It is estimated that by 2050 over 3.5 billion people would benefit from Assistive Technology, yet 90% will not have access.

AT2030 is changing that. 

GDI Hub

It is estimated that by 2050 over 3.5 billion people would benefit from Assistive Technology, yet 90% will not have access.

AT2030 is changing that. 

AT2030 tests ‘what works’ to improve access to life-changing Assistive Technology (AT) for all. Led by Global Disability Innovation Hub and funded by UK aid, we've reached 34 million people in 61 countries, driving a lifetime of potential. In 2023 UK aid announced a further £31 million investment to the AT2030 programme.

Search the AT2030 programme

AT2030 Impact - find out more

AT2030 explores and test innovative ways to address systematic challenges to get more AT to the people that need it. From creating deep community leadership to generating new evidence & insights, we answer critical research questions and develop foundational methodologies, addressing intersectional challenges and research and evidence gaps.

From incubating future tech inspired solutions to venture acceleration, we bring effective solutions to market by testing new mechanisms and ambitious scaling pathways. We embed disability innovation into national policy landscapes, stimulating demand, activating country pilots, strengthen systems and creating enabling markets environment in Low-and Middle- Income Countries.

We're reached 10 million people directly and over 54 million in total, working with over 150 partners in over 50 countries. 

Programme Clusters

The current programme (AT2030 version 3) is divided into five Programme Clusters and 13 sub-programmes to test ‘what works’ for AT. For more about AT2030 version 1 and 2 and our delivery between 2018 and 2024 - visit the about section.

AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure - six cities

We've researched inclusive city design in 6 global cities to understand the current challenges, the opportunities, what's working well and what isn’t. To get AT to people who need it, the built environment must be inclusive, easy to use and navigate. Hear from the cities involved, and the next steps.

Find out more.

Latest

  • Disability inclusive Solutions for the Climate Crisis: Roundtable

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 23, 2025
    10:00AM- 17:00hrs
    United Kingdom

    Join us for a full-day participatory roundtable and workshop exploring the intersection of disability inclusion and climate action.

  • The Future of Financial Inclusion: Transforming global financing and the finance sector from the inside out.

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 10, 2025
    6:30-8:30 pm (EDT)
    United States

    Hosted by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Small Enterprise Assistance Funds (SEAF) and the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), this insightful discussion will explore how the financial sector can and is partnering with the international disability community, to accelerate sustainable, inclusive growth.

  • GDI Hub at the 18th Session Of The Conference Of States Parties To The CRPD (COSP18)

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, Sophie Glickman
    June 9, 2025

    The Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) is thrilled to participate in the upcoming COSP18, the UN’s annual meeting where governments, civil society, and other stakeholders review progress and share ideas on implementing disability rights under the CRPD. Taking place at the UN’s headquarters in New York City from the 9th to the 12th, this year’s COSP will focus on innovative financing to strengthen inclusive policies, the role of AI in enhancing participation, and recognising the rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities in advancing disability inclusion.

  • Innovate for Impact: Device & Digital Assistive Tech Hackathon 2025

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, Norad
    May 15, 2025
    Midnight

    This flagship hackathon is powered by Innovate Now, Africa’s pioneering AT accelerator, led by the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) and Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), with support from NORAD. It is delivered in partnership with AT4D, a Kenyan OPD and non-profit spun out from GDI Hub’s UK aid-funded AT2030 programme.

  • Inclucity 4: Climate resilience and innovation for inclusive cities

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    July 23, 2025
    AT2030 Resources

    In this final webinar, we will be focusing on climate resilience and innovation for inclusive cities. This project focuses on the need and opportunities for disability inclusion within the climate adaptation, mitigation, resilience, and innovation narratives and actions. It situates inclusive cities within the larger just transition ambition.

