Unpacking 'What Works': A Commentary of the Key Learnings for ICT from the AT2030 Program

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Disability Studies
• Technology Access

Background:

• The AT2030 programme, initiated in 2018, aimed to determine effective methods for global assistive technology (AT) distribution.
• Focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with significant gaps in AT provision.
• This paper reviews four years of project outcomes, emphasizing published findings.

Approach:

• Contextualizes the AT2030 program within global AT developments and funding landscapes.
• Analyzes key learnings on successful AT delivery mechanisms, with a specific emphasis on information and communication technologies (ICT).
• Employs the Global Disability Innovation Hub's mission-led, transformative approach.

Key Points:

• Identifies 'what works' in delivering assistive technology to diverse populations.
• Highlights the role of ICT in enhancing AT accessibility.
• Provides insights into overcoming systemic barriers to AT provision in LMICs.

Conclusions:

• Offers contemporary actions for improving AT access.
• Demonstrates the value of understanding complexity within AT ecosystems.
• Addresses stakeholders including researchers, practitioners, AT users, and policymakers.