First World Day for Assistive Technology June 4th 2024

Assisting Technology 

&

 Persons with Disabilities 

Today, 2.5 billion people globally need to use at least one type of AT, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, prostheses, eyeglasses or digital services. In low-income countries only 10% of people have the AT they need, in stark contrast to the 90% of people in need in high-income countries.

The first ever World Day for Assistive Technology 4 June 2024

Initiated by 

ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, a cross-sector global partnership with a mission to transform people’s lives through AT.

The World Day for Assistive Technology aims to raise awareness of the importance of assistive technology and the urgent need to improve access to it in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs. The World Day for Assistive Technology is calling for organizations, policymakers, businesses and the public to show their support, take action to improve access to assistive technology, and help unlock a world where there are opportunities for all. The day aims to rally all relevant sectors (from health and education to the private sector) to spotlight assistive technology and encourage action.

What is Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities?

Assistive technology (AT) is an umbrella term for any device, service, or strategy that helps people with disabilities perform tasks they would otherwise find difficult or impossible. AT can range from low-tech items like grab bars and raised toilet seats to high-tech devices like voice recognition software and robotic prosthetics.

Goal of Assistive Technology 

The goal of assistive technology is to improve functional capabilities and promote independence for people with disabilities. There are many different types of AT available, and the specific needs of each individual will determine which devices or services are most helpful.

Assistive Technology in Communication 

Assistive technology (AT) plays a critical role in bridging the communication gap for individuals with disabilities. It encompasses a wide range of tools and devices designed to empower people to express themselves and participate in conversations, fostering independence and inclusion.

Here are some examples of assistive technology for different types of disabilities:

Mobility:

Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, prosthetics, orthotics, scooters, lifts and many more 

Vision:

Braille displays, screen readers, magnifiers, closed-circuit television (CCTV), talking watches, audiobooks and many more

Hearing:

Hearing aids, amplified telephones, alerting devices (doorbells, smoke alarms), captioning, sign language interpretation and many more

Learning: 

Textbooks in Braille or large print, software programs for reading and writing, calculators, specialized keyboard sCommunication boards, timers, organizers, software programs for spelling and grammar, calculators and many more. 

Importance of Assistive Technology 

Independence and Inclusion: 

AT empowers people with disabilities to perform everyday tasks and activities on their own, fostering a sense of self-reliance and dignity. This can range from getting dressed and preparing meals to working and socializing. By breaking down barriers, AT allows for greater inclusion in all aspects of life.

Education and Employment: 

AT bridges the gap for students with disabilities, enabling them to access learning materials and participate effectively in classrooms. In the workplace, AT ensures people with disabilities can fulfill their roles and contribute their talents. This fosters a more inclusive and qualified workforce.

Improved Well-being: 

AT can significantly improve a person's quality of life. For example, someone with limited mobility might gain greater independence through a wheelchair, while someone with vision impairment might access information and entertainment through screen readers. This boost in capability can lead to increased confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Economic Benefits: 

AT can reduce reliance on caregivers and long-term care facilities, leading to cost savings for individuals, families, and healthcare systems. When people with disabilities can be productive members of the workforce, it also contributes to the economy as a whole.

Societal Impact: 

By promoting inclusion and participation of people with disabilities, AT strengthens communities and creates a more equitable society. It allows everyone to contribute their talents and perspectives, fostering a richer and more diverse social fabric.

Concerns Over Existing Assistive Technology 

Assistive technology (AT) has been a revolutionary force in improving the lives of people with disabilities. But even with its advancements, there are some concerns that linger. Here are some of the key areas

Accessibility and Affordability: 

AT can be expensive, with wheelchairs, screen readers, and other vital tools costing thousands of dollars. This creates a significant barrier for those in low-income brackets or developing countries.

Lack of Awareness: 

Many people with disabilities simply aren't aware of the AT options available or how to access them. There can also be a knowledge gap among healthcare professionals regarding the latest AT advancements.

Usability and Design: 

AT isn't always user-friendly, with complex interfaces or a lack of customization options. Involving users in the design process and creating more intuitive interfaces could address this.

Social Stigma: 

Some people with disabilities feel self-conscious using AT in public, due to societal stigma. This can hinder their willingness to adopt these helpful tools.

Future of Assistive Technology 

The future of assistive technology is bright, with advancements in artificial intelligence and other areas promising a more integrated and independent life for people with disabilities. Here are some exciting trends to look for:

AI-powered Assistance: 

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing assistive technology by enabling features like voice recognition, natural language processing, and smart automation. Imagine virtual assistants understanding your needs and offering personalized support, or AI-powered wheelchairs navigating complex environments.

Smarter Wearables: 

Wearable devices like smartwatches and hearing aids are becoming more sophisticated. We can expect features like health monitoring, emotional analysis, and real-time communication support, all embedded seamlessly in everyday wearables.

The Rise of Assistive Robotics: 

Robotic technology is making waves in assistive tech. Exoskeletons can provide physical support for those with mobility limitations, while robots can perform household tasks or even offer companionship.

Inclusive Design: 

The future is moving towards designing technology with accessibility in mind from the start. This means considering the needs of people with disabilities during the development phase, leading to a more universally usable tech landscape.

Addressing the Gap: 

A major challenge is ensuring affordability and accessibility of assistive technologies. With a growing global population needing such tools, initiatives are underway to bridge the gap and make them more readily available.

