ATconnect: A centralized digital platform to facilitate access to assistive technology information for the global assistive technology community
ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, is proud to announce the official launch of ATconnect, a new centralized, open-access digital platform designed to bring together high-quality resources and programme information across the global assistive technology ecosystem.
Now live at www.ATconnect.info, ATconnect was developed by contributions from the global assistive technology community and addresses the long-standing fragmentation of assistive technology information by providing a single, searchable gateway to trusted tools, standards, guidelines and initiatives. The platform enables stakeholders, like assistive technology providers, researchers and users to easily find, share and contribute knowledge that supports more-effective, inclusive and coordinated action worldwide.
Why it matters
Assistive technology enables participation, independence and inclusion for people who use it. Yet providers and decision-makers often face challenges in finding reliable, up-to-date information to guide them. Similarly, it can be challenging to find information about the assistive technology programmes being implemented across the world.
ATconnect bridges this gap by offering a single trusted gateway to evidence-based resources and global programme information. Its interactive map visualises assistive technonogy interventions across countries and sectors, helping the community identify opportunities for collaboration, learning and coordinated action.
What users will find:
- Curated resources library: access to more than 430 high-quality guidelines, toolkits, training materials, case studies and more.
- Interactive global map: explore over 400 assistive technology programmes, offering insights into organizations, focus areas and opportunities for collaboration.
- Advanced discovery: use simple search filters to find resources and programmes by region, country, functional domain and year.
- A platform for sharing: submit and share new resources and programme information to help ATconnect grow.
Serving a diverse global audience
ATconnect is designed to empower a wide range of stakeholders critical to improving assistive technology access, including:
- Policymakers and planners
- Service providers
- Educators and researchers
- AT users, their families and friends, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and advocates
- Donors and development agencies.
A call to action
"The launch of ATconnect marks a significant step toward creating a truly equitable assitive technology ecosystem," said Pascal Bijleveld, CEO of ATscale. "By bringing together hundreds of vetted resources and mapping global activities, we are empowering decision-makers and practitioners with the knowledge they need to build sustainable services and ensure that assistive technology reaches everyone who needs it, regardless of their location or income level. We urge the community to visit ATconnect, browse the resources, and help us grow this collaborative platform."
How to access and get involved
ATconnect is now available at: www.ATconnect.info
We encourage a those interested in assistive technology to explore the site, and contribute to improve ATconnect by providing feedback or information on their own programmes and resources.
