Assistive Technology in Developing Countries: National and International Responsibilities to Implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities
By Borg, Johan; Lindstroem, Anna; Larsson, Stig; Lancet, Vol. 374, pp. 1863-1865Publication Date: November 28, 2009
Article offers recommendations for implementing the international Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to bring needed assistive technology (AT) to recipients with disabilities in developing countries. The CRPD entitles beneficiaries with rights to AT and the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights. However, the article points out that there is little academic knowledge on AT in developing countries, especially as regards devices for people with visual or cognitive disabilities. Knowledge oriented towards products and services is needed, along with strategies for making them available, accessible, and affordable. The article recommends research on AT for developing countries in the following areas: (1) user needs, including needs assessment; (2) product development, including identification of types of AT that should be prioritized to achieve maximum opportunities for people to study, earn a living, and exercise human rights; (3) service delivery, including the use of community-based rehabilitation, the study of funding strategies, modeling on countries with comprehensive delivery systems, identification of appropriate professions for service delivery, and development of suitable training programs; and (4) international cooperation among well resourced countries and organizations to assist less resourced countries in improving the availability of products and services.
Published by: Elsevier Inc. (Website:http://www.elsevier.com)
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J57319
