One in three of us worldwide relies on some form of Assistive Technology (AT) such as wheelchairs, glasses, prostheses, hearing aids or digital support services.
In low to middle income countries, like many in the Pacific, a shocking 85-95% of people with disabilities cannot access the AT they need.
In contrast, in high-income countries like Australia, 90% of people with disabilities can access these essential supports.
We are out to change that; to unlock the everyday, for everyone.
We call on the Australian Government to step up its support on AT in the Pacific, making strategic investment of a further $12 million over four years to unlock catalytic improvements in the provision of appropriate, quality and affordable assistive technology and support services across the region, working in partnership with Pacific disability led organisations and services.
The Federal Government announced an increase of $1.1m to the central disability allocation within Australia’s Official Development Assistance from $12.9m to $14m in the 2024 Federal Budget. The increase will provide welcome support for new initiatives to increase access to assistive technology for children with disabilities across the Pacific. This is a long-awaited lift, but more action is needed.
Watch and learn about the transformative change AT can have to the lives of people with disabilities.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is an umbrella term for ‘assistive products’ and ‘assistive services’ that maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence.
Assistive technology allows people with disabilities to perform activities they might otherwise be unable to do or makes it easier and safer for them to do so.
Improving access to assistive technology can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and to ensuring that no one is left behind.
This is through enabling the inclusion and participation of assistive technology users in their family, community and all areas of society, including the political, economic and social spheres.
