EASTIN European assistive technology information network

Abstract

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities states that governments shall “provide accessible information to persons with disabilities about mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies, including new technologies, as well as other forms of assistance, support services and facilities”. Knowledge centers on assistive technology from Italy, Germany, UK, Denmark, France, Belgium and the Netherlands joined together in the EASTIN Association to disseminate the information about assistive technology (AT) (product information, addresses of manufacturers and distributors, fact sheets, selection procedures ...) stored in their national databases to all citizens of the European Union (EU). This is accomplished via the EASTIN portal, www.eastin.eu, and via National Contacts in the different member states. Main challenges for EASTIN are the differences in the national databases (e.g. used languages, collected data, national policy, used technology), the different cultures in the EU and reaching the end-user of AT. Eastin realizes clearly a broader awareness of the existence of assistive technology in Europe and the rest of the world.