30 Oct UN General Assembly Adopts Landmark Resolution on Access to Assistive Technology Posted at 10:10h in Accessibility
September 2, 2026 | United Nations
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted its first-ever resolution dedicated to Access to Assistive Technology, marking an important milestone in global efforts to improve accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities and older adults.
Led by Pakistan and adopted by consensus on September 2, 2026, Resolution A/RES/80/305 recognizes the essential role assistive technology plays in helping individuals participate more fully in education, employment, healthcare, and everyday community life.
The resolution calls on Member States to expand access to quality, affordable assistive technology through stronger national strategies, improved funding, research and innovation, and greater international cooperation. It also emphasizes the importance of involving people who use assistive technology in the development of policies and programs that affect them.
Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of products and solutions, including hearing aids, hearing loops, wheelchairs, prosthetics, screen readers, and communication devices. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide require one or more assistive products, highlighting the significant need for improved access.
For the hearing-impaired community, this global commitment reinforces the importance of accessible communication in public spaces, workplaces, healthcare facilities, and educational environments. Technologies such as hearing loops and other assistive listening systems help remove communication barriers and support greater independence and participation.
While the resolution represents an important step forward, continued investment and collaboration will be essential to translating these commitments into meaningful improvements for people around the world.
At Contacta, we welcome this continued global focus on accessibility and inclusion. We remain committed to developing and providing assistive listening solutions that help create more accessible environments and ensure everyone has the opportunity to communicate clearly and confidently.
Sources and further reading:
- UN Resolution A/RES/80/305 – Access to Assistive Technology
- ATscale – UN General Assembly Adopts Landmark Resolution
- UN General Assembly – September, 2, 2026 Plenary Meeting