Social benefits

Increased access to assistive technology promotes the integration of users into society and increases users’ sense of independence, both of which are felt particularly by marginalised populations and contribute to building resilient communities.

I. (Re)integration of users into society

Fulfilling individuals’ right to AT promotes greater inclusion and sense of independence contributes to the strengthening of societies.

AT is an important tool for helping adults and children meaningfully engage in their communities and build and maintain social relationships. Older people and adults with disabilities may become socially isolated because they are unable to attend social gatherings or even regularly leave the home. Likewise, children unable to attend school miss out on interacting with their peers and establishing social relationships. Lack of widespread awareness and misconceptions of these issues also often lead to social stigma and further exclusion, which severely detracts from people’s quality of life. AT can facilitate increased interpersonal interaction, which ultimately promotes a sense of belonging, elevates users’ self-esteem, 44 and helps build more resilient and effective communities.

Increased access to AT has also been shown to increase children with disabilities’ engagement in meaningful group play with their peers. This can benefit child development in areas such as confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and independent thought. 45

Access to AT ultimately increases the effectiveness and resilience of a society by increasing the diversity of its engaged members. When more people are able to achieve their full potential, they contribute to the overall wellbeing and diversity of their communities, bring a wider range of perspectives to bear on social issues, and enrich society as a whole. 46, 47

II. Living a more independent and fulfilled life

Improved access to AT provides users with an increased sense of independence and control, which is particularly impactful for vulnerable populations.

Access to AT may provide users with more opportunities, choice, and control over their daily lives. With greater mobility and increased ability to communicate with others, new opportunities can emerge that require less support from others, present more individual choice, and afford greater independence. Increased access to AT can have a particularly marked impact on marginalised populations, contributing to more equitable opportunities and outcomes.

SPOTLIGHT:

Impact of AT access on girls in vulnerable circumstances

Nirmala and Khendo were seven when the earthquake struck Nepal in April 2015.

Nirmala was trapped under a collapsed wall and Khendo was buried under the ruins of her house.

The two girls were sent to the Bir Trauma Center hospital in Kathmandu, and both had a leg amputated. The girls were there for almost three months and then moved to a rehabilitation centre. With the support of Humanity and Inclusion, an NGO, the girls received prostheses six months after the earthquake and re-learned to walk. ‘They have made tremendous progress. They support each other. Their friendship is their strength’ says Sudan Rimal, a physiotherapist for HI.

‘We adapt their prosthesis every six months, according to how much they grow’, explains Rimal. ‘They become more aware of their bodies and the importance of rehabilitation exercises. They tell me when they are hurting, and where. […] They challenge each other to do the exercises, to progress. They are impressive.’

Nirmala and Khendo are now back in school. They love English, badminton, and playing hide and seek. And when they talk about the future, Nirmala says that she dreams of becoming an actress. As for Khendo, she wants to be a teacher, ‘to help people become good people.’