📢 Helen Keller Intl Bangladesh Disseminates Key Findings on Assistive Technology in Workshop Supported by USAID and ATscale
On October 27, 2024, Helen Keller Intl Bangladesh convened a dissemination workshop for the Building a Pipeline of Countries for Assistive Technology Investments project. This initiative, supported by USAID and ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology (managed by UNOPS), was highlighted in National Television news, underscoring the vital role of #assistivetechnologies for individuals in need.
The workshop welcomed respected guests, including the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Mr. Bijoy Krishna Debnath, along with other distinguished officials and experts from #MoSW, #WHO, #NGOs, #INGOs, and AT stakeholders. Acting Country Director Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hasan opened with remarks on the project’s objectives, followed by an overview and key learnings from Dr. Afsana Habib Sheuly, Head of Nutrition and Health.
Key Findings & Recommendations:
🔹 Policy Development: Formulate inclusive policies to ensure AT devices are affordable and disability-friendly.
🔹 Local Manufacturing: Encourage local AT production to improve access and affordability.
🔹 Customized Sizing: Move beyond "one-size-fits-all" to tailor AT for permanent users.
🔹 Financial Support: Establish subsidies to ensure equitable access to AT.
🔹 Oversight & R&D: Propose a dedicated oversight body and R&D unit under JPUF to drive AT innovation and improvement.
🔹 Skilled Professionals in Health Facilities: Equip Upazila Health Complexes with skilled professionals and AT tools.
🔹 Post-Sale Services: Emphasize the importance of AT maintenance, repairs, and support for user experience and longevity.
A total of over 50 participants engaged with expert discussions on assessments such as the Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) study, Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment (ATA-C), Landscape Situational Analysis, Investment Case, and Costing Analysis.
The findings lay the groundwork for critical policy implications and future research aimed at enhancing AT accessibility and support for those with disabilities.
https://lnkd.in/gR7zvhn8
#AssistiveTechnology #Inclusion #Accessibility #HelenKellerIntl #Bangladesh #ATInvestments #SocialWelfare
Deputy CSR Director
3moBravo 👏