Health

Tony O’Brien: We should take the global lead on assistive tech in healthcare

Assistive technology enables people to live independent and dignified lives, and Ireland should grasp the opportunity to become a champion in this area

Anne Rabbitte, the Minister of State for Disability, spoke at a Zoom event last month for the launch of a report by the World Health Organisation and Unicef on the use of assistive technology in global healthcare. Picture: Rollingnews

Last month, Ireland had a central role at the launch of a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Unicef on the use of assistive technology in global healthcare. The report recognises such technology, and enabling environments, as a precondition for people in need to realise their human rights.

Examples of assistive products that can maintain or improve an individual’s functioning, independence and wellbeing include hearing aids, wheelchairs, communication aids, glasses, prostheses, pill organisers ...