Technical Adviser Rosters

Dr. Natasha Layton is an occupational therapist and Associate Professor in the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre at Monash University, Australia. An expert in assistive technology, outcomes and co-design, she is Australia’s representative to the International Organisation for Standardization on assistive product classification. She has published over 75 peer reviewed publications and has a total citation number of 1687 and a Google Scholar h index of 22.

Perth Rosen helps turn assistive technology policy into services people can access, and good practice into policy. She works with governments, user groups and delivery partners to agree on what’s next, and then make it happen. Her experience spans quality-assured mobility supply initiatives, WHO country assessments and partner capacity strengthening and service improvement in AT across LMICs. She also cares about how the work is done: equitable processes and kind presence, believing that outcomes improve when the process does too.

Emma M. Smith is an occupational therapist and assistive technology specialist with experience as an Assistant Professor in the School of Allied Health at the University of Limerick, a Marie Curie Research Fellow at the ALL Institute, Maynooth University and technical specialist in assistive technology for the World Health Organization. Emma's work focuses primarily on assistive technology policies and systems, outcomes and digital technology.

Dr. Maisa Obeid is a Senior Consultant and Head of Accessibility and Inclusion at Miral, where she leads strategic initiatives to embed accessibility across destinations, digital platforms and visitor experiences. With over 20 years of experience, she is a recognized leader in accessibility policy development, inclusive innovation and strategic implementation—helping organizations move beyond compliance to create truly inclusive environments. Maisa has led major accessibility programs, including the development and delivery of accessibility strategies for COP28, Expo City Dubai and national digital transformation initiatives in partnership with the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Her expertise spans digital accessibility features, capacity building, governance models, smart city accessibility and the integration of emerging technologies to deliver inclusive, user-centered experiences.

Stephanie Vasquez serves as the Clinical and Research Manager and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Pittsburgh and Rehabilitation Engineer at the UPMC-Center for Assistive Technology. She specializes in assistive technology, public policy and management. She is an active contributor to professional organizations, including RESNA and ISO, and formerly with the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals. Stephanie is committed to improving access to Assistive Technology, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Will has worked for 15 years at Ace Centre, a UK charity supporting people with complex communication needs through technology and low-tech solutions. He teaches on the Assistive Technology MSc at Dundee University and holds an honorary role at Oxford Brookes. Will’s work spans research, multilingual AAC and collaborations with commercial, government and non-profit partners. An Occupational Therapist by training, he previously worked as a developer with clients including the BBC and Panasonic.

Mario is a researcher and project manager with experience across academia, government and international organizations. Building on a PhD focused on factors influencing outcomes for people with disabilities, his contributions include ear and hearing policies for the Chilean Ministry of Health, research and teaching at University of Chile and UCL Ear Institute UK, international affairs at UN DESA New York, socioeconomic analysis for UNDP Panama, and most recently, programme management at WHO WPRO on vision and hearing across 37 member states.

Professor Victor de Andrade is an audiologist and Associate Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand. He serves as Assistant Dean (Research) and works with global organizations like WHO, UNOPS and UNICEF. He also serves on the medical research ethics committee. His research explores topics including deafness, disability and assistive technology, amongst others. Victor has worked locally and internationally, presenting and publishing widely in his field as per his research profile.

Ariane is Professor of Disability Studies (adjunct) at Linköping University, Sweden, and consultant in research and policy, with over 20 years’ experience across academia, public service, private sector and the UN. Trained as a clinical audiologist, she spent over a decade in research roles at a global hearing device manufacturer. Her work advances access to health services, assistive technology and disability inclusion. She has published over 75 peer-reviewed articles as well as several policy reports.

Working as an audiologist and speech therapist since 2010 in Bhutan has provided Pelden with abundant experience in prevention, early identification, intervention and rehabilitation of various communication impariments. Ear and hearing care is an integral part of Pelden’s daily tasks, and dealing with hearing assistive devices (hearing aids and cochlear implants) is his core area of expertise. Currently, Pelden has five publications as the corresponding author and four publications as co-author.

Chris is a senior lecturer, researcher and Clinical Audiologist with the Department of Audiology at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He specialises in improving access to ear and hearing care, workforce strengthening and integration of services into primary healthcare, and the use of digital tools in training and professional development. He is co-chair of the Global OHNS Initiative and serves on the Board of the Graeme Clark Foundation. He has 17 publications.

Maggie Savage Dawson is Managing Director of Government Delivery at EYElliance, an INGO accelerating equitable access to spectacles for the one billion people who need them. She partners with low- and middle-income country governments, implementing partners and the private sector to design and scale sustainable, government-led delivery models. Previously, Maggie launched the Clinton Health Access Initiative’s assistive technology program and served on ATscale’s Forming Committee, helping shape its early strategy. She has also advised the Government of Ethiopia on health insurance reforms and conducted market-shaping assessments for essential health commodities. With more than 15 years’ experience spanning global health, health financing and market access, Maggie brings deep expertise in eye health, catalytic partnerships and building sustainable systems for inclusive health.

Simona is a senior global health expert with over 17 years of experience in designing, managing and evaluating health systems strengthening initiatives, humanitarian emergency responses and NCD programmes across Africa and Asia. Trained as a medical doctor and ophthalmologist, Simona also holds a PhD in Ocular Immunology and a master’s degree in Global Health Policy from the LSE. Her diverse background spans public, multilateral and private sectors, including key technical roles with the WHO, an emergency coordinating role within AICS and a role as Medical Adviser in ophthalmology with Novartis Pharma.

