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

2. TERMINOLOGY
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.

3. 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.

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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.