ATAP Celebrates World Day for Assistive Technology 2026: Access Everywhere, for Everyone!

Today, the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) joins the global community in recognizing World Day for Assistive Technology 2026. It is a moment to celebrate how assistive technology (AT) transforms lives and to recommit to the work of making it accessible to all.

Assistive technology is everywhere, and it is for everyone. From smart home systems, mobility devices, and hearing aids to computer access tools and the everyday apps that help people manage medications or stay connected, AT is woven into the fabric of independent living. It opens doors to education, employment, community participation, and self-determination for people of all ages.

The need has never been greater. Worldwide, more than 2.5 billion people need at least one assistive product, and that number is projected to grow as populations age. Here at home, the AT Act Programs in every state and territory are meeting that need every day. They do this through device demonstrations, short-term loans, reuse and refurbishment, financing options, and training that help people find the right tools and learn how to use them.

In April, the U.S. Senate unanimously recognized National Assistive Technology Awareness Day, affirming the bipartisan understanding that access to AT is not a privilege but a pathway to opportunity. World Day for Assistive Technology extends that recognition across borders, reminding us that the right to participate fully in society belongs to everyone, everywhere.

As we mark this day, ATAP reaffirms its commitment to coordinating and strengthening the national network of AT Act Programs, advancing policy that protects and expands access, and elevating the stories of the individuals and families whose lives are changed by assistive technology.

Join us. Explore the resources available through your state or territory AT Act Program, share how assistive technology has made a difference in your life, and help us spread the word: assistive technology. everywhere. everyone.