UL researcher leads World Health Organisation report on assistive technology provision in Ireland
A University of Limerick researcher has led Ireland’s first ever comprehensive review of assistive technology provision.
Dr Emma Smith from UL’s School of Allied Health was lead author on the Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment Report for Ireland conducted by the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe.
Professor Rosemary Gowran from UL’s School of Allied Health also served as a member of the Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment Steering Group.
The report assesses the provision of assistive technology to people in Ireland with disabilities, those who are ageing, or have health conditions which result in functional limitations. It provides a roadmap for building a more inclusive, efficient and sustainable assistive technology system.
Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of products including glasses, hearing aids, screen readers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, hoists and pill organisers.
The voices of those with lived experience of assistive technology were prioritised in the report, which evaluated Ireland’s strengths and challenges in delivering equitable access to assistive technology.
The report highlights strong advocacy networks, innovative pilot programmes and a committed workforce. Gaps in coordination, data, funding and service continuity were also identified.
Launching the report, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, said: “This WHO report shows how assistive technology can provide “life changing” experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Assistive technology allows people to express themselves, to participate in education and employment, and to live more independent and fulfilled lives.
“This report recognises the investment Government has made to introduce or expand assistive technology schemes. It also demonstrates where gaps in provision remain, such as the lack of data on the need for assistive technology in this country. The new National Disability Survey, which will be carried out by the Central Statistics Office next year, offers an opportunity to address this.”
Commenting on the findings of the report, lead author Dr Emma Smith from UL’s School of Allied Health, said: “One of the most significant challenges identified during the assessment was the fragmentation of services and systems across geographic boundaries, government departments, age groups and settings.
“This fragmentation leads to substantial inequities in access, meaning that availability and quality of assistive technology can vary depending on who you are, where you live and how you use assistive products.
“The learning from this process, including the recommended actions and proposed National Assistive Technology Programme lay the foundations for a stronger national system which will ensure people get access to the assistive products and services they need to live full, meaningful lives, and ensures Ireland is able to uphold its commitments to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”
Also included in the report was reference to UL’s Postgraduate Certificate in Posture, Seating and Wheelchair Mobility Across the Life Course, the only postgraduate training in wheelchair provision in Ireland. The programme is designed to help Health and Social Care Practitioners and Clinical Engineers become proactive, reflective and responsible when addressing complex issues affecting people with wheelchair and seating requirements.
