Assistive Technology is an umbrella term related to the delivery of assistive products and services, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and eyeglasses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2.5 billion people worldwide need assistive technology to learn, work, or fully participate in society. Yet nearly one billion of them are denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access can be as low as three percent of the need for these life-changing products. In many of these countries, assistive technology is directly donated by charities. As a result, service delivery is highly fragmented, often running in parallel to public systems and relying on donor funding that may not be sustainable.

CHAI is also partnering with the LEGO Foundation in eight countries – Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Libera, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and South Africa – to empower children with disabilities to play and learn. We strengthen early identification of children with disabilities and ensure that these children have access to assistive technology and supportive services they need to thrive as early in life as possible.