The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 2.5 billion people need assistive technology, but access to assistive products is as low as 3% in some settings. Among the users of assistive technology, the majority are older people, people with disabilities, and people with health conditions. Access to assistive technology is a fundamental human right to live a productive, dignified and independent life.
Recognizing the need to enhance access to assistive technology and to harness the potential of digital technologies to support health systems for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted two resolutions: WHA71.8 on improving access to assistive technology and WHA71.7 on digital health. Additionally, the first WHO and UNICEF Global Report on assistive technology was published, and advances in technology, new knowledge, evidence and innovative solutions are available.
The combination of assistive technology and digital health approaches holds transformative potential, impacting health, education, livelihoods, and social participation. WHO is now in the process of developing guidance on the use of digital technologies, including digital health interventions, to enhance access to assistive technology and maximize benefits for users, their families, service providers, and society, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
To support these efforts, WHO established the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology. The TAG will serve as an advisory body, providing expertise and guidance. Following a call for interest, 14 experts from various backgrounds were identified worldwide and selected to form the TAG on digital assistive technology.
The name and brief biography of an individual being considered for participation in the TAG on the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology are hereby published for public notice and comment.
Comments and perceptions brought to the knowledge of WHO through this process are an integral component of WHO’s Conflicts of Interest assessment policy to strengthen public trust and transparency in connection with WHO meetings involving the provision of technical/normative advice. Comments and perceptions will be carefully reviewed and treated confidentially. The comments will not be published and will be kept on record.
WHO reserves the right to discuss information received through this process with the relevant expert with no attribution to the provider of such information. Upon review and assessment of the information received through this process, WHO, in its sole discretion, may take appropriate management action following its policies.
The participation of an expert in a WHO meeting does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization, nor does it create a binding relationship between the expert and WHO. The list of participating experts, a summary of relevant interests disclosed by such experts, and any appropriate mitigation measures taken by WHO relating to the management of conflicts of interest, will be reported publicly by WHO practice.
Comments should be provided by email, and the receipt of these will be acknowledged through a generic email notification to the sender.
Please send your comment to assistivetechnology@who.int with the subject, “Public comments on the Technical Advisory Group on the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology” with the indication of the name, nature, and contact details of the sender.
The deadline for public comments is Wednesday, 9 July 2025.