Recap on our “Policy Dialgoue on Assistive Technology” held on 27th March, providing the opportunity for CSOs, NGOs and individuals to voice their opinions and engage with policymakers regarding development and enhancement of Assistive Technologies.
Dr. Krishnashree Achuthan introduced the Technology, Security and Transparency Working Group as well as Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, the University founded by the Chair of the C20, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. She then expanded on the importance of Assistive Technology.
Dr. Rajasundar Chandran, Head of Advanced Manufacturing at iPrint set the tone for the session by introducing the 5P’s of Assistive Tech -People-centric, Policies, Products, Provisions, Personnel – and its ability to promote independence, inclusion and equality.
Dr. Srinivas Tata, Director of Social Development Division at UNESCAP, highlighted the importance of designing technologies involving persons with disabilities in line with Universal Design norms and called on public and private sectors to collaborate in this field.
Boniface Prabhu, a Padma Shri Awardee, Paralympian and Grand Slam Wheelchair Tennis Player, shared his inspirational story of success and emphasized on the need to remain REAL – Recognize, Engage, Activate and Learn.
Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of CyberMedia Group, highlighted the role of tech as a great leveler, the importance of Assistive Tech hub and a complete ecosystem that allows the development of assistive technologies and ensures physical and technological accessibility.
Dr. Sunanda Reddy, Head of Centre for Applied Research and Education on Neurodevelopmental Impairments and Disability-related Health Initiatives at Healthcare Information For All (HIFA) stressed the need for national and global collaborations, workforce training and legislation to support Assistive Tech for children.
Prateek Madhav, Co-Founder & CEO at AssisTech Foundation (ATF)shared statistics about the huge economic impact that people with disabilities can create & 5 trends for policy framework for AT: blitzscaling, co-creation, innovation, end of distance and the power of millennials.
Dr.Suresh Munuswamy, Deputy Director and Additional Professor – Tech Innovations and Health Informatics at Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), shared their success story of empowering rural communities by creating a platform where screening & continuous management can be done at home.
The session wrapped with a note of thanks to all speakers and inviting all participants to to continue to submit case studies on their successes to the C20 for future policy recommendations. Find out more about upcoming events from c20.amma.org/tst-wg.
