive Technology: Vision Products|Seeing / Vision Products]]:
#* Assist with: low vision or blindness range
#* Devices: reading glasses, magnifiers, audio players, talking and/or touching watches/books,  braille systems
# [[Assistive Technology: Hearing Products|Hearing Products]]:
#* Assist with: hearing loss and communication<ref name=":0" />
#* Devices include: hearing aids and alarm signalers that use light, sound, and vibration
# [[Assistive Technology: Communication Products|Communication Products]]:
#* Assist with: augmentative and alternative communication<ref name=":0" />
#* Devices include: communication boards, books, and cards
# [[Assistive Technology: Cognition Products|Cognition Products]]:
#* Assist with: cognition<ref name=":0" />
#* Devices: pill organisers and whiteboards to remember things
# [[Technological Aids for Self-Care and Environmental Adaptations|Self-care and Environment Products]]:  
#* Assist: people with physical impairments who have difficulty with functional activities
#* Devices: toilet and shower chairs, absorbent cloths<ref>De-Rosende-Celeiro I, Torres G, Seoane-Bouzas M, Ávila A. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6453482/pdf/pone.0215002.pdf Exploring the use of assistive products to promote functional independence in self-care activities in the bathroom.] PLoS One. 2019 Apr 8;14(4):e0215002.</ref>


# [[Assistive Technology: Mobility Products|Mobility Products]]: Mobility devices assist people to walk or move and may include:Walking aids, portable ramps, and grab bars
# [[Assistive Technology: Vision Products|Seeing/Vision Products]]: Low vision or blindness has a great impact on a person's ability to carry out important life activities. A range of devices (simple to complex) can be used to maximize participation and independence, including reading glasses, magnifiers, audio players, talking and/or touching watches, white canes, braille systems for reading and writing audio devices, e.g. radios, talking books, mobile phones screen readers for computers, e.g. JAWS (Job Access with Speech) is a screen reader programme.
# [[Assistive Technology: Hearing Products|Hearing Products]]: Hearing loss affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others; it can impact on many areas of development, e.g. speech and language and restricts educational and employment opportunities, resulting in social discrimination and isolation.<ref name=":0" /> Devices include:hearing aids and alarm signalers that use light, sound, and vibration
# [[Assistive Technology: Communication Products|Communication Products]]: Augmentative and alternative communication devices can assist individuals who have difficulty understanding and producing speech. They are provided to support speech (augmentative), or to compensate for speech (alternative)<ref name=":0" />. Devices include:communication boards, books, and card
# [[Assistive Technology: Cognition Products|Cognition Products]]: Cognition (& remembering) is the ability to understand and process information. It refers to the mental functions of the brain such as memory, planning and problem-solving. Brain injuries, intellectual impairment, dementia and mental illness are some of the many conditions that may affect an individual's cognitive ability. The following cognitive devices can assist individuals to remember important tasks/events, manage their time and prepare for activities:<ref name=":0" />pill organizers and whiteboards to remember things.
# [[Assistive Technology: Self Care and Environment Products|Self-care and Environment Products]]: People with physical impairments often have difficulty maintaining good lying, standing or sitting positions for functional activities and are at risk of developing deformities due to improper positioning. The following devices can help overcome some of these difficulties and enable people with disabilities to complete the activities of daily living (e.g. eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, home maintenance). <ref name=":0" />There are many examples of these devices, including: toilet and shower chairs, absorbent cloths.
== Priority Assistive Product List ==
== Priority Assistive Product List ==
The Priority Assistive Products List (APL) was developed through an extensive global consultation with experts, including users and their caregivers, which involved first selecting key assistive devices and then prioritizing them down to 50. The products are selected based on widespread need and its impactfulness on the user's life. The APL includes both high-tech and low-tech AP in the field of mobility, communication, cognition, personal care, vision, hearing and environment.<ref>Boot FH, Owuor J, Dinsmore J, MacLachlan M. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jir.12532 Access to assistive technology for people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review to identify barriers and facilitators]. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 2018 Oct;62(10):900-21.</ref> An overwhelming consensus was reached on the following list – although it should not be considered to be restrictive:<ref>Rohwerder B. Assistive technologies in developing countries</ref>
The World Health Organization created the Priority Assistive Products List (APL) to improve access to assistive products. This list includes 50 priority assistive products based on widespread need and impact on the user's life. The APL includes high-tech and low-tech products to assist with mobility, communication, cognition, personal care, vision, hearing and environment. The list is not restrictive; the aim is to provide member states with a model to develop their national priority assistive products list according to national needs and available resources.<ref>Boot FH, Owuor J, Dinsmore J, MacLachlan M. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jir.12532 Access to assistive technology for people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review to identify barriers and facilitators]. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 2018 Oct;62(10):900-21.</ref> <ref>World Health Organization: Priority Assistive Products List.  2016.  Available from:  https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/207694/WHO_EMP_PHI_2016.01_eng.pdf. </ref>


