Wheels Up for Assistive Technology
USAID partners with key organizations to create ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology
On Dec. 3 we will commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Established by the United Nations 30 years ago, this day aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
In honor of this important day, USAID spoke with Michael Allen, the Agency’s Senior Advisor for Assistive Technologies, to discuss the importance of assistive technology. That term covers the systems and services related to the delivery of assistive products — such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and prosthetics. With over two billion people worldwide in need of an assistive product, large-scale collective action is needed to make a global impact. Michael, along with many partners, spearheaded the creation of ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology.
USAID, together with ATscale, is expanding efforts to address this global challenge, which is greater in size and complexity than almost any development challenge. To make an impact and begin closing the gap, a collective and strategic global effort is necessary.
Michael shares why motivating this movement today is critical for a more inclusive world tomorrow.
The people make ATscale.
What drives your passion for the work you do at ATscale?
For me, it is about giving people the opportunity to live full lives. The impact of our work is incredibly rewarding, but more importantly, I have a firm belief that our world should be more inclusive. Providing assistive products — a hearing aid for example — is a critical first step for many to be fully included in society.
Why is this initiative important?
Access to a simple, inexpensive product can mean the difference between a solitary life and one fulfilled with education, employment, and community.
For some, a wheelchair allows the opportunity to spend time with family and community. For others, a pair of glasses allows the opportunity to go to university.
The issue is also personal: I have a close family member who is a wheelchair user. His wheelchair has allowed him to access school and for him to be part of everyday family activities. Without a wheelchair he would rarely, if ever, leave his home — and that would be a loss for the world.
ATscale is a global partnership with global reach.
What are some of ATscale’s strategies?
Learning from other successful development initiatives that improved access to vaccines and antiviral medication, ATscale is improving the market dynamics for assistive products. Each product category is different, so ATscale has conducted thorough market assessments and developed clear recommendations on how to improve the wheelchair, eyeglasses, hearing aid, prosthetic, and digital device and software markets.
USAID and ATscale are also investing in improving supply chains and supporting locally-led initiatives to ensure individuals have access to the assistive products they need. This is particularly important as markets will only improve if partner governments and civil society recognize the need for assistive products, invest in them, and help reduce the stigma surrounding these life changing products.
ATscale and USAID are approaching a new phase of the initiative.
What will ATscale involvement in the international sector look like in the future?
On the country programming side, USAID and ATscale are supporting a program in Cambodia across 16 provinces where an estimated 200,000 adults and 146,000 children live with vision impairment. Through the initiative, approximately 80,000 children will access affordable eyeglasses and 30,000 adults will obtain subsidized eyeglasses. Eyeglasses will be provided through school eye health and newly established vision centers, leveraging the local government systems and infrastructure. Most importantly, in partnership with the Government of Cambodia, we are developing a new national financing model for vision which will ensure access to eyeglasses into the future.
Most recently ATscale has expanded this partnership in Cambodia to be inclusive of more assistive products and launched a new collaboration with the Government of Kenya to execute their assistive technology national strategy.
These national programs have the opportunity to create a sustainable national service which can provide millions of individuals in need over the years to come.
What big-picture vision does ATscale hope to achieve?
USAID and ATscale initiated several investments to define a price and product profile for hearing aids that is achievable and sustainable for both buyers and suppliers. Our research indicates that the cost of manufacturing a hearing aid is dramatically lower than market prices of $600 to $3,000, and that it is achievable to procure quality hearing aids in bulk for $100 or less. USAID and ATscale are now starting to work with host governments to consolidate demand from a number of countries to build sufficient volume to achieve this target price, drastically reducing the cost of quality hearing aids.
What have you learned from your work in this field?
First and foremost, success is possible with the right strategy, partners, and investment. Secondly, it takes time, major government commitment, ongoing investment and diligence to be successful. Finally, it is crucial to reflect on the size of the challenge and the resources that will be needed to have a substantial global impact.
While USAID has been a lead donor in this space for decades, we need other donors, private sector partners, and national governments to heavily invest if we want to see real change.
About the Authors
Clara Keuss was an intern for the Assistive Technology department for USAID’s Bureau of Development, Democracy, and Innovation. Michael Allen is the current Senior Advisor for Assistive Technologies at USAID’s Bureau of Development, Democracy, and Innovation.
