Unlock the Everyday: The power of partnership to achieve access to assistive technology

The United Nations Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP17) was convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, from 11 to 13 June, 2024, with an overarching theme, Rethinking disability inclusion in the current international juncture and ahead of the Summit of the Future. The conference brings together governments and stakeholders to review progress in implementing the Convention and its Optional Protocol.  

On the sidelines of the conference, supported by the governments of Australia, and the United States, ATscale, UNICEF, the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI) and WHO, hosted a side event on "The power of partnership to achieve access to assistive technology”, on 12 June held at UNICEF House.

The well-attended side event brought together representatives from member states,  UN agencies, civil society organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities, advocates and the private sector to discuss solutions to close the gap in access. During the event, participants emphasized the transformative power of assistive technology in unlocking opportunities for persons with disabilities worldwide. The lively discussion centered on the crucial role of partnerships and innovation to address the barriers to access.

The following photo summary provides highlights from the event:

Photo Credit: ATscale/Tadej Znidarcic

^{Sarah Goulding, Assistant Secretary and Principal Specialist Gender Equality, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) – Keynote Speaker}

“We are the newest donor to ATscale, which is why we've had the opportunity to join you and given this prestigious slot at this important event.  

If there is a space where we need to be transformative and shift access to assistive technology, it's in education in the Pacific.  We're listening and responding to these calls.  I'm pleased to share with all of you today that in the most recent May 2024 budget, the Commonwealth of Australia announced we would increase the disability fund we have that my team administers for $14 million that would add 8 million to strengthen investment in assistive technology in the Pacific and Asia

I would like to commend all of you in this room that are part of the ATscale family.  What makes ATscale such an exciting opportunity for us to be part of is the level of collaboration it's brought and the level of innovation to the approach in investing in technology, systems, voice and leadership, and investing in access.”  

^{The panelists: L-R: Nawaf Kabbara, Maria Jose Carranza, Pascal Bijleveld, Bernard Chiira, Jenny Lay Flurrie, Kylie Shae, Gopal Mitra.}

The panel highlighted the urgent need for a multisectoral approach involving governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure widespread access to assistive technology.

Despite its potential to promote independence and participation, a staggering 90% of those in low and middle-income countries lack access to AT.