A key ask by Vision 2020 Australia to the Federal Government has been realised with the announcement of investment for assistive technology (AT) in the Indo-Pacific.
The commitment is part of the new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy, launched at Parliament House today (November 28, 2024), ahead of International Day of People with Disability on December 3.
It includes $12 million to expand access to essential assistive technology across the Indo-Pacific.
It mirrors Vision 2020 Australia’s ask of the government to allocate an additional $12 million to improve access to affordable, high-quality assistive technology and wrap around services, in partnership with Pacific-led organisations.
Vision 2020 Australia CEO, Carly Iles, said she is pleased that equity and inclusion is a key objective of the new International Disability Strategy, and that support for equitable access to assistive technology has been included
“Assistive technology plays a critical role in ensuring people with vision loss remain independent. Simple devices like glasses and white canes can transform lives, helping people to see and navigate effectively, benefiting the health, economic and social well-being of individuals and communities.
“Well-prescribed, low-cost equipment enables people with irreversible vision loss to perform daily tasks independently, and for those with reversible vision loss, assistive technology solutions like glasses can correct vision, minimising the risk of adverse health outcomes including depression, falls, hip fractures and dementia.
“The need in the Indo-Pacific for access to assistive technology is immense,” Ms Iles said.
Carly Iles thanked the government and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, for acting on the recommendation provided by Vision 2020 Australia and partners.
“As the national peak for eye health and vision care, this call for action has been led by our members with expertise in the region, such as The Fred Hollows Foundation, the Brien Holden Vision Foundation and CBM Australia, as well as consultation and support from like-minded organisations including The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), and the Australian Disability and Development Consortium (ADDC).
You can read the new International Disability Strategy here.