Access to Assistive Technology during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: Voices of Users and Families

Abstract

The SARS COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2019 and has impacted people everywhere. Disparities in impact and outcomes are becoming apparent for individuals and communities which go beyond the trajectory of the disease itself, influenced by the strength and weaknesses of systems of universal health care, and the actions of civil society and government. This article is one of a series exploring COVID-19-related experiences of assistive technology (AT) users across the globe and implications for AT systems strengthening. AT such as mobility products, braille devices, and information communication technologies are key enablers of functioning, necessary to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Reporting on a survey of 73 AT users across six global regions, we demonstrate that minority groups already living with health inequities are unduly impacted. An AT ecosystem analysis was conducted using the WHO GATE 5P framework, that is, people, products, personnel, provision and policy. AT users and families call for inclusive pandemic responses which encompass their needs across the lifespan, from very young to very old. We offer specific recommendations for future action to strengthen access to AT across public policy and civil society in pandemic preparedness and response.

Assistive technologies during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

“…See more at: www.who.int/news/ item/28-02-2022-access-to-assistive-tech nology-during-the-covid-19-pandemic Even though there have been calls by AT users and their families for inclusive pandemic responses which encompass their needs across the lifespan, from very young to very old, the activities to help them continue. Layton et al (2021) reported that the AT ecosystem analysis was carried out using the World Health Organization GATE 5 P framework of -People, Products, Personnel, Provision and Policy.…”

COVID-19, access and assistive technology: The need for preparedness

“…The emergence of additional access barriers is illustrated from the following quote from a participant in a recent study ( Layton et al, 2021 ): I need someone to hold me when I stand. This made me not able to be supported by someone when I stand up due to social distancing.…”

“…Over the course of 2020 and 2021, the inability to obtain AT undoubtedly caused much harm. People with disabilities interviewed on this issue reported similar experiences with their ability to obtain personal assistance services ( Layton et al, 2021 ).…”

Electronic assistive technology use and supported employment

“…For example, during the pandemic, assistive technology users responded to a worldwide survey. Most respondents described how service delivery and technology maintenance issued were worsened (Layton et al, 2021). Overall, even for those providers with training and expertise, studies described the need for improved capacity during the pandemic (Puli et al, 2021; Smith et al, 2020).…”