ATscale publications

Information systems include data collection, analysis, reporting, knowledge management and governance. If effective, these systems improve outcomes for users of assistive technology and their families, inform research and innovation and influence policy.

A key challenge in financing assistive technology in low- and middle-income countries is the lack of adequate, predictable and stable public funds dedicated to national assistive technology programmes. Current public financial resources are limited and the fiscal space is expected to shrink further.

The Emergency Assistive Technology (AT) Preparedness project will leverage Wheels for Humanity’s extensive experience managing a global AT supply chain, strong partnerships with NGOs and UN agencies, and expertise in emergency rehabilitation and assistive product provision to improve access to essential, lifesaving resources during humanitarian crises.

Lack of trained workforce is a large factor affecting access to assistive technology. The Global Report on assistive technology in 2022 found that globally only 1 in 10 countries had adequate and trained resources for any of the functional domains, and 14 per cent had no relevant training and education.