FOREWORD

We write this at a time of the severe crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be difficult to focus attention on anything other than the most urgent, overwhelming consequences of the epidemic. Yet, two revelations are emerging from this global crisis, and this report speaks to both of them: This global pandemic is taking an extraordinary toll on older persons and persons with disabilities - including people who need assistive technology (AT) - as they face this crisis with an extra set of challenges. But also, hidden within a devastating global crisis, is an opportunity to ‘build back better’ – to use the time of unprecedented change as a time of unique opportunity to end old wrongs, challenge preconceptions, and prioritise the right thing to do according to science and rational calculations, rather than what has been fixed through years of unquestioning practice, precedence, and habit.

This report presents new analysis strengthening the case for prioritising the provision of assistive technology to those in need—including the first full economic impact and cost-effectiveness analysis.

It shows the unequivocal benefits – in health improvements, in social inclusion, and in economic return – of investing in AT. The nine-times economic return on investment alone – nine dollars in return for every dollar spent – provides a strong incentive for societies to act and to provide AT to those who need it. The report also shows the considerable health and social benefits that come with the provision of assistive products. Most important, but impossible to put numbers on, is the transformative power of giving hundreds of millions of people the chance to live their life to its full potential, facilitating their ability to walk, communicate, and see better than before. In short, the case shows the broad potential for AT to impact the lives of users, their families, their communities, and their countries.

Assistive technology presents one of those instances where we may ask ourselves why something so clearly beneficial has such a hard time winning recognition. Yet, we know that the seemingly simple task of providing eyeglasses, hearing aids, or wheelchairs and prostheses to all those who need them, is actually the result of thousands of decisions – in policies, supply chains and investment risk – often taken amongst other competing needs and priorities. This is among the reasons why, so far, we have made nowhere near enough progress in making AT available to all who need it.

This report has been led by ATscale, a new global partnership that works across a broad group of organisations and stakeholders to scale up access to AT where it is needed most. As champions and users of AT, it is our imperative to call for investments to increase access to AT, which so clearly has the power to overcome barriers and transform lives. In doing so, we can come through on the commitments in the large number of charters, international declarations, and agreements that state the rights of people with disabilities to get the assistance they need to lead dignified and fulfilling lives.

If we are to realise the benefits and release the potential we describe in this report, we need to act now. We are at the start of a ‘decade of action’ to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This, and the once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to break old patterns and do things differently as we re-build our societies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, provide a strong incentive to act. The user stories in this report illustrate how even a single wheelchair or pair of eyeglasses can transform lives. We call on governments, the private sector, civil society, and everyone who reads this, to do their part to make AT for all who need it a reality.