Mobile as AT

Our work, in partnership with ATscale, Google, and local organisations in Kenya, India, and Brazil, builds on world-class research and deep community collaboration. Together, we’re exploring how mobile devices can support independence, learning, communication, and inclusion for people with disabilities.

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Status

Live

Country

Asia Africa

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Two people are looking at a mobile phone — By showcasing the potential of mobile devices as assistive technology, we’re expanding the definition of AT; making it more accessible, affordable, and seamlessly embedded in daily life.

Digital technologies are reshaping opportunities for people with disabilities, offering new ways to access information, communicate, and navigate daily life. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where traditional assistive devices are scarce or unaffordable, mobile phones offer a powerful and practical tool to help bridge the disability access gap.

Our work, in partnership with ATscale, Google, and local organisations in Kenya, India, and Brazil, builds on world-class research and deep community collaboration. Together, we’re exploring how mobile devices can support independence, learning, communication, and inclusion for people with disabilities.

The Challenge

For many persons with disabilities, access to information, education, and employment is blocked not only by physical and systemic barriers, but also by a lack of enabling tools. Smartphones could change that. But in many LMICs, the majority of disabled people still:

Cannot afford a smartphone
Are unaware of accessibility features
Lack of training to make use of built-in digital tools

Despite this, mobile technologies now integrate powerful features, such as text-to-speech, voice control, gesture navigation, and speech recognition. Therefore, the potential of smartphones as assistive tech remains underused and under-researched, especially in the contexts where it’s needed most.

Our Approach

We set out to understand and demonstrate how smartphones can serve as affordable, scalable, and effective assistive technologies. With support from ATscale and Google, we engaged 800 participants across Brazil, India, and Kenya, focusing on people with visual and hearing impairments.

This research explored:

How people learn about and use accessibility features
The impact of training on digital confidence and skills
The practical value of smartphones as a primary or supplemental assistive device
The systemic and cultural barriers to access

This research highlighted how smartphones can be powerful assistive tools when paired with inclusive design, digital skills training, and supportive policy.

The Impact of This Work

This landmark study is already contributing crucial insights:

Smartphones increase independence: Participants report improved communication, navigation, and access to online opportunities.
Training transforms usage: Many accessibility features remain underutilised until proper training unlocks their full potential.
Mobile as a bridge to AT: Smartphones can reduce the need for expensive, standalone devices, making AT more accessible, especially in resource-constrained settings.
New evidence base: We're generating data and recommendations to guide governments, manufacturers, and service providers in making mobile technology truly inclusive.

Next Steps

Currently, we’re working to:

Scale this model: Expanding access and training in additional LMICs through cross-sector partnerships
Inform policy and practice: Sharing findings to improve procurement, training, and design standards globally
Build local capacity: Ensuring communities can continue supporting digital inclusion through grassroots innovation and support networks

By highlighting the value of mobile as assistive technology, we’re redefining what assistive technology can be: accessible, affordable, and integrated into everyday life.