Global Disability Innovation Hub accelerates ideas into impact for a more just world - for disabled people, and all people.
We work in 40+ countries and have reached 37 million people since 2016. A world-leading Academic Research and Practice Centre based at UCL, we are the first WHO Global Collaborating Centre on Assistive Technology.
What we do
Our work
AT2030 programme: Testing ‘what works’ to improve access to life-changing AT for all
We bring effective solutions to market by testing new mechanisms and ambitious scaling pathways for growth-ready accessible and assistive technology ventures. From incubating future tech inspired solutions to delivering ecosystem interventions - we strengthen systems to make inclusion a reality and embed disability innovation into national policy landscapes. Generating new evidence and insights, we stimulate demand, deliver country pilots and create enabling markets environment for AT in Low-and Middle- Income Countries.
Centre for Digital Language Inclusion: Using AI to bridge the barrier between non-standard speech and Automatic Speech Recognition
Harnessing the power of AI the centre develops inclusive solutions for people with communication difficulties. With support from Google.org, non-standard speech for native African languages will be collected for the first time. Currently this technology is not available to those who would most benefit: non-English-speaking populations in African countries, who often have the least access to AT and speech and language therapy.
Disability, Design & Innovation MSc: our UCL based MSc to tackle global challenges from a new perspective.
Design engineering meet global policy and the societal context of disability, this multidisciplinary programme takes theory into practice, equipping emerging pioneers to tackle the complex problems faced by people with a range of disabilities. Designed for those passionate about creating accessible and assistive technologies and inclusive designs, this programme equips students with the skills to make a significant impact in disability innovation.
Inclusive Cities, Global Action Report
Highlight
The aim of this report is to equip cities with practical but evidence-based actions to accelerate accessibility and inclusion in their physical infrastructure, buildings, services and operation.
Cities worldwide are experiencing continued growth and increasing resource challenges In low-and-middle income settings, this is particularly challenging, where in many cases huge infrastructural development is necessary. With resource constraints and increasing global challenges (rising inequality, climate changes, pandemics), it is even more critical that accessibility and inclusive design are seamlessly integrated into the planning and design of cities and all their functions, to ensure the effective and resilient use of resources to create liveable and enjoyable cities and ensure persons with disabilities are not left behind.
Disability policy is generally set by national governments, while cities need locally adaptable and practical frameworks for inclusive action. This suggests a need for global agenda of inclusive practices for cities to catalyse shared learning and collective efforts, not reinvent the wheel, and help cities to create their inclusive city
The first World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Research on Assistive Technology
Highlight
Our UCL based Collaborating Centre supports WHO’s efforts to widen global access to Assistive Technology around humanitarian response, driving advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence, and working to develop and implement a One-Stop-Shop Model of Assistive Product service provision. The centre pioneers key research and innovation on Assistive Technologies worldwide.
Disability Innovation Strategy
Highlight
Our vision is for disability inclusion and social justice. We work towards a world without barriers to participation, where everyone has the opportunity to live a joyful life. Find out more about our 5 year strategy, and how we accelerate new solutions through innovative partnerships and multi-disciplinary thinking. Bridging world leading academic research and practice we to power new knowledge and ideas.
