2. Definition of Assistive Technology
The internationally accepted definition of assistive technology, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024), is:
Assistive technology is an umbrella term for assistive products, related systems, and services. Assistive products help maintain or improve an individual’s functioning in cognitive functions, communication, hearing, mobility, self-care, and vision, thereby enabling their health, well-being, inclusion, and participation.
Most people will require assistive technology at some point in their lives, particularly as they grow older. Some may need assistive technology temporarily, for example, after an accident or illness, while others may need it for a longer period or throughout their lives.
Assistive technology is most needed by:
- children with developmental difficulties and people with disabilities,
- people with long-term health conditions,
- and older people.
Improving access to assistive technology can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that no one is left behind. This is done by enabling the inclusion and participation of assistive technology users in their families, communities, and all areas of society, including political, economic, and social spheres. However, the 2022 WHO and UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology states that more than 2.5 billion people need one or more forms of assistive technology, yet nearly one billion people are denied access to it.
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