Empowering learners with disabilities for inclusive climate action through assistive technology

This session, co-hosted by UNICEF and ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, will delve into the critical role of assistive technology (AT) at the crossroads of climate action and education.

AT is a cornerstone for fostering inclusive education, especially in the context of a changing climate. These technologies, ranging from wheelchairs and hearing aids to prostheses, eyeglasses, and digital devices, empower students with disabilities to actively participate and effectively communicate within educational settings. However, climate change exacerbates existing disparities in access to AT, imposing new barriers, especially for those who may require assistive devices. For children on the move or within humanitarian contexts, this situation compounds the obstacles to accessing quality education. Yet many children in low- and middle-income countries remain without the assistive technology they need.

This session will look into how innovative assistive technology contributes to protecting students with disabilities from the adverse impacts of climate change as well as how digital AT can facilitate the learning process for students with disabilities related to climate change, including self-protection, community resilience, and the development of climate literacy and green skills.