Closing the Global Workforce Gap in Assistive Technology Provision

In a survey of preparedness for assistive technology provision, only 10% of the 70 responding countries reported having adequate and trained human resources (WHO & UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology, 2022). This significant workforce gap is a major barrier to accessing assistive technology, contributing to the concerning reality that in some countries, as few as 2% of people in need can access the assistive products they require. To address this situation, this symposium seeks to bring together experts from various disciplines to explore strategies, innovations, and solutions for developing a skilled and sustainable global workforce in assistive technology provision.

Presenters and topics:

• Johan Borg, Dalarna University, Sweden – Knowing the gaps: Estimates of the required global workforce

• Kylie Shae, World Health Organization, Switzerland – Bridging the gaps: Global initiatives for local capacity

• Chapal Khasnabis, Asian Development Bank, Switzerland – Filling the gaps: Policy frameworks and local initiatives for workforce development

The presentations will be followed by a collaborative exploration of next steps.

Statement of the objective / learning objectives

This symposium offers an opportunity to explore pathways to a sufficient and trained global workforce in assistive technology provision.