Availability of Assistive Technology to Students with Disabilities

1. Challenges in the availability of assistive technology

According to Article 4 of the Law on the Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Official Gazette 6/2007), States Parties shall "undertake or promote research and development of, and promote the availability and use of, new technologies, including information and communications technologies, mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies, suitable for persons with disabilities, giving priority to technologies at affordable cost; provide accessible information to persons with disabilities about new technologies, as well as other forms of assistance, support services and facilities; promote the training of professionals and staff working with persons with disabilities in the rights recognised in this Convention so as to better provide the assistance and services guaranteed by those rights."

However, numerous studies show that there are difficulties in ensuring all services related to assistive technology (AT), and thus, its availability. A study by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO, 2021) identified barriers to the availability of assistive technology-related services, which are common to many EU countries, such as:

• lack of training for professionals
• limited information on available AT and funding methods
• limited public funding options
• lengthy and untimely AT procurement procedures
• social stigma for AT users.

Globally, there is no single, universal system or process for AT availability. Current approaches range from comprehensive and free publicly run services for all, to a complete lack of services. In countries with extensive universal public health programmes and broader social welfare programmes, governments ensure full or partial funding for assistive technology not only in the health sector but also within social welfare and support programmes, education, and employment. Many also provide public services that assess people's needs and help them choose from a range of refundable or non-refundable assistive products, taking individual preferences into account. In a healthcare setting, this will often lead to a prescription, while in a social or educational setting, budgets will be available and costs approved. It is not uncommon for the provision of assistive products to be in the hands of private companies that are reimbursed for the costs. To obtain the right product, some countries have independent assistive technology centres where assessments, personalisation, training, and other support are available (WHO, 2022).