Generate new evidence & insights.
We answer critical research questions and develop foundational methodologies, addressing intersectional challenges and research and evidence gaps.
Led by GDI Hub at University College London, with academic and community partners globally, this cluster will answer critical research questions and develop foundational methodologies to support the evidence base for best practices in assistive technology provision in low- and middle-income countries.
Sub-Programmes
- Data and Evidence Portal: Our Data and Evidence portal combines research from the Rapid Assessments of Assistive Technology and various global studies. The portal aims to improve access to life-changing assistive technology for all.
- What Works: The What Works project focuses on research related to the AT2030 programme, aiming to answer specific questions and gather insights.
- Mobile & Emerging Technology: Mobile and emerging technologies are enhancing assistive devices with features like text-to-speech and eye-gaze control, improving accessibility. However, questions persist about the effectiveness of mobile devices as assistive technology.
- Fellowship Programme: Our Fellowships programme will accelerate emerging talent, helping to answer key research questions.
Latest
-
Empower Conference: Automatic Speech Recognition & Voice Cloning
Global Disability Innovation Hub, Richard CaveOct. 3, 2025IndiaChange or loss of natural voice is likely for many people living with progressive neurological conditions such as MND/ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, MSA, PSP and many others. Also, for people living with the effects of head and neck cancer, trauma. And for many others, they may have never had natural voice to communicate with, for example some people with cerebral palsy. Is this situation, text to speech (or picture to speech) apps are sometimes used, using a synthesised voice that frequently sounds very different to how a person sounded or should be represented.
-
GDI Hub’s Centre for Digital Language Inclusion (CDLI) co-creation sesison
Harrison KamauSept. 25, 2025KenyaCase Studies and ReportsGDI Hub’s Centre for Digital Language Inclusion (CDLI) is running an innovation sprint in Kenya, bringing together university teams, innovators, and mentors to co-create inclusive technologies using non-standard speech data. Building on learnings from the Ghana edition, this hackathon will culminate in a finale in November with top teams developing real-world MVPs, using ASRs trained on the voice samples that have been collected by the CDLI in collaboration with Senses Hub. With structured mentoring, stakeholder consultations, and user empowerment workshops, the initiative is designed to ensure that persons with speech impairments are not just represented but meaningfully involved in shaping solutions. The final prototypes aim to bridge accessibility gaps in communication and digital participation.
-
Inclusive ASR Innovation Sprint to Empower People with Non-Typical Speech in Kenya.
Global Disability Innovation HubAug. 7, 2025KenyaCase Studies and ReportsThe 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.
-
Outcomes of assistive technology use by sex and gender; a scoping review
Vicki Austin, Mikaela Patrick, Dr Dilisha PatelJune 25, 2025GlobalAcademic Research PublicationsThis paper synthesises evidence on the influence of sex and gender on assistive technology (AT) outcomes, recognising AT as a tool for enabling participatory rights.
-
Consultation guide to inform the development of Dignity Kits customised for women and girls with disabilities
Patel Dilisha, Global Disability Innovation HubJune 23, 2025GlobalAcademic Research PublicationsThis new toolkit is here to help us hold impactful consultations to develop Dignity Kits specifically for women and girls with disabilities! Created with GDI Hub and UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Office, this guide has been refined through piloting in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Fiji, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka UNFPA Country Offices. Their experiences are now integrated, making this a powerful tool for UNFPA country offices worldwide to ensure their offerings are truly inclusive.