A participant with a visual impairment reviewing the draft toolkit in Braille. Photo: NFDN, Nepal
“In Peru, many people with disabilities do not know where to access the assistive technology that they need,” said Johanna Contreras, Representative of the Commission of Blind Ladies of Peru (CODIP). “The first activity we led with funds from this microgrant was conducting a study to identify the barriers to accessing assistive technology, focusing on the under-represented groups, namely adolescents (14-18 year olds), young people, and adults with disabilities.”
ATscale has been working with the International Disability Alliance (IDA) on a project entitled “Boosting AT user engagement and knowledge, globally and locally”. The programme, launched in 2023, aims to position organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) as equal partners in prominent dialogues on assistive technology. As part of the programme, microgrants are provided alongside technical support to local and national organizations working to advance assistive technology (AT) access and use.
In its first year of implementation, four OPDs, in Kenya, Lesotho, Nepal, and Peru, received these small grants from ATscale through the International Disability Alliance (IDA) to focus on research, advocacy, capacity building and awareness creation.
“The microgrant programme enabled local organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to become agents of change in their communities. These organizations, often working with limited resources, are now better equipped with the tools and knowledge to advocate for inclusive policies and increased access to AT,” said Pascal Bijleveld, CEO of ATscale.
A multifaceted approach
The programme's success lies in its multifaceted approach. It combines research to understand the barriers to access; advocacy to influence policy changes; capacity building to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills; and awareness-raising campaigns to educate the public about the importance of AT. Moreover, the project has provided opportunities for OPD representatives to participate in policy events where their voices can be heard.
"Assistive technology brings possibilities for persons with disabilities," says Chhabi Aale, General Secretary of the Nepal Blind Association, Gandaki Province. "The microgrant programme has provided us with the resources to develop an advocacy toolkit that enables OPDs to effectively advocate for AT access in Nepal. This resulted in increased budget allocation for assistive technology.”
In Gandaki Province, which comprises 11 districts, the 2021 national census recorded approximately 72,330 people with disabilities. In response, the provincial government has allocated between NPR 400,000 ($3,000 to $4,000) per district to support assistive technology initiatives. “This is a tangible result of our advocacy efforts,” explains Aale.
The programme's sustainability is ensured through ongoing partnerships, capacity building initiatives, and knowledge sharing. Grantees are encouraged to maintain and expand their collaboration with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that their efforts continue to yield positive results.
"The microgrant programme has been instrumental in improving our organizational capacity, increasing our knowledge, skills, and collaborative networks," said John Wambua from the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK). "We are committed to continuing our advocacy efforts to ensure that people with disabilities in Kenya have access to the AT they need."
A global movement
The microgrant programme is part of a larger global movement to promote AT access and inclusion. By supporting local organizations, the programme contributes to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).
The programme's success demonstrates the power of small-scale initiatives to drive significant change. “By empowering local organizations and fostering collaboration, the microgrant programme is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for people with disabilities,” said Pascal.