Access to
assistive technology:
a basic human right
As the global population ages, there is an increasing need for things like glasses, hearing aids, walking sticks, wheelchairs and voice recognition software - known as ‘assistive technology’ - which are vital for helping so many older people carry out their daily lives and do what matters to them.
However, access to these technologies worldwide is far from equal and can be particularly challenging for those in low and middle-income countries.
Why 'Assistive Technology' Matters
Independence is key to leading a fulfilling life, but health conditions can start to impact our mobility, vision and hearing as we age, affecting our independence. It’s estimated that over a third of older people worldwide live with a significant disability. Something as simple as a pair of glasses, which many of us take for granted, can change an older person’s life.
Assistive technology can not only enable us to meet our basic needs and restore our independence, but can also improve our confidence and overall wellbeing. That’s why having access to assistive technology is a human right. However, 90% of those in low-income countries who need assistive technology can’t access it, affecting the quality of their life.
Belyssia, Tanzania
Belyssia, 90, a Burundi refugee who received a wheelchair from our partner HelpAge Tanzania
“The support has changed our lives. The wheelchair helps me get to the clinic or the hospital, and makes it much easier to go to the toilet. It was very difficult before. Life is much better now.”
“I have been immobile for four years now. It was caused by rheumatism. There has been improvement since I have been in the camp, now that I have a wheelchair. I am no longer stuck indoors and my grandchildren can take me to the market to get food.”
Global Context and Challenges
With global population ageing, inequality in access to assistive technologies will affect increasing numbers of people. By 2050, the number of people aged over 60 is expected to double to 2.1 billion, and it's estimated that 80% will reside in low and middle-income countries.
Despite this, assistive technology remains a low priority for many governments, development agencies and donors. Many in these countries already lack access to assistive technology, in part due to underfunding, limited healthcare infrastructure and provision and a lack of trained staff.
And where these technologies are available, they are often unaffordable. Many older people rely on donations even for basic items like glasses or walking sticks. And for those in remote and rural areas, accessing any healthcare support can be challenging and expensive, often requiring long and difficult journeys.
Humanitarian emergencies, including conflict and climate-related disasters, also increase the need for assistive technology due to injury, damaging or leaving items such as hearing aids and walking sticks behind, or lacking access to the medication needed to manage health conditions. However, we regularly find that older people are not included or are overlooked in humanitarian responses, which do not consider their needs - including assistive technology.
Not having the necessary assistive technology can affect every aspect of a person's life, including their ability to access food and healthcare, to work and even to participate in their communities, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness. Assistive technology can be particularly important for older women, who are more likely to experience a disability in later life than men and are often responsible for caring for others in their families and communities.
The World Health Organization projects that by 2050, over 3.5 billion people would benefit from assistive technology, but 90% will lack access. Governments worldwide have committed to ‘leave no one behind’ as part of the United Nation’s global humanitarian and development objectives (Sustainable Development Goals) and the United Nations Human Rights Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities places a legal obligation on countries to provide these technologies. These commitments won’t be achieved until all those who need assistive technology have access to it.
Albano, 61, Mozambique received a tricycle from our partner HelpAge International
Addressing the Gap
Despite these challenges, progress is underway for older people. An ‘ATscale’ (the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology) project managed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting 12 countries at the start of their journey to strengthen assistive technology systems. As part of this, with our partner HelpAge International, we are supporting local partners in Indonesia (YAKKUM) and Tanzania (HelpAge Tanzania) to improve access to assistive technology for older people and people with disabilities.
In Indonesia, where it's estimated over 40% of people over 60 live with a disability, our partner is working with the government and other stakeholders to create a roadmap in Central Java Province for improving access to assistive technology. This involves raising awareness and sharing best practice, identifying communities in need, and making referrals to healthcare services. Over 170 people have already been registered and assessed for items like hearing aids and prosthetics. YAKKUM has also set up a working group - a government-endorsed legal entity - to provide leadership to improve the systems and services for providing assistive technology in one district as well as to advocate for more action nationally.
Tanzania faces similar challenges, and our partner HelpAge Tanzania is also working with national and local partners, including the government, to improve access to healthcare for older people and ensure that those with disabilities receive the support they need. They are supporting the development of a national strategy to improve systems, policies and budgeting for assistive technology, informed by data they’ve collected on older people’s experiences. They have also built on our previous work there with healthcare staff, training over 60 staff members so far on recognising those who may benefit from assistive technology.
Slamet, 65, in Indonesia was supported by our partner Yayasan Emong Lansia to access a wheelchair after he had a stroke seven years ago.
Having the wheelchair has made a huge difference after the frustration of living without one for so long, not only enabling him to attend health check-ups but also to just go outside, enjoy the fresh air and chat with neighbours.
Next Steps
There is still much work needed to address the imbalance in access to assistive technology, but learnings, data and tools created by the ATscale project, including from our work in Tanzania and Indonesia, will be shared with partners in the HelpAge Global Network facing similar challenges.
Access to these items is a human right, and there's a real need for funding and support for initiatives aimed at improving access. The HelpAge Global Network consists of over 170 local partner organisations that stand up for the rights of older people, and they are often best placed to advocate for change within their communities and societies. With the right funding to trial approaches, they can help close the gap in access to assistive technology and ensure older people and people with disabilities across the world are able to lead dignified, healthy and independent lives.
“My future is bright because
I have the support of
HelpAge International.
I am not isolated or scared.”
Augustin, 66, Tanzania
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