ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology

📌 Happening TOMORROW! #LeaveNoOneBehind: careers for people with disabilities in the #UN In the light of the theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities #IDPD2024 on leadership, this webinar will explore pathways to build a career within the #UnitedNations for persons with disabilities as joint mission of creating a safe, inclusive, and sustainable world. 📆 Date: 12 December 2024  ⌛Time: 10 am CET Hear from experts as they share personal experiences, valuable insights, and practical guidance to help you take the first steps toward your #UN journey. Live captioning and international sign interpretation will be available during the event on the Zoom platform. 👉Register via link: https://ow.ly/7XXQ50UoUFZ Panel includes: 🔹Dominique Fotsing Souop: Senior Information Management Officer at UNHCR, the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency currently supporting emergency response in Syria and co-leading the Disability Inclusion Resource Group. 🔹Zoë Gan: UNICEF Disability Inclusion expert 🔹Milica Pajkovic: Co-chair of World Food Programme's Disability Inclusion Network, advocating for accessible, inclusive environments. 🔹Ebru Öksüz: Disability Inclusion Specialist at United Nations Volunteers, focusing on policy advocacy and independent living models. 🔹Karen Reyes, MD MPH Castro: World Health Organization’s Technical Officer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, specializing in Otolaryngology. The event will be moderated by Fadzi Whande, Chief of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Section at the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency #UnlockTheEveryday

📧 Have you read the latest edition of our newsletter yet? In case you haven't, check the #September to #November #Newsletter here: https://ow.ly/nJRq50UoTNo Our updates feature a range of content, including information on events, partners and our project! 👉Subscribe to our mailing list to access our quarterly electronic updates and other news: https://lnkd.in/eF95Dm-p #UnlockTheEveryday #AssistiveTechnology #ATChangesLives

Today is Human Rights Day! 📌 This #HumanRightsDay, we focus on how #HumanRights are essential to achieving sustainable development that leaves no one behind, which is reflected in the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. United Nations Human Rights Access to affordable and appropriate #AssistiveTechnology is a human right!  When people are not able to access to quality and affordable assistive technology, they are denied their fundamental rights to education, employment, information, and health. 👉 Everyone has a right to access to quality and affordable assistive technology, as part of a broader set of human rights. Assistive technology is cross-cutting in nature and is needed to achieve universal health coverage #UHC and to realize the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals to #LeaveNoOneBehind as part of the #2030Agenda. Yet, in low-income countries, only 10% of people have the assistive technology they need. 📚Read more on why #AT matters for achieving the #SDGs our website: https://ow.ly/nfa450UniQz Let’s work together to ensure everyone, everywhere, has access to the #AssistiveTechnology they need 🙌 #OurRightsOurFuture #HumanRightsDay #UnlockTheEvereyDay #ATChangesLives #Inclusion #OurRightsOurFuture

Another great post from UNICEF from International Day of Persons with Disabilities. "Inclusion starts with all of us. It’s in the choices we make, the policies we champion and the communities we create," says George Laryea-Adjei. We couldn't agree more and are delighted to partner with UNICEF Supply UNICEF to achieve inclusive for everyone everywhere.

Watch this short video of Naysan Sahba in conversation with Gopal Mitra. Disability inclusion starts with me. With all of us. It is an honour to work with Gopal and his team and all at UNICEF Togo towards the goal of making disability inclusion a reality for all.

Very glad to have sat down with my colleague, Gopal Mitra, yesterday to talk about disability inclusion on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (#IDPD). "Disability inclusion starts with me, with you, with all of us."

Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), we celebrate this year’s theme: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. This is a powerful call to action and a reminder of our shared responsibility to break down barriers to inclusion - not just today, but every day. What inspires me most on this day is the leadership of persons with disabilities, including children and youth, who are shaping a future where inclusion is the norm. Their voices, innovation and resilience are transforming societies and challenging us all to build a world where no one is left behind. As allies, our role is clear: We must actively listen, amplify these voices and invest in inclusive systems—whether through education, healthcare or humanitarian action. At UNICEF, we recognize that children with disabilities are first and foremost children—with the same rights, dreams and potential as any other child. Yet, their realities often remain marked by exclusion. Around the world, there are 240 million children with disabilities. In 2023 alone, our disability-inclusive programmes reached 4.7 million of these children across more than 145 countries. This is progress, but we know there is much more to be done. Our Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy (DIPAS) 2022–2030 envisions a world where every child with a disability is fully included, supported and seen—where barriers are dismantled and replaced with bridges to opportunity. Inclusion isn’t just an objective; it’s a mindset, a practice and a commitment to systemic change. Read the full strategy here: https://lnkd.in/gz-vH6Km Inclusion starts with all of us. It’s in the choices we make, the policies we champion and the communities we create. By embracing inclusion, we’re not only upholding rights but unlocking potential - for children with disabilities, for their families and for society as a whole. Today, I invite you to reflect: What barriers can you help break down? How can you amplify the leadership of persons with disabilities in your sphere of influence? Together, let’s ensure that every child, everywhere, has the chance to thrive. Gopal Mitra, Anna Burlyaeva, Fernando Botelho, Jasmina Acimovic, Ahmed Ghanem, Lieve Sabbe, Kirstin Lange, Kristel Jüriloo, Natalia Mufel, Stefan Stefansson, Pia Rebello Britto, Natalia Winder Rossi, Cecilia Scharp #BeInclusive #IDPD2024 #ForEveryChild #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs 

