The Kenyan assistive technology ecosystem: a network analysis
Background Assistive technology is central to the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities. However, there remains limited access to assistive technology throughout much of the world, with particularly poor access in lower- and middle-income countries. Evaluating stakeholder engagement...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Global Health Action |
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| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2024.2302208 |
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| author | Emma M. Smith Stephanie Huff Rose Bukania Bernard Chiira Catherine Holloway Malcolm MacLachlan |
| author_facet | Emma M. Smith Stephanie Huff Rose Bukania Bernard Chiira Catherine Holloway Malcolm MacLachlan |
| author_sort | Emma M. Smith |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background Assistive technology is central to the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities. However, there remains limited access to assistive technology throughout much of the world, with particularly poor access in lower- and middle-income countries. Evaluating stakeholder engagement in assistive technology networks has been used as a successful strategy to understand and address gaps in the assistive technology ecosystem. Objective The objective of this research was to provide an overview of the Kenyan Assistive Technology Ecosystem, including available assistive products and related services, and an understanding of the nature and strength of relationships between stakeholders Methods In this study, we employed an online qualitative stakeholder survey (2021) with representatives of organizations involved in assistive technology in Kenya. Results The assistive technology network in Kenya is distributed, with Government Ministries and Agencies and Organizations of persons with disabilities central to the network. The strength of relationships is concentrated on awareness and communication, with fewer organizations actively collaborating. Innovation training organizations are not yet well integrated into the network. Conclusions Improving access to assistive technology in Kenya will benefit from greater collaboration amongst all assistive technology stakeholders. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4523fd7d143048d0944e752814a5e121 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1654-9880 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Global Health Action |
| spelling | doaj-art-4523fd7d143048d0944e752814a5e1212025-02-05T12:46:13ZengTaylor & Francis GroupGlobal Health Action1654-98802024-12-0117110.1080/16549716.2024.23022082302208The Kenyan assistive technology ecosystem: a network analysisEmma M. Smith0Stephanie Huff1Rose Bukania2Bernard Chiira3Catherine Holloway4Malcolm MacLachlan5Maynooth UniversityMaynooth UniversityGovernment of KenyaUniversity College LondonUniversity College LondonMaynooth UniversityBackground Assistive technology is central to the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities. However, there remains limited access to assistive technology throughout much of the world, with particularly poor access in lower- and middle-income countries. Evaluating stakeholder engagement in assistive technology networks has been used as a successful strategy to understand and address gaps in the assistive technology ecosystem. Objective The objective of this research was to provide an overview of the Kenyan Assistive Technology Ecosystem, including available assistive products and related services, and an understanding of the nature and strength of relationships between stakeholders Methods In this study, we employed an online qualitative stakeholder survey (2021) with representatives of organizations involved in assistive technology in Kenya. Results The assistive technology network in Kenya is distributed, with Government Ministries and Agencies and Organizations of persons with disabilities central to the network. The strength of relationships is concentrated on awareness and communication, with fewer organizations actively collaborating. Innovation training organizations are not yet well integrated into the network. Conclusions Improving access to assistive technology in Kenya will benefit from greater collaboration amongst all assistive technology stakeholders.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2024.2302208assistive productsdisabilitynetwork analysisself-help deviceskenya |
| spellingShingle | Emma M. Smith Stephanie Huff Rose Bukania Bernard Chiira Catherine Holloway Malcolm MacLachlan The Kenyan assistive technology ecosystem: a network analysis Global Health Action assistive products disability network analysis self-help devices kenya |
| title | The Kenyan assistive technology ecosystem: a network analysis |
| title_full | The Kenyan assistive technology ecosystem: a network analysis |
| title_fullStr | The Kenyan assistive technology ecosystem: a network analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Kenyan assistive technology ecosystem: a network analysis |
| title_short | The Kenyan assistive technology ecosystem: a network analysis |
| title_sort | kenyan assistive technology ecosystem a network analysis |
| topic | assistive products disability network analysis self-help devices kenya |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2024.2302208 |
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