Enabling access to assistive technologies and devices is an effective way to integrate disabled people in the professional world thus overcoming poverty, participating in all societal activities, and supporting life with dignity, which are some of the key objectives found in the UN’s global sustainable development goals.

In addition, assistive technologies can also help children with disabilities to access education. This is particularly important in low-income and middle-income countries, where only 5-15% of people who require assistive devices and technologies are actually able to access to them, leaving them with additional barriers with regards to their participation in society, including the labor market.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that the number of people needing assistive devices- ranging from wheelchairs to communication technologies- will reach two billion people by 2050. To address this major challenge, the WHO is developing a flagship initiative on Global Cooperation for Assistive Technology (GATE), in partnership with UN Agencies, international organizations, donor agencies, professional organizations, academia, and organizations of/for persons with disabilities.