WHO launches online training programme to increase access to simple assistive products
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an online training programme to assist mobility retailers and other community healthcare workers to safely and effectively provide a range of simple assistive products.
More than 2.5 billion people worldwide need assistive products like glasses, walking aids, continence products, and therapeutic footwear in their everyday life.
To meet this increasing need, WHO has launched Training in Assistive Products or TAP, a groundbreaking training programme designed to increase access to the world’s most needed assistive products.
TAP is an open-access online learning platform that can equip primary healthcare workers like nurses, doctors, and community health workers with the knowledge and skills to provide assistive products.
The training complements other WHO tools and resources in supporting countries to improve access to assistive technology. TAP is currently available in 10 languages, including the six UN languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
Dr Clive Ondari, WHO Director of Health Products, Policy, and Standards, commented: “TAP has the potential to empower health workers around the world with the knowledge and skills to identify those who need assistive products. By harnessing digital technology to provide an open access online platform to this training product, it is truly a tool for local implementation.”
After launching yesterday TAP’s global Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) will be available in a range of languages all around the globe. The MOOC will provide participants with an introduction to assistive products suitable for a broad audience, from policymakers and educators, healthcare managers, and providers to users of assistive products and their families.
Last year, WHO published a landmark assistive technology guide to provide best practice guidance for manufacturing and drive disability innovation worldwide which includes specifications for 26 prioritised assistive products, covering mobility, hearing, vision, communication, cognition and self-care.
