This policy session brings together global minds to discuss chaotic developments, which are creating high levels of risk to access appropriate assistive technology where immediate and emergency response is required to support citizens and the impacts of war. We as assistive technology and rehabilitations professionals, cannot remain silent and the symposium that we have visioned is an opportunity for AAATE to indicate the sort of conditions most likely to facilitate effective assistive technology provision internationally, to provide appropriate and timely responses by creating sustainable infrastructure within diverse contexts, particularly during and post conflict. This session will emphasise the urgency to consider the vulnerability of sustainable development and the risks of reversal of achievements, through local systems strengthening, back to more reactionary charitable, short-term solutions. The lack of sustainable in-country infrastructure, including skilled workforce, undoubtedly impacts provision causing major disruption to peoples’ lives.
As fellow human beings we need a willingness to work in partnership to create a plan for action which nourishes a sustainable assistive technology community of practice. As assistive technology and rehabilitations professionals who share a common goal, we need to find community led solutions which embrace a middle ground approach, moving this debate out of silos, linking people at all levels and recognise the realities of disruption and destruction of structures, without being stilted by them.