By Vittoria Lucotti
"Digital and assistive technologies serve as critical tools to empower persons with disabilities, enabling their full participation in society. However, equitable access remains a persistent challenge, requiring coordinated efforts to bridge gaps in affordability, quality, and awareness." - United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. (2025). Rights of persons with disabilities and digital technologies and devices, including assistive technologies: Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/58/33).
AI is more and more implemented in our lives in a lot of ways, what’s most important is that it can implement the assistive medicine field. AI is revolutionizing assistive technologies, offering incredible opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
For decades traditional assistive technologies, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids and screen readers, have supported those who suffer from disabilities.
Nonetheless, these technologies often presented limitations. For instance they can be very expensive, customisation might be difficult and many devices can only address one need.
AI could provide them with the skills or tools they may need in order to overcome these limits and fully participate in society, living their lives without any barrier.
Assistive technology (AT) falls into two main categories: low-tech and high-tech. These categories are distinguished by their level of sophistication, adaptability, capabilities, and usability. Low-tech Assistive Technology tends to be simpler and more affordable, but it may not be as adaptable to individual needs and might not last as long. High-tech AT, on the other hand, provides more advanced features, can often connect easily with other devices, and offers a wide range of customization options to address more complex requirements.
The Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (2025) emphasized the need for a human rights-based approach to digital inclusion and the integration of assistive technologies into care systems to promote independence, accessibility, and dignity.
The Report calls for governments, stakeholders, and also the private sector to collaborate in order to improve access, foster innovation, and ensure compliance with international human rights standards.
AI-powered solutions are promoting increased independence, involvement, and general quality of life by overcoming the drawbacks of conventional assistive technology.
As highlighted by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, a collaborative, human rights-based approach involving governments, stakeholders, and the private sector is crucial to ensure equitable access and drive further innovation.
The future of assistive technology lies in realizing and exploiting the full potential of AI to create a more inclusive and accessible society for all.
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