Assistive technology organizations
Globally, many organizations contribute to expanding access to quality assistive technology.
This page highlights a selection of key organizations that:
- Fund or implement assistive technology programmes
- Serve as member organizations or professional associations, or
- Provide training resources for assistive technology globally
This is not an exhaustive list of all organizations involved in assistive technology.
| Name of Organization | Role (As per organization's own description) | Website Link |
|---|---|---|
| World Vision International (WVI) |
World Vision is an international partnership of Christians whose mission is to “follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice and bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of God”. World Vision works to address the barriers that people living with disabilities face on a daily basis. |
http://wvi.org/ |
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| Name of Organization | Role (As per organization's own description) | Website Link |
|---|---|---|
| EASTIN- The Global Assistive Technology Information Network |
EASTIN is a network of national organizations, specialized in disseminating information in the field of assistive technology. EASTIN owns the EASTIN search engine, which offers free online access to information on thousands of assistive products from databases hosted by EASTIN members. |
https://www.eastin.eu/en/whatiseastin/index |
| Global Alliance of Assistive Technology Organizations (GAATO) |
GAATO is a non-profit association of legally established membership organizations furthering AT around the world. GAATO’s mission is to advance the field of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering to benefit people with disabilities and functional limitations of all ages. As global alliance members GAATO are committed to working towards equitable and reliable access to assistive technology through collaborative research, policy advocacy, education and awareness raising. |
https://www.gaato.org/ |
| Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) |
Global Disability Innovation Hub accelerates ideas into impact for a more just world - for persons with disabilities, and all people. GDI Hub has developed:
|
https://www.disabilityinnovation.com/ |
| International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) |
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector, with more than 250 organisations in over 100 countries working for the prevention of blindness and vision impairment. |
https://www.iapb.org/ |
| International Disability Alliance (IDA) |
IDA is an Alliance of 14 global and regional organisations of persons with disabilities. IDA advocates at the United Nations for a more inclusive global environment for everyone. IDA is a founding member of the ATscale Board. |
https://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/ |
| International Society for Physical Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) |
The International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) serves as the global agency for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM). As a non-governmental organization, as an international umbrella organization of PRM physicians, and as a catalyst for international PRM research, ISPRM has a humanitarian or civil societal, a professional, and a scientific mandate. |
https://isprm.org/ |
| International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) |
ISPO is a global, multidisciplinary, non-governmental organisation aiming to improve the quality of life for persons who may benefit from prosthetic, orthotic, mobility, and assistive devices. ISPO provides an effective platform for the exchange and communication on all aspects of the science, practice, and education associated with the provision of prosthetic and orthotic care, rehabilitation engineering, wheelchairs and therapy, and related areas. |
https://www.ispoint.org/ |
| International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) |
The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) was established in 2015 to address the global need for appropriate wheelchairs and related services. With over 80 million people worldwide requiring wheelchairs for mobility and function, many still lack access to suitable equipment and support. |
https://iswp.org/ |
| Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) |
RESNA is the premier professional membership organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities through increasing access to technology solutions.RESNA advances the field by offering certification, continuing education, and professional development; developing assistive technology standards; promoting research and public policy; and sponsoring forums for the exchange of information and ideas to meet the needs of our multidisciplinary constituency. |
https://www.resna.org/ |
| World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) |
WFOT is the official international organisation representing the occupational therapy profession. WFOT sets the standard for occupational therapy education internationally and promotes excellence in research and practice. |
https://wfot.org/ |
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| Name of Organization | Role (As per organization's own description) | Website Link |
|---|---|---|
| Physiopedia |
Physiopedia is a charity registered in the United Kingdom that provides an evidence-based and continually updating knowledge resource that is free for anyone to access. The Physiopedia website is the world's largest rehabilitation knowledge resource and is used by people throughout the world. |
https://www.physio-pedia.com/ |
| WHO Academy |
The WHO Academy hosts Learning on TAP (TAP for short), a WHO blended learning resource consisting of modular courses on a range of health topics including assistive technology and sensory functions (eyes and ears). The primary target audiences for TAP are primary care and community-level personnel. The assistive technology course teaches identification, referral and provision of selected assistive products for cognition, communication, hearing, mobility, self-care and vision. It also has modules for emergency contexts. |
https://whoacademy.org/partners/TAP/ |