Assistive technology in South-East Asia

Identification of gaps, challenges and missing links (2021-2022)

The World Health Organization estimates that at least 15% of the population in the South East Asia Region lives with some degree of disability. Access to assistive technology (AT) is a fundamental human right for everyone to live a productive, dignified and independent life. To support this vision, WHO-SEARO has supported various member states to carry out rapid Assistive Technology Assessments, create National Assistive Technology Lists and promote capacity building efforts to improve access to AT.

In spite of these efforts, there is a paucity of credible information and data on the context and variables that impact the "need-demand-supply" for AT. To identify and review the challenges, gaps and missing links in access to AT, WHO initiated this project to perform primary and secondary research to inform policy and practice. The study involved a workshop with Member States to present a status report of their gaps in knowledge and challenges with regards to AT. The workshop was followed by a review of literature produced from SEAR member states to verify the status report with academic literature. The findings were published as a report for WHO-SEARO.

The study identified significant gaps in the supply, distribution, maintenance, repair and management of AT in all participating member states. The academic literature on the subject was limited and of poor quality. Data on the need-demand-supply of AT remains poor across SEAR with limited resources invested in structured data collection and analysis.

A publication of the research study is in progress.