
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
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A tremendous variety of assistive technology is available today, providing the opportunity for nearly all people to access information technology (What Is Assistive Technology? | AccessComputing, n.d.).
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World Health Organization
WHO is coordinating the Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE), which exists to improve access to high-quality affordable assistive technology for everyone, everywhere. The GATE initiative is developing 4 practical tools to support countries to address the challenges described above. WHO sees the GATE initiative as a concrete step towards realizing the goals of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. The GATE initiative will reinforce WHO’s global strategy on people-centred and integrated health services across the lifespan, as well as action plans on noncommunicable diseases, ageing and health, disability and mental health.
Assistive Technology in Healthcare
Assistive products maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence, thereby promoting their well-being.​