{| class="wikitable"
The following list by the World Health Organization<ref name=":0" /> details the 50 priority products. Please note that it should not be considered restrictive:<ref>Rohwerder B. Assistive technologies in developing countries</ref>
| colspan="6" |Priority Assistive Product List
 
{| width="800" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|-
! colspan="2" scope="col" | Priority Assistive Product List
|-
| 1. Alarm Signallers with Light / Sound / Vibration
| 26. A personal digital assistant (PDA)
|-
| 2. Audio players with DAISY Capability
| 27. Personal emergency alarm systems
|-
| 3. Braille Displays (Note Takers)
| 28. Pill Organisers
|-
|4. Braille Writing Equipment / Braillers
|29. Pressure Relief Cushions
|-
|5. Canes / Sticks
|30. Pressure Relief Mattresses
|-
|6. Chairs for Shower / Bath / Toilet
|31. Prostheses, Lower Limb
|-
|7. Closed Captioning Displays
|32. Ramps, Portable
|-
|8. Club Foot Braces
|33. Recorders
|-
|9. Communication Boards / Books / Cards
|34. Rollators
|-
|-
|1
|10. Communication Software
|Alarm signallers with light/sound/vibration
|35. Screen Readers
|18
|Hearing loops/FM systems
|35
|Screen readers
|-
|-
|2
|11.. Crutches, Axillary / Elbow
|Audioplayers with DAISY capability
|36. Simplified Mobile Phones
|19
|Incontinence products, absorbent
|36
|Simplified mobile phones
|-
|-
|3
|12. Deafblind Communicators
|Braille displays (note takers)
|37. Spectacles; Low Vision, Short Distance, Long Distance, Filters and Protection
|20
|Keyboard and mouse emulation software
|37
|Spectacles; low vision, short distance, long distance, filters and protection
|-
|-
|4
|13. Fall Detectors
|Braille writing equipment/braillers
|38. Standing Frames, Adjustable
|21
|Magnifiers, digital hand-held
|38
|Standing frames, adjustable
|-
|-
|5
|14. Gesture to Voice Technology
|Canes/sticks
|39.Therapeutic Footwear; Diabetic, Neuropathic, Orthopaedic
|22
|Magnifiers, optical
|39
|Therapeutic footwear; diabetic, neuropathic, orthopaedic
|-
|-
|6
|15. Global Positioning System (GPS) Locators
|Chairs for shower/ bath/toilet
|40. Time Management Products
|23
|Orthoses, lower limb
|40
|Time management products
|-
|-
|7
|16. Hand Rails / Grab Bars
|Closed captioning displays
|41. Travel Aids, Portable
|24
|Orthoses, spina
|41
|Travel aids, portable
|-
|-
|8
|17. Hearing Aids (Digital) and Batteries
|Club foot braces
|42. Tricycles
|25
|Orthoses, upper limb
|42
|Tricycles
|-
|-
|9
|18. Hearing Loops / FM Systems
|Communication boards/books/cards
|43. Video Communication Devices
|26
|Personal digital assistant (PDA)
|43
|Video communication devices
|-
|-
|10
|19. Incontinence Products, Absorbent
|Communication software
|44. Walking Frames / Walkers
|27
|Personal emergency alarm systems
|44
|Walking frames/ walkers
|-
|-
|11
|20. Keyboard and Mouse Emulation Software
|Crutches, axillary/ elbow
|45. Watches, Talking / Touching
|28
|Pill organizers
|45
|Watches, talking/ touching
|-
|-
|12
|21. Magnifiers, Digital Hand-held
|Deafblind communicators
|46. Wheelchairs, Manual for Active Use
|29
|Pressure relief cushions
|46
|Wheelchairs, manual for active use
|-
|-
|13
|22. Magnifiers, Optical
|Fall detectors
|47. Wheelchairs, Manual Assistant-Controlled
|30
|Pressure relief mattresses
|47
|Wheelchairs, manual assistant-controlled
|-
|-
|14
|23. Orthoses, Lower Limb
|Gesture to voice technology
|48. Wheelchairs, Manual with Postural Support
|31
|Prostheses, lower limb
|48
|Wheelchairs, manual with postural support
|-
|-
|15
|24. Orthoses, Spinal
|Global positioning system (GPS) locators
|49. Wheelchairs, Electrically Powered
|32
|Ramps, portable
|49
|Wheelchairs, electrically powered
|-
|-
|16
|25. Orthoses, Upper Limb
|Hand rails/grab bars
|50. White Canes
|33
|Recorders
|50
|White canes
|-
|-
|17
|Hearing aids (digital) and batteries
|34
|Rollators
|
|
|}
|}
=== Provision of Assistive Technology ===
There are four steps required for the provision of assistive technology:
# Select
# Fit
# Teach
# Follow-up
<br>
All four processes help to ensure that AT is used effectively. The first step involves choosing the product that will benefit the user's needs. This process is done with the patient and caregiver to understand their needs and how they will use the product within their environment. The fitting process provides an opportunity to adjust and modify the product to the individual. Teaching involves explaining, demonstrating and practising with the AT. Lastly, follow-up is vital to determine if the assistive device is still meeting the user's needs and if any maintenance or repairs are required.<ref>World Health Organization.  Training in Assistive Products Modules. 2020.  Available from:
https://www.gate-tap.org/all-modules/</ref> The following video by the World Health Organization explains these four steps in more detail:
{{#ev:youtube|e1TqInVnFFQ}}<blockquote>
==== Special Topic: The Global Need for Assistive Technology ====
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified many barriers to accessing assistive technology worldwide, to include:
* Lack of aware [[Category:ReLAB-HS Course Page]] [[Category:Course Pages]]  [[Category:Assistive Technology]]  [[Category:Rehabilitation]] ness often drives low uptake, compounded by an absence of information on the types and availability of assistive products.
* High costs due to over-priced assistive products and associated service delivery cost.
* Limited physical and geographical access puts assistive technology out of reach for many potential users.
* Inadequate product range, quantity, quality and suitability can make assistive products unavailable, unsafe, ineffective and even abandoned.
* Procurement and delivery challenges delay and reduce access.
* Capacity gaps exist in the assistive technology workforce with shortage of workforce with adequate knowledge on assistive technology and lack of trained personnel.
* Low policy profile and lack of legislation lead to the low prioritization of assistive technology, and legislation that fails to cover people with all types of functional difficulty.
* Lack of funding and investment for the strengthening of national assistive technology systems exists in many countries, alongside disparities in funding levels by programmes.
* Fragmentation of the assistive technology sector, including between professions, user groups, funding and provision mechanisms.
* Sociodemographic barriers hinder equitable universal access to assistive technology.<ref>World Health Organization. [https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/354357/9789240049451-eng.pdf Global report on assistive technology]. 2022.</ref>
</blockquote>


