10/06/2026
During the General Debate yesterday at the United Nations in New York, ATscale representative Ceridwen Johnson shared a statement about the importance of for realizing the .
"The world so far has failed to meet the global need particularly in low income countries, where only 10% of people have access to the assistive technology they need... However, to address the huge inequity we need to do much more to increase the political will of member states, to stimulate supply and ignite demand in countries where the need is great."
She confirmed the commitment of ATscale to continue to work to close the gap in access in collaboration with many key partners including International Disability Alliance, UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO)
In her statement she highlighted:
✅ A persistent lack of financing to purchase assistive products, coupled with market inefficiencies and fragmented national coordination is leaving too many people behind
✅ Addressing this neglected issue requires a cross-sectoral, country-level approach. ATscale is actively engaging in over 29 countries to strengthen ecosystems and increase national capacity for sustainable access.
✅ Raising global awareness and advancing market-shaping solutions—for assistive products such as glasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, prostheses, and digital AT—are vital steps to making assistive technology accessible and affordable for everyone.
✅ We must continue to elevate this issue on the global stage. We call on all Member States to join us in commemorating World Day for Assistive Technology next year on 4 June! 🗓️
⏰ Tomorrow ATscale will co-host two sessions at . It’s not too late to join us. Below are the details and link for more info:
🕓 11:30 – 12:45 EDT
Assistive technology and gender equality for advancing the leadership of women with disabilities
In person only
🕓 16:45–18:00 EDT
Unlocking global access: Financing assistive technology and navigating international trade systems
In person and on UN Web TV. https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1g/k1g6ax9xi7
Please visit the dedicated events pages to find the timing, location, and registration details for the sessions: https://atscalepartnership.org/events
UNOPS, Sightsavers, UNFPA, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Global Forum on the Leadership of Women with Disabilities, Ministry of Human Rights Pakistan, UNICEF, International Disability Alliance, China Disabled Persons' Federation, UK Mission to the United Nations, Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations