Millions of people around the world affected by illness, disability, or the impact of aging rely on Assistive Technology (AT) to lead healthy, independent, and productive lives. Assistive products such as prosthetics, hearing aids, and communication devices require systems and services for their safe and effective provision, use and maintenance. However the onset of COVID-19, declared a global pandemic in 2020, threatened the AT ecosystem as measures to curb transmission of COVID- 19 had unintended consequences for people who use AT.
In 2021 the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Monash University Australia, Center for Inclusive Policy, HelpAge International, Liliane Foundation, Africa Disability Alliance, Kabul Orthopedic Organization, and Pacific Disability Forum, undertook a global study exploring the experiences of more than 140 people who use or provide AT worldwide to understand the impacts of COVID-19 and to inform better preparation and responses to future crises.
The study found people who use AT were often not included in public health responses to COVID-19, and important messages such as how to avoid transmission of the virus were often not understood, particularly by those living with hearing or vision impairment. In addition, AT was considered a non-essential service by some governments and had to close, resulting in lack of access for people to the AT services they need, including assistance with maintenance and repair of their assistive products. Travel restrictions adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19 increased the difficulty that people who need or use assistive products had in accessing AT services. Evidence from surveys and interviews uncovered gaps in AT service delivery which had significant impacts on the quality of life of people who use assistive products. AT providers were agile in their response, as were civil society organizations who rapidly adapted as policies and procedures changed.
AT provision is essential to the lives of millions of people. When a pandemic or any other crisis strikes, the system of provision can be threatened undermining the health and wellbeing of AT users. AT providers and civil society organizations can at times address these threats, but AT users would be best served by not only strengthening existing services, but ensuring that public health responses are inclusive of people who need AT. Recognizing AT as essential health products and services during a pandemic or health emergency and strengthening AT services to improve preparedness for future pandemic responses are actions that can sustain and increase access to AT for all people in need.
Research Summary