United Nations ESCAP is currently developing a regional policy paper on Assistive Technology and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, with a strong focus on building an equitable AT ecosystem that truly supports economic empowerment. As part of this process, ESCAP brought together experts, OPDs, and practitioners in a virtual expert group meeting to gather insights and validate key findings and recommendations for the upcoming paper.
TCI joined this expert meeting to share the perspectives and rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities when it comes to access to assistive technology and economic empowerment. We highlighted the need to move beyond narrow medical-based approaches only to how assistive technology can transform communities for inclusion for persons with psychosocial disabilities.
During the meeting, we stressed the importance of
- prioritising autonomy, choice, and community inclusion
- addressing affordability, accessibility, and digital literacy gaps
- ensuring technology respects diverse communication and support needs
- grounding AT in anti-discrimination, social protection, and inclusive systems
For us, Assistive Technology must not replace human support or reinforce institutional or coercive pathways. Instead, it should expand freedom, access, and opportunities, especially for people with psychosocial disabilities who are often left out of technology and policy discussions.
We appreciate the United Nations ESCAP for creating this space and look forward to the policy paper launch in December 2025. Strong, inclusive regional guidance can help push the needle toward accessibility, agency, and economic participation for all.
