18th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP18) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
Harnessing the power of assistive technology: addressing the disability employment gap for persons with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries.
Format : Conference room 11 ( in person) and live webcast
Where: UN HQ New York,
Date and time: Monday 9 June 2025, Time 4.45 - 6pm (New York time)
Addressing stigma and inaccessibility is crucial, and AT is a vital part of the solution to tackling socio-economic disparities and underemployment for persons with disabilities. AT empowers individuals to perform tasks, communicate effectively, and navigate workplaces with greater independence. However, systemic challenges such as limited availability of affordable AT and insufficient support services continue to hinder access, particularly in LMICs. Integrating the provision of AT into employment policies and programmes is essential to fostering inclusive work environments and mitigating these barriers.
This side event will present recent findings from a policy brief by the ILO and ATscale, highlighting the critical role of AT in enhancing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and other AT users in LMICs.
The brief delves into the barriers faced by both AT users in accessing and effectively utilizing AT for employment purposes, and employers in providing or integrating AT for their employees. It also highlights the positive impact of AT on accessibility, performance, and career advancement, suggesting specific actions that different stakeholders can take to strengthen the AT ecosystem.
Representatives from government, the private sector, users with lived experience, and international organizations will share their expertise on creating enabling workplaces that facilitate access to AT. The event will explore the policy and practical steps needed to build a robust AT ecosystem that supports both employers and AT users in obtaining affordable and appropriate AT.
Speakers and panelists
Moderator: Fernando Botelho, UNICEF
Chourombo Laizah, Acting Director Disability Affairs, government of Zimbabwe
Kathleen Bombell, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Branch | Development Policy Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia
Stefan Tromel, Senior Disability Specialist, ILO : Video message
Pascal Bijleveld, CEO, ATscale, the Global Partnership on Assistive Technology hosted by UNOPS
Dr. Adebukola S. Adebayo, Technical Advisor to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Nigeria
Maryanne Emomeri, United Disabled People of Kenya, Kenya
Sara Basson, Accessibility and Disability Inclusion in Emerging Markets, Google
Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes, Disability Rights Activist, filmmaker and ATscale champion