Assistive technologies are central to the realization of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Emma Smith, Stephanie Huff, Holly Wescott, Rebecca Daniel, Ikenna D. Ebuenyi, Joan O’Donnell, Mohamed I. Maalim, Wei Zhang, Chapal Khasnabis, Malcolm MacLachlan
Abstract
Assistive technologies (ATs) promote participation and inclusion in society, and support access to health, social services, education, work and other important life experiences for persons with disabilities, older people and those with chronic conditions. The Global Report on Assistive Technology, launched in May 2022 by WHO and UNICEF, calls for concrete actions to improve access to AT globally, and recognizes AT as both a means to, and an end itself, in the achievement of rights of persons with disabilities. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2006) is the most widely ratified human rights convention, affirming the right to participation in society on an equal basis with others.Purpose In this paper, we highlight examples of how AT may play a role in realizing each of the fundamental rights affirmed in the UNCRPD.Materials and methods We conducted an indicative literature search for relevant literature to each of the substantive articles of the CRPD.Results Assistive technology plays a critical role in achieving the rights affirmed by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.Conclusions Ensuring adequate provision of AT by states parties is critical to the progressive realization of the rights of persons with disabilities and to fulfilling commitments made by states parties upon ratification of the CRPD.Implications for rehabilitationAssistive technology (AT) is critical to enable full participation of persons with disability in society and the achievement of rights affirmed by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.Governments and other key stakeholders should endeavour to improve access to AT through inclusive, evidence-informed programs and services.Advocacy is required to improve access to AT through universal health coverage.