  • Understanding the Impact of Assistive Technology on Users’ Lives in England: A Capability Approach

    Rebecca Joskow, Dilisha Patel, Anna Landre, Kate Mattick, Catherine Holloway, Jamie Danemayer, Vicki Austin
    July 9, 2025
    Academic Research Publications

    This study explores the real-life impact of assistive technology (AT) in England, drawing on findings from a 2023 Country Capacity Assessment conducted by GDI Hub and the UK Disability Unit using the WHO’s ATA toolkit. It revealed the personal significance of AT in shaping identity and confidence, while identifying systemic barriers that limit access and effectiveness. The findings emphassze the need for user-centered approaches in measuring and improving AT systems.

  • Reflective narrative of OPD's and capacity building in Pakistan

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP)
    June 30, 2025
    Academic Research Publications

    This report explores the Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) ecosystem in Pakistan, focusing on how capacity building can drive systemic change, improve access to Assistive Technology (AT), and strengthen advocacy for the rights of People with Disabilities (PwDs). Part of the AT2030 programme, funded by UK International Development, the initiative draws on policy analysis, consultations with OPDs, and engagement with government, academia, and the private sector. It identifies key challenges, highlights opportunities, and offers practical recommendations to enhance OPD effectiveness and AT access.

  • IncluCITY 3: Making Services Inclusive

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 25, 2025
    AT2030 Resources

    In this third webinar, the focus was on Making Services Inclusive—exploring inclusive services and facilities, including essential services, and how to create seamless cities with connected, inclusive service ecosystems. It examined different aspects of inclusive services, including policy, training, financing, design, implementation, and monitoring.

  • Inclusive ASR Innovation Sprint to Empower People with Non-Typical Speech in Kenya.

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    Aug. 7, 2025
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    The second phase of the Centre for Digital and Language Inclusion (CDLI) initiative is now underway in Kenya, driving the development of inclusive Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems for people with non-typical or slurred speech, particularly in African languages. This marks the second innovation sprint in a pan-African effort to close the digital divide for individuals with speech impairments, building on a successful pilot in Ghana.

  • Two AT2030 supported ventures feature on the new Forbes Accessibility 100 list

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 18, 2025
    Global

    We’re thrilled to announce that two organisations - Koalaa and the Assistive Technology for Disability Trust (AT4D) - supported by Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) through the UK government funded AT2030 programme  have been recognised in the prestigious Forbes Accessibility 100 for 2025. This annual list celebrates global changemakers designing technologies that break barriers and unlock everyday opportunities for people with disabilities.

  • Signvrse joins Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI

    Harrison Kamau
    June 10, 2025
    Kenya

    Kenyan-based assistive technology startup Signvrse has been selected for the prestigious Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI, a global initiative supporting tech-driven solutions for social impact. As one of the few African enterprises in the $30 million program, Signvrse’s inclusion marks a major milestone in advancing inclusive communication for Deaf communities across the continent.

  • Driving Inclusive Innovation: GDI Hub Co-Hosts Global Dialogue on AI and Communication at the UN’s Civil Society Day

    Sophie Glickman
    June 9, 2025
    America

    The Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) was proud to co-host “A Look Ahead: AI and Innovative Inclusive Communication” yesterday alongside the UK Mission to the United Nations and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Held during the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP18), the event convened global leaders, innovators, and advocates to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in advancing inclusive communication, particularly for Deaf and disabled communities.

  • AT Innovation and Impact Podcast

    Maryam Bandukda, Harrison Kamau
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    This podcast is brought to you by the Global Disability Innovation Hub’s flagship AT2030 programme, funded by UKAid. In this series, we're embarking on a journey through the heart of Africa to explore a world where creativity and technology meet to challenge and change our understanding of disability. We will spotlight the incredible work of Innovate Now, Africa’s first assistive technology accelerator, and the pioneering spirits behind its success. We’ll uncover how the AT innovation ecosystem in Africa is not just evolving but also revolutionising the way assistive technologies are perceived, developed, and adopted. Innovate Now was co-founded 2019 by the Global Disability Innovation Hub and Bernard Chiira.

  • Innovation Podcast

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London, Giulia Barbareschi, Government of Kenya, ALL Institute (Maynooth University), UK Aid, UCL, Rhys Williams, Dr Rhys Williams, Institute of Making
    Feb. 15, 2021
    Global
    News

    A podcast featuring interviews and stories from the brains behind the disruptive and cutting-edge innovations that are aiming to impact the lives of millions of people living in different areas of the world.