Raúl is the Vice-Chair of the EMA Medical Devices Expert Panel, a Vision Products Technical Expert at UNICEF and a member of several Technical Committees at ISO. Based in Portugal, he specializes in optometry and ophthalmology, contributing to WHO and UN health initiatives. He is PhD candidate at ISPUP-FMUP, MSc in Advanced Optometry and has authored more than forty publications, including global studies on visual impairment.

Dechen has been working in the field of ophthalmology for over 20 years in both general and paediatric practice. She is the technical adviser to the Ministry of Health in Bhutan and works with various programmes including primary eyecare, disability and special education, and started the Low Vision services in the country. She is currently working as Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Center, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, and heads the Paediatric Ophthalmology Unit. Dechen is also part of the teaching faculty for the residency program in Bhutan. Her specialty is Paediatric Ophthalmology, with a special interest in universal eye screening of children and early intervention.

Pauline has over 30 years’ experience in rehabilitation, assistive technology and disability. She has worked with WHO for 14 years, leading major initiatives at Headquarters and the Western Pacific Regional Office, and providing technical support to 30+ Ministries of Health. Previously with the University of Melbourne and CBM Australia, Pauline trained as a physiotherapist, has a master’s in social science and a PhD in health systems, with experience across research, teaching, program management, technical advisory and practitioner roles.

Aadrian has helped develop global market shaping and influencing strategies targeting countries, governments, partners and the private sector, using programme data and procurement analysis to leverage, shape and influence private sector engagement for critical products essential for low- and middle-income countries in all programme areas, diversifying suppliers, reducing single sourcing, lowering pricing, influencing local production, promoting product adaptation and innovation, and providing evidence-based advocacy.

Jens is an analyst and policy adviser in health systems and financing, and part time researcher and teacher at the medical faculty of Lund University. He has 25 years of experience from staff positions and consultancy assignments with WHO, OECD, World Bank, the Swedish government, health NGOs and private companies. His doctoral thesis evaluated health system effects of new digital services in Swedish primary care.

Soikat is currently working as a senior orthotist with Department of Podiatry and Orthotics, BCUHB, NHS Wales, UK. As part of the NHS mandate, he is strengthening diabetic footcare management as a preventive, curative and rehabilitative approach, along with provision of orthotic interventions to the entire population in need under the health board purview, covering various pathologies. He has 17 publications in national and internationals journals.

Timothée Pakouyowou Mendemwelabou is a Technical Adviser in Rehabilitation and Disability Inclusion, orthoprosthetist and public health engineer with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, humanitarian action and policy. He coordinates UNIDO’s 3D-printed prosthetics project in Nigeria, advises ATscale on P&O and leads FATO as President. A PhD researcher at Aix-Marseille University, he advances inclusive rehabilitation systems across Africa, Europe and Eastern Europe.

Lousie is a certified prosthetist/orthotist and international technology consultant focusing on health systems strengthening and workforce development. She leads international research on assistive technology and prosthetics and orthotics, with more than 10 peer-reviewed publications. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD at Monash University, investigating the competencies required to safely and effectively provide mobility assistive products, while contributing to WHO and ATscale initiatives to strengthen global access and workforce capacity.

Abena is a Rehabilitation, Sports and Family Physician with 16 years of experience. She is a leader in advancing rehabilitation and assistive technology globally. Her work includes leading the development and piloting of the WHO's Basic Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation in seven countries. She currently directs the Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Medicine fellowship in Ghana and manages the rehabilitation unit at the Kidney Specialist Centre. She has 11 publications.

Yasmin is an international consultant who has worked for multiple international development organizations in the Americas region, supporting the coordination of assistive technology provision. Her expertise includes wheelchair design, innovation and research; AT product specifications, sourcing and procurement processes; and strengthening health systems to improve access to rehabilitation and AT. This includes situational assessments, policy review, strategic plan development, implementation and monitoring, and workforce capacity-building.

Sunil is a seasoned public health professional with diverse experience at the Ministry of Health, international NGOs and WHO across the Asia Pacific. He brings deep insight into the political economy of disability, focusing on health equity and strengthening systems for rehabilitation and assistive technology. He has a proven track record of developing policies, catalyzing domestic investment, and advocating these services in a primary healthcare-oriented approach.

Dr. Sama Raju PT is a distinguished physiotherapist with 19+ years’ experience, specializing in holistic rehabilitation, therapy services and assistive technology. Since 2004, he has led rehabilitation initiatives at Mobility India, heading its Hyderabad branch. Holding a Master’s in physiotherapy and ATP certification from RESNA, USA, he is also an international master trainer for WHO’s Wheelchair Service Training Packages. Dr. Raju contributes extensively to CBR and IBR, and trains future professionals in rehabilitation sciences.

Sarah has 30 years' experience in assistive technology and international development, across Africa, Asia and Central America, specialising in wheelchair provision. With a background in Design, her work includes design and production of appropriate wheelchairs for less resourced settings, supporting local and industrial manufacturing, emergency wheelchair response, training development and national policy and system development. Sarah co-authored the WHO wheelchair provision guidelines (2023).

María is an independent consultant in assistive technology, disability inclusion, and universal accessibility. Most of her academic publications (10+) are in the wheelchair sector, with others in access to rehabilitation services (2).

Lloyd has used assistive technology (AT) for most of his life and actively pursued user-driven outcomes throughout his extensive AT career. With engineering degrees in mechanical and biomedical fields, Lloyd has worked in various aspects of AT, including practice, research, teaching, policy and advocacy. Lloyd has led international working groups (wheelchair standards), contributed to global AT initiatives, Australian government AT policy & delivery, and now facilitates the emerging Australia AT development ecosystem.