Symposium topic
Measuring access to quality assistive technology (AT), and benchmarking whether that access is equitable, is a major challenge across prosthetics, orthotics, mobility and broader assistive technology systems. Access depends not only on product availability, but also on service readiness, policy implementation, workforce capability and user outcomes. This symposium presents evidence-informed tools to assess AT ecosystems at micro, meso and macro levels. Drawing on case examples from multiple global regions, it will show how measurement can move beyond counting products toward understanding whether AT systems are effective, equitable and accountable.
Underpinning science and theory
The symposium is grounded in published work by the presenters, in addition to work by others in assistive technology policy and health systems thinking. It will present evidence-informed approaches including the ARISE Framework and the My AT Outcomes Framework, alongside expert experience linked to the authors’ experiences working with the World Health Organization, ATscale and Global Alliance of Assistive Technology Organizations (GAATO).
Relevance for the ISPO World Congress
This symposium aligns with the Congress theme, “A World Connected: Advancing Assistive Technologies for Global Equity,” by focusing on how equity in AT access can be measured, benchmarked and improved at the individual, subnational, and national level. ISPO World Congress delegates operate in supercomplex environments and need workable tools to identify and call out equity, access and advancement, to improve life for all.
Perspectives
Presenters bring complementary perspectives on AT access and outcomes measurement from Ireland, Canada, Eastern Europe, Australia, Africa and the Western Pacific, connecting policy, service delivery, implementation and outcomes based research. The authors have published work grounded in capability theory and implementation science. In addition, authors bring working knowledge of global policy from consultancy roles with the World Health Organisation and global funder ATscale. The evidence-based tools of the ARISE Framework (Smith) plus the My AT Outcomes Framework (Layton) will be presented.
Learning objectives
Participants will be able to
1. distinguish micro-, meso- and macro-level approaches to AT access measurement;
2. describe how equity can be assessed within AT ecosystems;
3. discuss the applicability of the ARISE and My AT Outcomes frameworks to their settings;
4. identify practical approaches for evaluating and strengthening equitable access in their settings.
