First ever global campaign to improve access to assistive technology launched at World Economic Forum
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Tuesday, January 16, 2024
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DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new global campaign, backed by the Honourable First Lady of Pakistan, Begum Samina Arif Alvi, was launched today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, calling for urgent action to improve access to assistive technology for millions of people around the world.
Key Points:
- The campaign, ‘Unlock the Everyday’, is the first ever global campaign on assistive technology and aims to raise awareness of everyone’s right to assistive technology - such as wheelchairs, glasses, hearing aids, prostheses and digital devices – no matter where they live, or their income.
- It is estimated that 2.5 billion people today need at least one form of assistive technology and most people will require assistive technology at some point in their lifetime.
- However, only 10% of people in low-income countries can access the assistive technology they need, compared to 90% in high-income countries.
- Stakeholders, including those in the private sector, to collaborate to improve assistive technology supply chains
The campaign is asking policymakers and leaders across the world to show their support for assistive technology users and those in need of assistive technology, and help raise awareness of these issues to drive change.