Small Grants Programme for World Day for Assistive Technology
Project Title: Small Grants Programme for World Day for Assistive Technology
Project Duration: 6 months (April - September 2026)
Implemented by: Bangladesh Disabled Development Trust (BDDT)
Supported by: ATscale - the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology
Administered by: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, supported Bangladesh Disabled Development Trust (BDDT) through its Small Grants Programme for World Day for Assistive Technology 2026, administered by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Through this initiative, BDDT worked with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across Asia to raise awareness about assistive technology and promote the rights of assistive technology users.
About the Project
The Small Grants Programme for the 3rd World Day for Assistive Technology 2026 was implemented by Bangladesh Disabled Development Trust (BDDT) from April to September 2026 with support from ATscale, administered by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The project aimed to strengthen the Assistive Technology (AT) movement across Asia. Through awareness campaigns, advocacy activities, and public engagement, it engaged more than 1,000 AT users and reached over two million people around the 3rd World Day for Assistive Technology, observed on 4 June 2026.
Assistive Technology is essential for ensuring independence, dignity, participation, and inclusion for persons with disabilities, older persons, and others who require support products and services. Despite the growing global need for assistive technology, millions of people continue to face barriers in accessing these life-changing products and services. Through this initiative, BDDT worked closely with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across Asia to raise awareness, amplify the voices of AT users, and strengthen advocacy efforts aimed at improving access to assistive technology.
Orientation and capacity building sessions with partners
Assistive technology users engaged in regional awareness
Social media contest posts by At users and partner organizations
What BDDT Has Done Under the World AT Day 2026 Initiative
Bangladesh Disabled Development Trust (BDDT) is an Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) and civil society organization that has been working since 2009 to promote disability rights, rehabilitation services, assistive technology access, inclusive development, education, livelihoods, gender equality, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian response. Under this regional initiative, BDDT coordinated a network of OPDs across Asia to celebrate World Day for Assistive Technology and advance collective advocacy for greater access to assistive products and services.
BDDT's Commitment
BDDT believes that access to assistive technology is a fundamental human right and an essential component of inclusive development. Through this partnership with ATscale and UNOPS, BDDT is committed to strengthening regional collaboration, empowering assistive technology users, and advancing advocacy efforts that promote equal access to assistive products and services for all.
By working alongside organizations of persons with disabilities, AT users, governments, civil society organizations, and development partners, BDDT seeks to contribute to a future where everyone can access the assistive technology they need to participate fully and equally in society.
Online public hearings on assistive technology access
Assistive technology users' rally in Dhaka
Assistive technology users' rally in Dhaka