Topics
GAATO is a collaborative organisation with the purpose of creating alliances that support global initiatives on topics that advance the field of assistive technology (AT).
Our focus
All members of the organisation participate in the process of defining annual work programmes.
Alliance members learn from each other, share results and work together to further innovation.
GAATO is driven by its members and their active participation.
GAATO was established to pursue the following aims:
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To advance at the global level the field of assistive technology (AT) and rehabilitation engineering (RE) to benefit people with disabilities and functional limitations of all ages.
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To foster equitable and reliable access to assistive technology and rehabilitation for all people in the world that might benefit from it.
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To promote, at the global level, research, policy advocacy, education and training, communication and information provision, and knowledge exchange.
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To foster collaboration among the members and with supranational and international organisations and organisations having similar or complementary goals.
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To support assistive technology professional organisations in low and middle-income countries.
Priority Objectives
What We Do
GAATO members work to raise standards and broaden availability of AT through research and collaborative projects. Some of the focus areas are shown below.
Innovation Centres
GAATO members are both academic and commercial innovators. We strive to work together to grow assistive product, service and policy innovation around the world. We look to support the building of specialised AT centres.
Rehabilitation & Health
Our rapidly ageing global population needs access to the AT that can ensure they continue to have the best possible quality of life. GAATO works to strengthen the AT within rehabilitation and health.
Quality Assurance
& Standards
Collaborating to develop global standards for assistive products and services is a GAATO priority. Our members strive to align existing standards and develop new ones.
Education
& Training & Standards
Training trainers, educational advancement of children and youth and the dissemination of quality standards for these areas are key foci of GAATO objectives.
Universal Design & Access
The lack of an accessible environment can be what makes a person disabled. Universal design and assistive products used in an inclusive and compassionate way, make spaces open to us all.
Advocacy
GAATO aims to share awareness of the CRPD and the right to AT. Our mission is met through collaborative international work streams and result sharing at AT related events and conferences.
Where We Work
Our members represent a comprehensive array of AT stakeholder organisations throughout the world. GAATO connects our members and provides them with a way to collaborate on diverse international projects.
Events programme
You can connect with us and hear our members speak at international conferences and industry events. Find out when the next event is here.
National Members
Our members work internationally, nationally and regionally. If you would like to connect and discuss topics important to where you live you can reach them through the contact details found here.
Geneva
If you have an in-person meeting scheduled with board members in Geneva you will find directions and travel advice here.