== Resources ==
== Resources ==


* [https://www.who.int/phi/implementation/assistive_technology/EMP_PHI_2016.01/en/ Priority Assistive Products List]
* [https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/207694/WHO_EMP_PHI_2016.01_eng.pdf World Health Organization: Priority Assistive Products List]
* [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/assistive-technology World Health Organization: Assistive Technology]


* [[Assistive Devices]]
* [[Assistive Devices]]
* [[Access to Assistive Technology]]
[[Access to Assistive Technology|Access to Assistive Technolo]][[Access to Assistive Technology|gy]]
 
== References  ==
== References  ==
<references /> 
<references /> 

Latest revision as of 14:27, 29 February 2024

Original Editors - Habibu Salisu Badamasi

Top Contributors - Robin Tacchetti, Habibu Salisu Badamasi, Naomi O'Reilly, Jess Bell, Ewa Jaraczewska, Kim Jackson and Stacy Schiurring      

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Assistive technology (AT) refers to "assistive products and related systems and services developed for people to maintain or improve functioning and thereby promote well-being".[1][2] It allows people with disabilities, ageing individuals, and others who experience limitations in participation in society to live independent, healthy and productive lives by participating in education, work and social activities.[3] [4][5] AT reduces the burden on caregivers and the need for formal health and support services. Without AT, people with disabilities are often caught in a cycle of exclusion, isolation and poverty, which further increases disability and morbidity.[1]

Needs[edit | edit source]

One billion people worldwide need assistive technology to lead healthy, productive, dignified lives. By 2050 there will be two billion people in need of assistive technology.[6] Although AT can be used throughout the lifespan, the need is greatest for the elderly, people living with chronic conditions and people with disabilities.[7] [4] Of those persons living with a disability, 1 in 10 are children.[8] As the world’s population ages and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases increases, the need for AT will continue to rise.[7] Those who require AT must be able to access it to participate in education, work, and family and community life. Accessing AT in low-resource countries can be difficult because of issues with affordability, availability and acceptability.[7][2] In addition, COVID-19 pandemic has shown, that lack of provider availability and diminished one-to-one services has had a huge impact on the access to and delivery of AT services. [9]

Types of AT[edit | edit source]

Assistive technologies include any product, piece of equipment or item used to maintain, improve or increase the functional ability of people with disabilities.[2] Assistive products can be made, modified or bought.[10] Assistive devices range from simple, low-technology devices (e.g. canes) to complex, high-technology devices (e.g. motorised wheelchairs, speech-generated devices on computers).[11] The video above by the World Health Organization demonstrates the benefits of assistive technology.

