Lesotho
Building a pipeline of countries for assistive technology investment
Partners:
Building a pipeline of countries for assistive technology investment
Map of Lesotho
Objectives of the programme: To make progress in assistive technology through the Technical Working Group (TWG), leading to key achievements in policy and strategy development, including the finalization of the National Priority APL, national assistive technology policy and assistive technology strategic plan drafts, and initial training of orthopaedic technicians.
Programme description: ATscale worked with CHAI to assess and improve the assistive technology landscape in Lesotho. This included the revitalisation of the national assistive technology taskforce, the drafting of a national assistive technology policy and strategic plan and the development of the first national priority assistive products list.
Programme results:
 | Local expertise is building in Lesotho with certification in wheelchair service provision, teaching instructors to train others, and establishing a programme at Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) schools. |
 | With support from the Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation (MoGYSD), CHAI and the assistive technology technical working group have successfully compiled the National Assistive Product list (APL), which contains 50 products. The APL was approved by the MoGYSD. |
 | CHAI drafted Lesotho’s first assistive technology strategic plan, following the revision of the 2011 National Disability and Rehabilitation Policy, as per the MoGYSD request. |
| Partners collaborated with the MoGYSD on key advocacy events, such as the World Day for assistive technology celebration, to raise awareness for the needs of people with disabilities. |
