Access to assistive technology in education systems
This policy brief, jointly developed by UNICEF and ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, underscores the vital role of assistive technology in enhancing access to education and learning opportunities for all children.
The brief explores how assistive technology can be equitably and systematically integrated into education systems. Drawing on global evidence and insights from AT users, policymakers, NGOs, development partners, and technical experts in inclusive education, it highlights commonly used and emerging technologies, the benefits they bring to learners, and the systemic barriers that hinder equitable access and use.
The policy brief presents policy and programmatic recommendations to strengthen national assistive technology ecosystems and ensure that every learner can reach their full potential.
Register here your interest in the upcoming webinar on Access to Assistive Technology in Education Systems.
Leveraging Assistive Technology for Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action
This joint policy brief by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, highlights the urgent need to meaningfully include assistive technology users in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate action.
Assistive technology users are often invisible in data systems, excluded from early warning and preparedness efforts, and underserved during emergencies due to a lack of appropriate assistive products and inclusive planning. Challenges such as unsuitable stockpiles, weak supply chains, underfunded rehabilitation services, inaccessible shelters, and communication barriers further compound their vulnerability.
The policy brief identifies these systemic gaps and offers clear, actionable recommendations to strengthen leadership, coordination, financing, and inclusive practices, ensuring that assistive technology users are not left behind in disaster and climate resilience efforts.
Register here your interest in the upcoming webinar on Leveraging Assistive Technology for Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action.
Policy Brief on Assistive Technology (AT) and Employment
This policy brief highlights the crucial role of Assistive Technology (AT) in expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and other AT users in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It delves into the barriers faced by both AT users in accessing and effectively utilizing AT for employment purposes, and employers in providing or integrating AT for their employees.
It also highlights the positive impact of AT on accessibility, performance, and career advancement, suggesting specific actions that different stakeholders can take to strengthen the AT ecosystem, while exploring emerging areas of promising practice in the provision and integration of AT to support employment outcomes.
Launched on Monday 9 June at the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP18) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
A series of thematic briefs explain the cross-cutting nature of assistive technology and why assistive technology matters for various sectors.
The aim of the series is to advocate the inclusion of assistive technology considerations in cross-sectoral strategies and operational plans at national level and in global policies and guidance; to encourage other sectors to consider the significant role that assistive technology plays in helping them achieve their own goals, especially around inclusion and equity, and to make a clear link with the relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We expect them to be read by donors, partners, policy makers, AT experts, advocates and practitioners, and all those interested in equity, universality and achieving the SDGs.
Click on each thumbnail below to download the briefs in English, French, Spanish, and accessible versions to discover why assistive technology matters.
Why assistive technology matters for early childhood development.
Why assistive technology matters for humanitarian contexts.
Why assistive technology matters for climate action.
Why assistive technology matters for inclusive education.
Why assistive technology matters for healthy ageing. .