Categories[edit | edit source]

Because there is a wide variety of assistive devices, grouping them into different categories is useful.[11] Some products will fit into more than one category.[10]

  1. Mobility Products:
    • Assist with: mobility
    • Devices: crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, ramps, and grab bars
  2. Seeing / Vision Products:
    • Assist with: low vision or blindness range
    • Devices: reading glasses, magnifiers, audio players, talking and/or touching watches/books, braille systems
  3. Hearing Products:
    • Assist with: hearing loss and communication[11]
    • Devices include: hearing aids and alarm signalers that use light, sound, and vibration
  4. Communication Products:
    • Assist with: augmentative and alternative communication[11]
    • Devices include: communication boards, books, and cards
  5. Cognition Products:
    • Assist with: cognition[11]
    • Devices: pill organisers and whiteboards to remember things
  6. Self-care and Environment Products:
    • Assist: people with physical impairments who have difficulty with functional activities
    • Devices: toilet and shower chairs, absorbent cloths[12]

Priority Assistive Product List[edit | edit source]

The World Health Organization created the Priority Assistive Products List (APL) to improve access to assistive products. This list includes 50 priority assistive products based on widespread need and impact on the user's life. The APL includes high-tech and low-tech products to assist with mobility, communication, cognition, personal care, vision, hearing and environment. The list is not restrictive; the aim is to provide member states with a model to develop their national priority assistive products list according to national needs and available resources.[13] [14]

The following list by the World Health Organization[11] details the 50 priority products. Please note that it should not be considered restrictive:[15]

Priority Assistive Product List
1. Alarm Signallers with Light / Sound / Vibration 26. A personal digital assistant (PDA)
2. Audio players with DAISY Capability 27. Personal emergency alarm systems
3. Braille Displays (Note Takers) 28. Pill Organisers
4. Braille Writing Equipment / Braillers 29. Pressure Relief Cushions
5. Canes / Sticks 30. Pressure Relief Mattresses
6. Chairs for Shower / Bath / Toilet 31. Prostheses, Lower Limb
7. Closed Captioning Displays 32. Ramps, Portable
8. Club Foot Braces 33. Recorders
9. Communication Boards / Books / Cards 34. Rollators
10. Communication Software 35. Screen Readers
11.. Crutches, Axillary / Elbow 36. Simplified Mobile Phones
12. Deafblind Communicators 37. Spectacles; Low Vision, Short Distance, Long Distance, Filters and Protection
13. Fall Detectors 38. Standing Frames, Adjustable
14. Gesture to Voice Technology 39.Therapeutic Footwear; Diabetic, Neuropathic, Orthopaedic
15. Global Positioning System (GPS) Locators 40. Time Management Products
16. Hand Rails / Grab Bars 41. Travel Aids, Portable
17. Hearing Aids (Digital) and Batteries 42. Tricycles
18. Hearing Loops / FM Systems 43. Video Communication Devices
19. Incontinence Products, Absorbent 44. Walking Frames / Walkers
20. Keyboard and Mouse Emulation Software 45. Watches, Talking / Touching
21. Magnifiers, Digital Hand-held 46. Wheelchairs, Manual for Active Use
22. Magnifiers, Optical 47. Wheelchairs, Manual Assistant-Controlled
23. Orthoses, Lower Limb 48. Wheelchairs, Manual with Postural Support
24. Orthoses, Spinal 49. Wheelchairs, Electrically Powered
25. Orthoses, Upper Limb 50. White Canes

Provision of Assistive Technology[edit | edit source]

There are four steps required for the provision of assistive technology:

  1. Select
  2. Fit
  3. Teach
  4. Follow-up


All four processes help to ensure that AT is used effectively. The first step involves choosing the product that will benefit the user's needs. This process is done with the patient and caregiver to understand their needs and how they will use the product within their environment. The fitting process provides an opportunity to adjust and modify the product to the individual. Teaching involves explaining, demonstrating and practising with the AT. Lastly, follow-up is vital to determine if the assistive device is still meeting the user's needs and if any maintenance or repairs are required.[16] The following video by the World Health Organization explains these four steps in more detail:

