Seven international experts unite to deliver comprehensive training in life-changing assistive technology in new online course from Physiopedia Plus.
More than 2.5 billion people worldwide currently need one or more assistive products, with this number projected to reach 3.5 billion by 2050 due to global ageing and rising noncommunicable diseases. Despite this urgent need, access remains critically limited, with nearly 1 billion people denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access can be as low as 3%. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), assistive technology is an umbrella term for assistive products and their related systems and services. Assistive products help maintain or improve an individual’s functioning related to cognition, communication, hearing, mobility, self-care and vision, thus enabling their health, wellbeing, inclusion and participation.
The WHO emphasises that assistive technology is fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that no one is left behind. This is accomplished by enabling the inclusion and participation of assistive technology users in families, communities and all areas of society, including the political, economic and social spheres.
Physiopedia Plus (Plus) has recently launched the comprehensive Assistive Technologies Programme, featuring seven internationally recognised instructors who bring decades of combined expertise in helping individuals maintain independence, improve quality of life and participate fully in their communities. The programme is designed to support the WHO’s Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) initiative, which draws together people who share the vision of a world where assistive technology is universally accessible to everyone, everywhere.
The Assistive Technologies Programme covers essential topics across the full spectrum of assistive technology provision.
Foundational knowledge
The Introduction to Assistive Technology with Dr. Dana Mather explores device categories, product selection, and service provision processes.
It was a beautifully laid-out course on what types of assistive devices are out there. Everyone should refresh their knowledge by doing this course.” – Carolien Benade, Physiotherapist, South Africa
Steps to Assistive Technology Provision with Dr Robin Tacchetti, details the WHO’s four key steps: select, fit, use, and follow-up.
I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their knowledge. It fas been a valuable investment in my professional development and I look forward to applying the learnings in my field. An outstanding educational experience. – Muhammad Hashim, Physiotherapist, Pakistan
Access to Assistive Technology with Dr Tacchetti, examinines barriers and solutions in low-income countries.
Absolutely loved this course. Really helpful videos and really concise information, but still managed to explain everything in great detail. – Andrea Maughan, Physiotherapist, Ireland
Mobility and positioning
Gait Mobility Devices with Dr Larisa Hoffman covers walking frames, crutches and canes.
It was a very nice and complete presentation on the use of the aids. We used parts of it in our internal training and in the patient education seminars we attended! It’s worth watching. – Argos Peristeropoulos, Physiotherapist, Greece
Standers with Dr Dana Mather explores various types and selection criteria for paediatric clients and Adaptive Seating with Dr Dana Mather addresses assessment and implementation
Communication and daily living
An Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication with Sopio Nadiradze demonstrates effective AAC implementation. Ana Gugrenidze introduces devices for daily independence with Self-Care Assistive Technology. Assistive Technology for Hearing with Marike Venter covers audiology assessment and amplification technologies and Cognitive Assistive Technology with Ansunette Pelser highlights low- and high-tech solutions.
Barriers impacting access to assistive technology include low awareness, high costs, limited physical access, inadequate product range, procurement challenges, workforce capacity gaps, inadequate policy, insufficient funding, assistive technology sector fragmentation and sociodemographic obstacles. This Plus programme directly addresses several of these barriers by building workforce capacity, raising awareness, and providing practical knowledge that rehabilitation professionals can immediately apply in their practice. By equipping healthcare providers with comprehensive training, Plus contributes to the global effort to ensure that assistive technology reaches those who need it most.
The Assistive Technologies Programme represents a critical step toward addressing the enormous unmet need for assistive technology worldwide. Through accessible online education, Plus is empowering rehabilitation professionals to provide life-changing support to individuals across all age groups and functional needs.
Physiopedia Plus is a subscription site that offers internationally accredited continuing education and professional development opportunities for the global rehabilitation community in 6 languages.
Your subscription fees fund the Physiopedia charity website to keep it updated and openly accessible to all.
Your subscription also provides FREE access to Plus for rehabilitation professionals in low income countries.
There are also discounts available depending on where you live and for students.