ATscale hosted an intercountry virtual learning session on March 27-28 for implementing partners across different countries and regions where we support programmes to foster collaboration, exchange experiences, and learn from each other.
Participating Countries:
The event was attended by implementing partners representing El Salvador, Guatemala, and Peru in South America, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zimbabwe in Africa and Indonesia, Cambodia, Nepal in South and South-East Asia and Georgia and Tajikistan in Central Asia.
A total of 48 participants attended on day one and 36 on day two.
Summary of Sessions:
Rapid Country Learning Session: Partners showcased their initiatives and experiences across four thematic areas.
Understanding the APL (Assistive Product Lists) Process: Insights were shared on various methods adopted by countries for the APL process, fostering an understanding of effective strategies.
AT Assessment: Selected countries shared insights on AT assessment processes, challenges, and outcomes, promoting learning and collaboration in this critical aspect of AT provision.
AT Policy and Roadmap: Presentations highlighted experiences and challenges related to AT policy formulation and roadmap development, crucial for guiding strategic interventions.
One Stop Model for AT: Countries presented innovative approaches and models for AT service delivery, showcasing diverse strategies for improving accessibility and inclusion developed and adopted within country context and situation.
Presentations were made by:
El Salvador: Presentation on the AT-related works/programme led by the office Vice Minister of Health.
Indonesia: Presentation on the tool for mapping of stakeholders and local government leadership
Rwanda: Presentation on the ear and hearing screening services
Cambodia: Presentation on the vision screening services
Zimbabwe: Presentation on the integration of AT- related data into the DHIS-2
Lesotho: Presentation on the TAP Training
Tanzania: Community health workers training on TAP
Guatemala: Presentation on AT Roadmap initiatives and challenges
DRC: Presentation on the ATA-C process and outcome challenges
Nepal: Presentation on the AT Policy initiative and the challenges
Peru: Presentation on AT Roadmap ongoing development and challenges
Georgia and Tajikistan: Presentation of the ‘One Stop Model for AT’
WHO EURO: AT marketing shaping
CHAI: Presentation on the different methods adopted for the APL process in different countries
Key takeaways:
The ground experiences shared by the partners from each of the countries in working towards strengthening policy, systems, and service delivery for increasing access to assistive technology reaffirm both the need and the benefits of all the AT-related programmes that countries are implementing.
Countries shared their learnings in different phases of programme implementation, which served as a valuable lesson for participating countries to consider while carrying out or implementing similar initiatives.
It would be useful for the countries to have a communication platform where lessons and experiences could be continually shared.
The success of the intercountry virtual learning session demonstrates a strong commitment from ATscale partners to collaborative action towards advancing AT access and inclusion globally. By fostering linkages, exchanging knowledge, and addressing common challenges, the partnership continues to drive positive change in the field of assistive technology.