Special Topic: The Global Need for Assistive Technology[edit | edit source]

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified many barriers to accessing assistive technology worldwide, to include:

  • Lack of aware ness often drives low uptake, compounded by an absence of information on the types and availability of assistive products.
  • High costs due to over-priced assistive products and associated service delivery cost.
  • Limited physical and geographical access puts assistive technology out of reach for many potential users.
  • Inadequate product range, quantity, quality and suitability can make assistive products unavailable, unsafe, ineffective and even abandoned.
  • Procurement and delivery challenges delay and reduce access.
  • Capacity gaps exist in the assistive technology workforce with shortage of workforce with adequate knowledge on assistive technology and lack of trained personnel.
  • Low policy profile and lack of legislation lead to the low prioritization of assistive technology, and legislation that fails to cover people with all types of functional difficulty.
  • Lack of funding and investment for the strengthening of national assistive technology systems exists in many countries, alongside disparities in funding levels by programmes.
  • Fragmentation of the assistive technology sector, including between professions, user groups, funding and provision mechanisms.
  • Sociodemographic barriers hinder equitable universal access to assistive technology.[17]

Resources[edit | edit source]

Access to Assistive Technology

References [edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Matter R, Harniss M, Oderud T, Borg J, Eide AH. Assistive technology in resource-limited environments: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 2017 Feb 17;12(2):105-14.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Tangcharoensathien V, Witthayapipopsakul W, Viriyathorn S, Patcharanarumol W. Improving access to assistive technologies: challenges and solutions in low-and middle-income countries. WHO South-East Asia journal of public health. 2018 Jul 1;7(2):84.
  3. ↑ Smith, R.O., Scherer, M.J., Cooper, R., Bell, D., Hobbs, D.A., Pettersson, C., Seymour, N., Borg, J., Johnson, M.J., Lane, J.P. and Sujatha, S., 2018. Assistive technology products: a position paper from the first global research, innovation, and education on assistive technology (GREAT) summit. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 13(5), pp.473-485.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 de Witte, L., Steel, E., Gupta, S., Ramos, V.D. and Roentgen, U., 2018. Assistive technology provision: towards an international framework for assuring availability and accessibility of affordable, high-quality assistive technology. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 13(5), pp.467-472.
  5. ↑ Smith EM, Ebuenyi ID, Kafumba JA, Jamali-Phiri M, Munthali A, MacLachlan M. Relevance of assistive technology and the sustainable development goals to stakeholder organizations in Malawi. Glob Health Action. 2022 Dec 31;15(1):2133381.
  6. ↑ Oldfrey B, Barbareschi G, Morjaria P, Giltsoff T, Massie J, Miodownik M, Holloway C. Could Assistive Technology Provision Models Help Pave the Way for More Environmentally Sustainable Models of Product Design, Manufacture and Service in a Post-COVID World? Sustainability. 2021; 13(19):10867.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Assistive technology factsheet. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018 (https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/assistive-technology, accessed 24 may 2021).  
  8. ↑ Shi G, Ke S, Banozic A. The Role of Assistive Technology in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals. Front. Polit. Sci. 2022; 4:859272.
  9. ↑ Smith EM, Toro Hernandez ML, Ebuenyi ID, Syurina EV, Barbareschi G, Best KL, Danemayer J, Oldfrey B, Ibrahim N, Holloway C, MacLachlan M. Assistive Technology Use and Provision During COVID-19: Results From a Rapid Global Survey. Int J Health Policy Manag. 2022 Jun 1;11(6):747-756.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Mather, D. Intro to Assistive Technology Course. Plus Course. 2022
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Khasnabis C, Heinicke Motsch K, Achu K, et al., editors. Community-Based Rehabilitation: CBR Guidelines. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. Assistive devices. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310951
  12. ↑ De-Rosende-Celeiro I, Torres G, Seoane-Bouzas M, Ávila A. Exploring the use of assistive products to promote functional independence in self-care activities in the bathroom. PLoS One. 2019 Apr 8;14(4):e0215002.
  13. ↑ Boot FH, Owuor J, Dinsmore J, MacLachlan M. Access to assistive technology for people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review to identify barriers and facilitators. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 2018 Oct;62(10):900-21.
  14. ↑ World Health Organization: Priority Assistive Products List. 2016. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/207694/WHO_EMP_PHI_2016.01_eng.pdf.
  15. ↑ Rohwerder B. Assistive technologies in developing countries
  16. ↑ World Health Organization. Training in Assistive Products Modules. 2020. Available from: https://www.gate-tap.org/all-modules/
  17. ↑ World Health Organization. Global report on assistive technology. 2022.
 
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