Conclusion 

Assistive technology is a powerful tool for persons with disabilities. It help us live more independent lives, participate in education and employment, and connect with others. Assistive Technology plays a vital role in empowering persons with disabilities to live fulfilling and independent lives. It fosters inclusion, improves well-being, and contributes to a stronger society for everyone.Researchers and developers are working on solutions to make AT more accessible, affordable, user-friendly, and socially accepted. The future of assistive technology is about empowering people with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives. It's a future where technology seamlessly integrates into daily routines, fostering greater inclusion and participation in all aspects of life.

Rajiv Rajan 

Executive Director 

Ektha 

&

Consultant 

ATscale

Constitution of India and Voting Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Constitution of India 

and Voting Rights Of 

Persons with Disabilities 

Article 15 

Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.

(1) The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.

(2) No citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them, be subject to any disability, liability, restriction or condition with regard to—

(a) access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment; or

(b) The use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads and places of public resort maintained wholly or partly out of State funds or dedicated to the use of the general public.

Article 325 

There shall be one general electoral roll for every territorial constituency for election to either House of Parliament or to the House or either House of the Legislature of a State and no person shall be ineligible for inclusion in any such roll or claim to be included in any special electoral roll for any such constituency on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or any of them.

Article 326 

The elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage; that is to say, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than eighteen years of age on such date as may be fixed in that behalf by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature and is not otherwise disqualified under this Constitution or any law made by the appropriate Legislature on the ground of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime orcorrupt or illegal practice, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election.

Critique of Article 15(1) & (2) of the Indian Constitution with reference to UNCRPD

Article 15(1) and (2) of the Indian Constitution promote equality by prohibiting discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, and place of birth. However, these clauses can be critiqued in light of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) for the following reasons:

Limited Scope:

Grounds for Discrimination: 

UNCRPD recognizes disability as a ground for discrimination in addition to those listed in Article 15. People with disabilities in India may face discrimination not covered by this Article.

Private Actors: 

Article 15 primarily restricts discrimination by the State (government). UNCRPD calls for measures to prevent discrimination by private entities as well.

Lack of Positive Action:

UNCRPD emphasizes the need for "reasonable accommodation" to ensure equal participation of persons with disabilities. While Article 15 prohibits discrimination, it doesn't explicitly require positive steps to promote equal opportunities.

Focus on Equality vs. Equity:

Article 15 promotes equal treatment for all. However, some disabilities may require specific support or modifications for true inclusion. UNCRPD emphasizes achieving equity, ensuring everyone has the resources they need to participate fully.

Critique of Article 325 of Indian constitution with reference to UNCRPD 

Article 325 of the Indian Constitution deals with the provision for setting up election tribunals for trying election petitions. It does not specifically address the rights of persons with disabilities.

Lack of Specific Protections: 

Article 325 does not mention persons with disabilities or any provisions to ensure their accessibility to participate in the electoral process as voters or candidates.

Indirect Discrimination:

While not explicitly discriminatory, the absence of accessibility measures might indirectly disadvantage persons with disabilities from exercising their electoral rights.

How can Article 325 be strengthened?

Legislative Amendments: 

The Election Law could be amended to mandate accessible polling stations, voter education materials in accessible formats (Braille, audio), and provisions for assisted voting for persons with disabilities.

In short Article 325 of the Indian Constitution does not address the rights of persons with disabilities in the electoral process. By incorporating provisions aligned with the UNCRPD, India can ensure equal participation for persons with disabilities in its elections.

Critique of Article 326 of the Indian Constitution with Reference to UNCRPD

Article 326 of the Indian Constitution guarantees adult suffrage, ensuring everyone above 18 has the right to vote. This is a strong foundation for political participation. However, when viewed in the context of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), some potential limitations emerge:

Accessibility: 

The article doesn't explicitly mention accessibility measures for persons with disabilities. Polling stations might not be physically accessible, voting procedures might not be adapted for various disabilities (visual impairments, for example), and information about elections might not be available in accessible formats.

Discriminatory disqualifications: 

While the article mentions disqualifications based on unsound mind, the definition might be interpreted in a way that excludes people with disabilities unfairly. The UNCRPD emphasizes reasonable accommodation to ensure equal participation.

How can Article 326 be strengthened to better align with UNCRPD principles?

Legislative Measures: 

The Election Commission could be empowered to make specific regulations mandating accessible polling stations, voting procedures, and information dissemination in accessible formats.

 Reasonable Accommodation: 

Revisit the grounds for disqualification based on "unsound mind" to ensure they comply with the UNCRPD's emphasis on reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.

Ensuring alignment between Article 326 and the UNCRPD would further strengthen the legal framework for inclusive participation in elections.

Why Persons with Disabilities Must Vote?

Why Persons with Disabilities Must Vote?

Equal Rights and Representation: 

Voting is a fundamental right in a democracy. Denying it to people with disabilities is discrimination. We deserve a say in who makes decisions that affect our lives, just like everyone else. 

Issues Directly Impacting Us: 

Policies often directly affect the lives of people with disabilities. These can be related to education, employment, transportation, healthcare, and accessibility. Voting allows us to choose leaders who prioritize policies that benefit us. 

Stronger Voice and Influence:

People with disabilities are a significant population group. Voting together allows us to be a powerful voting bloc, making our voices heard on important issues. We bring unique experiences and perspectives to the table.

Representation Matters: 

When people with disabilities vote and hold office, it challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusion. It ensures their needs and concerns are considered during policy making.

Overall, voting is an empowerment tool for people with disabilities. It allows us to participate actively in shaping our communities and advocating for a more inclusive society.

Rajiv Rajan 

Executive Director 

Ektha