Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
Time
14:00 CEST
About
Persons with disabilities, older persons, and others who utilize assistive technology (AT) face increased risks during disasters and climate-induced emergencies. Disruptions in access to essential assistive products-such as mobility aids, hearing devices, or communication tools-are common. At the same time, preparedness and response efforts often overlook the specific requirements of AT users, including accessible early warning systems, safe and inclusive evacuation procedures, accessible shelters and facilities, and continuity of critical life-saving services.
To address these gaps, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), in collaboration with the ATscale Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, conducted a global study to formulate a policy brief and to explore how the needs of AT users can be more effectively integrated into disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate action. The study reviewed relevant policies, systems, and practices and engaged nearly 300 stakeholders from 90 countries-half of whom were AT users. Participants included persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, older persons, civil society organizations, humanitarian and DRR practitioners, UN agencies, government representatives, health and rehabilitation professionals, and AT developers and service providers.
The findings have informed the development of a draft policy brief, which will be presented during the webinar for stakeholder consultation and feedback.
For any questions, comments, or to request editing rights to the document (this version is view-only with commenting enabled), please contact the lead consultant, Nino Gvetadze, at: [email protected]
Deadline for feedback: Friday, 25 July 2025