A new global campaign, backed by the Honourable First Lady of Pakistan, Begum Samina Arif Alvi, was launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos, calling for urgent action to improve access to assistive technology for millions of people around the world.
The ‘Unlock the Everyday’ campaign 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 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. The campaign is calling for global action to address this inequity.
Begum Samina Arif Alvi said: “Assistive Technology is a bridge that connects individuals with disabilities, ageing populations and those suffering from non-communicable diseases to a world of opportunities – opportunities for education, employment, and above all, inclusion in society. It is vital to focus on enhancing the affordability and accessibility of high-quality Assistive Technology, ensuring that individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds can equally benefit from these advancements.”
Pascal Bijleveld, CEO of ATscale, a campaign partner, said: “Not only will improving access improve the lives of millions of people, it is key to accelerating progress towards the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which all UN member states are committed to.”