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Changing the global disability landscape

It’s estimated that by 2050 two billion people will require assistive technologies (AT) but 90% won’t be able to access them. UCL’s Global Disability Hub is revolutionising new approaches to get AT to everyone.

Changing the global disability landscape

By 2050 it is estimated that only 10% of the two billion people requiring Assistive Technology (AT) will have access to the life-changing products they need, due to systematic global failures in provision for wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics and other essential disability products.

UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), led by Dr Catherine Holloway (UCL Computer Science) and Ms Victoria Austin (GDI Hub CIC/UCL Development Planning Unit) aims to revolutionise how we see disability and the technologies used to assist disabled people globally.

Created as a legacy from the Paralympic Games in London 2012, the GDI Hub is based on the former Olympic and Paralympic site in East London. Bringing together academics, charities, international organisations, cultural groups and disabled people, and supported by the Mayor of London’s office, the GDI Hub reaches out across the globe through partnerships and projects.

Global Disability Hub Kenya
Currently leading a £20 million programme called AT2030 – Life Changing Assistive Technology for All the GDI Hub aims to reach over 3 million people, testing new approaches and backing ‘what works’ to get assistive technology to those who need it. 


The GDI Hub has also launched Africa's First inclusive Innovation Ecosystem dedicated to assistive technology in Nairobi, Kenya – a hub that supports start-ups aimed at developing assistive technology for the 300 million disabled people in Africa.

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  • Credit: Giulia Barbareschi, Source: Global Disability Hub