  • Empowering OPDs to Lead Change. Cleoppar's story

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 5, 2025
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    In Kenya, KBTA in partnership with the Global Disability Innovation Hub carried out a comprehensive needs assessment in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu to understand the real-world challenges OPDs face. This process included focus group discussions with 84 OPDs and a nationwide survey completed by 209 organisations.  Here is Cleoppar Ephanto Mwasasi, chairperson of Child Advocacy the for United Community (COMUTAC).

  • Empowering OPDs to Lead Change. Christine's story

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 5, 2025
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), in partnership with the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub as part of the AT2030 programme, funded by UK International Development, implemented a project to strengthen the capacity of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to enhance their advocacy, organisational effectiveness, digital literacy, and skills in assistive technologies (AT). To support this initiative, Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), led by Global Disability Innovation Hub, carried out a comprehensive needs assessment in three counties —Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu — to identify the challenges OPDs face in these regions. The needs assessment gathered actionable insights that informed the development of targeted capacity-building interventions for OPDs. Here is Christine Titus, chairperson Jasiri Women Self Help Group speaking during the needs assessment stage

  • Empowering OPDs to Lead Change. Teresiah's story

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 5, 2025
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    In this video, hear from Teressia Wamboi from Coast Celebral Palsy FDN as she shares insights from our on-the-ground assessment. Discover how these findings are shaping targeted capacity-building interventions designed to empower OPDs with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to drive change in their communities.

  • Empowering OPDs to Lead Change. Carol's story

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 5, 2025
    Kenya
    Case Studies and Reports

    In Kenya, to support this initiative, Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), led by Global Disability Innovation Hub, carried out a comprehensive needs assessment in three counties Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu to identify the challenges OPDs face in these regions. The needs assessment gathered actionable insights that informed the development of targeted capacity-building interventions for OPDs. Here is Carol Emoyo, founder of Smile for Neurodiversity speaking during the needs assessment

  • IncluCITY Webinar Series

    Sophie Glickman
    Aug. 15, 2025

    By 2050, 70% of the world’s population will live in cities, amplifying challenges such as climate impacts, informal settlements, and barriers to essential services for people with disabilities. To address these issues, the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) launched the IncluCITY webinar series, convening experts and community leaders to share practical, real-world strategies for building inclusive urban environments, drawing on insights from its Delivering Inclusive Design in Cities: A Global Action Report.

  • New Study Aims to Transform Eye Care Accessibility in Kenya and Beyond.

    Harrison Kamau
    Aug. 8, 2025
    Kenya

    A new research study is underway to evaluate an innovative, low-cost eyeglass distribution model that could significantly expand access to vision care in underserved communities across Kenya and beyond. This study conducted in collaboration with Dot Glasses is part of the UK International Development-funded #AT2030Programme, delivered in partnership with Senses Hub. It aims to generate critical academic evidence to support the long-term scalability and sustainability of the Dot Glasses model.

  • Co-Creating Disability-Inclusive Climate Solutions

    Bala Nagendran, Aishwarya Soni
    July 30, 2025

    We at the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) hosted a full-day in-person roundtable event on Monday, 23 June 2025 at University College London, Marshgate Campus, during the London Climate Action Week. The event was planned as part of our research project titled “Disability-inclusive Solutions for the Climate Crisis: Leveraging Urban, Infrastructure, and Assistive Technology Research” in partnership with the Bartlett Development Planning Unit, funded by the UK International Development (AT2030 Programme) and UCL Grand Challenges.

  • IncluCITY 4: Climate resilience and innovation for inclusive cities

    Bala Nagendran
    July 22, 2025
    Global

    In this fourth webinar, we will be focusing on climate resilience and innovation for inclusive cities. This project focuses on the need and opportunities for disability inclusion within the climate adaptation, mitigation, resilience, and innovation narratives and actions. It situates inclusive cities within the larger just transition ambition