SDG 10 – Combating inequalities THE ROLE OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Gopal Mitra (UNICEF) & Diane Bell (WHO)

TERMINOLOGY http://www.who.int/phi/implementation/assistive_technology/phi_gate/en/ Assistive technology: Is an umbrella term covering the systems and services related to the delivery of assistive products and services. Assistive products: (hearing aids, wheelchairs, crutches etc.) Any external product (including devices, equipment, instruments or software), especially produced or generally available, the primary purpose of which is to maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence, and thereby promote their well-being. Assistive products are also used to prevent impairments and secondary health conditions.

KEY FACTS Globally, more than 1 billion people need 1 or more assistive products With an ageing global population and a rise in noncommunicable diseases, more than 2 billion people will need at least 1 AT product by 2050, with many older people needing 2 or more. Today, only 1 in 10 people in need have access to assistive products: High costs Lack of awareness Lack of availability Lack of trained personnel No policies and/or financing.

STATUS UPDATE Task team co-ordination Task team constitution: Note: Cross-cutting plus section in chapter Nominations for contributors/authors Invite post meeting Initial e-meeting week of 23 May Member state survey – some pertinent AT-related questions

SECTION STRUCTURE Legislation / governance wrt AT policies at a country level Include case studies Current situation re AT: Status and trends, as well as met versus unmet needs (access) UN activities wrt AT: Report on work of WHO (GATE) re 50 APL Integrated service provision, product standards, procurement of AT Outcomes of GREAT Summit in August (research, education, innovation)

LITERATURE Assistive products and SDGs AT for children with disabilities (UNICEF) NATFrame – key components for AT policies Position paper on the provision of mobility devices in less resourced settings Intellectual disability and AT: Opening the GATE

KEY MESSAGES AT is cross-cutting, so What is the best way for us to collaborate, ensure inclusion in most, if not all, chapters? Sharing of resources? Bearing in mind, limited empirical evidence or other literature.