Assistive technologies for aging and disability

Assistive technology (AT) and its role in healthcare and non-healthcare have gained significant attention worldwide in the past few years. Conventionally, assistive technologies aim to minimize functional limitations among users with some form of physical or sensory impairment. WHO estimated in the GReAT 2022 report that about one in ten people who need AT have access to it globally. This number is expected to increase to over two billion people by 2030. Of those who require assistive technology, the elderly population and people with disabilities have the highest need for AT. Over time, this vulnerable group will expand worldwide due to the increase in the elderly population and noncommunicable diseases and injuries.

Evidence shows that AT helps them overcome challenges in performing daily life activities, thus helping them to live independently. In addition, AT improves educational outcomes, improves social integration among users and finally increases well-being and quality of life. AT also helps reduce frequent health care needs and the burden on caregivers. Without AT, people with disabilities will suffer social exclusion, loss of opportunities and unemployment compared to people without disabilities.

Lack of access to AT for those who need it can have serious consequences for individuals, families and society as a whole. It not only results in poor health outcomes but also in worsening health due to increased risk of secondary health complications and further reduced quality of life. All of these factors can lead to an increased burden on the health care system. There is an indirect economic loss due to the involvement of family members in the care of people with disabilities. Improving access and increasing the affordability of AT will help to unlock their full potential, thus enabling them to participate in the workforce and providing socio-economic benefits to families, society and the country.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), access to appropriate AT is a fundamental human right. The UNCRPD considers it a right for persons with disabilities to have equal access to every mainstream disability programme in all Member States. Recently, WHO has led several initiatives related to AT services following the resolution of the 71st World Health Assembly in 2018 to improve access to AT for Member States. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have committed that no one should be left behind, regardless of personal characteristics.

Therefore, the main objective of the research topic is to identify different effective models of AT services, incorporating digital technologies, smart devices and epidemiological evidence on AT-related indicators, which will be useful for advocacy, policy-making and planning of AT services, clinical trials and successful case studies.

To discuss the scope of a research topic from a public health perspective, we particularly encourage submissions that include, but are not limited to:

• Original articles on generating evidence from public health data on AT indicators such as need, utilization, met and unmet needs, challenges and facilitators, user satisfaction, factors leading to non-use or non-adaptation;

• Articles explaining real, effective AT service models, case reports of successful AT service implementation and user acceptability, not limited to healthcare;

• Articles on effective testing using AT service packages, usability testing;

• AT in terms of livelihoods, vocational training and employment opportunities;

• Qualitative work examining AT perceptions, beliefs, stigma and other cultural studies;

• Digital devices or technologies including smart devices with rapid changes in accessibility features and computing technology, their use, digital literacy among target groups, benefits and challenges.

Keywords: assistive technologies, public health, ageing, older people, disability, care

Important note: All work within this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which it is submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to refer an out-of-scope manuscript to a more appropriate section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Assistive technology (AT) and its role in healthcare and non-healthcare have gained significant attention worldwide in the past few years. Conventionally, assistive technologies aim to minimize functional limitations among users with some form of physical or sensory impairment. WHO estimated in the GReAT 2022 report that about one in ten people who need AT have access to it globally. This number is expected to increase to over two billion people by 2030. Of those who require assistive technology, the elderly population and people with disabilities have the highest need for AT. Over time, this vulnerable group will expand worldwide due to the increase in the elderly population and noncommunicable diseases and injuries.

Evidence shows that AT helps them overcome challenges in performing daily life activities, thus helping them to live independently. In addition, AT improves educational outcomes, improves social integration among users and finally increases well-being and quality of life. AT also helps reduce frequent health care needs and the burden on caregivers. Without AT, people with disabilities will suffer social exclusion, loss of opportunities and unemployment compared to people without disabilities.

Lack of access to AT for those who need it can have serious consequences for individuals, families and society as a whole. It not only results in poor health outcomes but also in worsening health due to increased risk of secondary health complications and further reduced quality of life. All of these factors can lead to an increased burden on the health care system. There is an indirect economic loss due to the involvement of family members in the care of people with disabilities. Improving access and increasing the affordability of AT will help to unlock their full potential, thus enabling them to participate in the workforce and providing socio-economic benefits to families, society and the country.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), access to appropriate AT is a fundamental human right. The UNCRPD considers it a right for persons with disabilities to have equal access to every mainstream disability programme in all Member States. Recently, WHO has led several initiatives related to AT services following the resolution of the 71st World Health Assembly in 2018 to improve access to AT for Member States. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have committed that no one should be left behind, regardless of personal characteristics.

Therefore, the main objective of the research topic is to identify different effective models of AT services, incorporating digital technologies, smart devices and epidemiological evidence on AT-related indicators, which will be useful for advocacy, policy-making and planning of AT services, clinical trials and successful case studies.

To discuss the scope of a research topic from a public health perspective, we particularly encourage submissions that include, but are not limited to:

• Original articles on generating evidence from public health data on AT indicators such as need, utilization, met and unmet needs, challenges and facilitators, user satisfaction, factors leading to non-use or non-adaptation;

• Articles explaining real, effective AT service models, case reports of successful AT service implementation and user acceptability, not limited to healthcare;

• Articles on effective testing using AT service packages, usability testing;

• AT in terms of livelihoods, vocational training and employment opportunities;

• Qualitative work examining AT perceptions, beliefs, stigma and other cultural studies;

• Digital devices or technologies including smart devices with rapid changes in accessibility features and computing technology, their use, digital literacy among target groups, benefits and challenges.

Keywords: assistive technologies, public health, ageing, older people, disability, care

Important note: All work within this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which it is submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to refer an out-of-scope manuscript to a more appropriate section or journal at any stage of peer review.