Introduction

Assistive technologies enable independent, productive lives whilst reducing healthcare needs and caregiver support. These devices help with vision, hearing, mobility, self-care, and communication. With ageing populations, assistive technology needs are expected to grow from the current one billion people to two billion by 2050. However, only one in ten people has access to the needed technology due to high costs, limited awareness, and insufficient policy. The course describes barriers and solutions for accessing assistive technology in low-income countries.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• explain why assistive technology is so important in low-resource countries
• list three barriers to accessing assistive technology in low-resource countries
• discuss the role the WHO has initiated to eliminate barriers to assistive technology

Target audience

This course is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1-1.5 hour depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.0 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Robin Tacchetti: No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.