📢 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 Over the last few weeks, ATscale has launched a number of opportunities which are designed to further our mission to reach millions more people with the life-changing #AssistiveTechnology that they need. Below is a summary of the latest calls and requests for proposals which are live on the ATscale website:  https://ow.ly/7JhL50Uf0SL 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀: 🔸Microgrants International Disability Alliance (IDA) Microgrants Programme, with support from ATscale, to advance the rights of persons with disabilities in the #GlobalSouth. Deadline: 📆 13 December 2024 👉 More info: https://ow.ly/8p4b50UnjGF 🔸 Mobility Consultancy services on uptake of affordable and quality lower limb #ProstheticTechnologies in low- and middle-income countries Deadline: ⌛12:00 (GMT 2.00) on 📆 15 January 2025 🔸Digital assistive technology Consultancy services in developing guidance on designing and financing #MobilePhones as #AssistiveTechnology programmes in low- and middle-income countries. Deadline: ⌛11:00 (GMT 2.00) on 📆 31 January 2025 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 🔸Assistive technology and Rehabilitation Call for Proposals (CFP) for programme management, #Coordination, and technical support to the government of #Columbia and #ElSalvador to strengthen #AssistiveTechnology and related #Rehabilitation Services Deadline: ⌛12:00 (GMT 2.00) on 📆 15 January 2025 Call for Proposals (CFP) to scale up #AssistiveTechnology and related #Rehabilitation services for school-aged #Children in Pacific Island Countries 🌍 #Fiji, #Kiribati and #SolomonIslands Deadline: ⌛12:00 (GMT 2.00) on 📆 31 January 2025 🔸Eye care UNOPS Call for Proposals (CFP) for integrated refractive error and #Children's #EyeHealth services through a national approach. Founded by USAID with ATscale technical support, this proposal is intended to address the significant gap in access to refractive error services and children eye health services in low- and middle- income countries. Deadline: ⌛11:00 (GMT 2.00) on 📆 17 January 2025 📌More details on the eligibility, scope of work, deadlines, and proposal submission process can be found on ATscale website: https://ow.ly/7JhL50Uf0SL 🤝These opportunities are crucial to strengthening access to #AssistiveTechnology, #Rehabilitation, and #Innovation in public health systems. Help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your network partners. Together, let's make #AssistiveTechnology available for everyone who needs it! #ATChangesLives  #UnlockTheEveryday 

Fr: Dialogue international pour un avenir meilleur 🤝 Renforcer l'accès aux technologies d'assistance : un enjeu mondial ! Lors de la China Care & Rehabilitation Expo, Masse NIANG, Directeur Exécutif de l’OADCPH, a pris part à un dialogue essentiel pour améliorer l'accès aux technologies d'assistance dans le monde. Un immense merci à ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology et Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. pour leur soutien indéfectible et leur rôle dans l'organisation de cet événement. Ensemble, construisons un écosystème mondial plus inclusif ! #Accessibilité #Handicap #DialogueGlobal En: International dialogue for a better future 🤝 Improving access to assistive technologies: a global challenge! At the China Care & Rehabilitation Expo, OADCPH Executive Director Masse Niang took part in an essential dialogue to improve access to assistive technologies worldwide. Many thanks to ATscale, the ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology and Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. for their unwavering support and role in organizing this event. Together, let's build a more inclusive global ecosystem! #Accessibility #Disability #GlobalDialogue

Many people with disabilities lack access to the assistive technology they need due to market failures, including limited access to critical information. A major challenge for governments and procurement agencies in low- and middle-income countries is the absence of reliable data on product offerings, quality, and reference prices—key barriers to effectively sourcing assistive products. On November 28, CHAI supported ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology and the China Assistive Devices and Technology Center in hosting an international dialogue at the Care & Rehabilitation Expo, China’s largest event in this field. This initiative aimed to bridge the information gap between buyers and suppliers and improve access to assistive technology globally. During the event, Ritubhan Gautam and Shaoyu(Yolanda) Liang from CHAI shared key findings from the Assistive Products Market Report 2024. This comprehensive report consolidates essential market information to empower buyers in low- and middle-income countries to make informed procurement decisions. Frederic Seghers, CHAI’s Senior Director of the Global Assistive Technology Team, and Yizi Yang, CHAI’s China Country Director, led panel discussions exploring the assistive technology market landscape in low- and middle-income countries. They also addressed the challenges and opportunities for Chinese suppliers aiming to enter the global market. This dialogue provided a vital platform for fostering collaboration and advancing global access to assistive technology. #MarketShaping #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilitiesWeek #Accessibility #AssistiveTech #HealthForAll