Delegates adopted a resolution urging Member States to develop, implement and strengthen policies and programmes to improve access to assistive technology and requesting the Director-General to prepare by 2021 a global report on effective access to assistive technology.
Over 35 Member States made statements on the vital importance of assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking frames, reading glasses and prosthetic limbs. These products enable people with difficulties in functioning to live productive and dignified lives, participating in education, the labour market and social life. Without such technology, people with disabilities and older people and others in need are often excluded, isolated and locked into poverty, and the burden of morbidity and disability increases.
The adoption of the resolution represents a milestone in ensuring access to assistive technology for everyone, everywhere, as well as progressing towards Universal Health Coverage, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and realizing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.