Assistive Technology and Global Economics

Living in America, we often lose sight of the fact that there’s a whole world of experiences outside of our borders. Only 40% of the world population lives in free countries where rules and regulations are put in to place to ensure the rights of their citizens. The other 60% are subject to violations of universal human rights and have to fend for themselves in many economic and health related issues.

Assistive technology is really only a benefit for first world countries. There are millions of people on Earth that have untreated disabilities who have to make do with the relatively little that they have. I believe that, in the future, it should be the goal of professionals in the health care field to spread our medical advancements worldwide (without disrupted other ways off life).

Here are some statistics surrounding the need for assistive technology in other parts of the world according to the World Health Organization (WHO):

· “200 million people with low vision who do not have access to assistive products for low-vision.

· 75 million people who need a wheelchair and only 5% to 15% of those in need who have access to one.

· 466 million people globally experience hearing loss. Hearing aid production currently meets less than 10% of the global need.

· Huge workforce shortages in assistive technology: over 75% of low-income countries have no prosthetic and orthotics training programs. Countries with the highest prevalence of disability-related health conditions tend to be those with the lowest supply of health workers skilled in provision of assistive technology (as low as 2 professionals per 10 000 population) (4)” (WHO, 1).

This is a very complex issue which may take decades to sort out; however, I would like to provide my own solution to this problem.

For the next 30 years, First World Countries should create programs that allow foreigners to learn how to create assistive technology and treat disabilities for free; public schools from 1st — 12nd grade are normally free for entire countries so this shouldn’t put a dent in our economies.

While this is happening, more advanced countries should help provide structure for health care programs in less privileged countries so that the people who are learning health care related skills abroad have a guaranteed job when they return to their countries.

There is no reason why the human race should allow abstract borders and rigid cultures to prevent universal advancement. Someone in Bangladesh should be given the same opportunities as someone in the UnItEd StAtEs. The “world caste system” needs to be eliminated. We should not do things for the benefit of our country alone; instead we should unify and make sacrifices for the benefit of humanity.