A human rights-based approach to assistive technology provision in global policy

Assistive technology (AT) is a human right, supporting meaningful participation for disabled people in society. However, systematic failures prevent the equitable provision of AT globally. This chapter explores the opportunities and challenges in developing a policy framework ensuring people have access to high-quality, affordable AT. We review the broad challenges of healthcare technology access before assessing the specific challenges of AT access. We make the case for AT as a human right and explore the application of this mindset within the Norway AT system. We detail how recent advances in policy have accelerated new data collection methods and tools, demonstrating AT need and impact at individual and societal level. Situating the discussion in the wider context of healthcare technology, which is expanding into mainstream consumer devices, we discuss how innovation and disability policy can improve the availability, affordability, and effectiveness of AT, thus increasing economic and social rates of return.