Assistive Technology and Disabilities in the Context of Sustainable Developmental Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have brought the needs of the vulnerable groups to the forefront of health and development agenda. People with Disabilities (PwDs) are also one of the vulnerable populations who do not have access to a range of services and opportunities. Assistive products are technology and services that help PwDs in overcoming these barriers, thereby, helping them to actively take participation in social activities. Assistive products are vital not only for PwDs, but also for the frail and elderly with chronic illnesses, for those with mental disorders, and for those with cognitive and memory problems, e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. This entry illustrates how the attainment of each of the seven targets related to PwDs in the SDGs can be facilitated using assistive products. It can be inferred that without the availability of assistive products, the 17 SDGs and their 169 targets cannot be achieved equitably. The entry highlights how assistive products can become a medium for attainment of SDGs, by describing good practices and success stories from around the world that show the impact of these products on the SDGs.