About The SAATE 2024

About The SAATE 2024

Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD) in partnership with the University of Washington and the African Network for Evidence–to–Action in Disability (AfriNEAD), implemented the Assistive Technology Information Mapping Project (AT-Info-Map) , mobile application and web-based database established to map the current availability of different types of AT in ten countries in Southern Africa. Loughborough University also supported SAFOD to design an assistive technology device catalogue which consists of listings of all the suppliers and manufacturers of AT in Southern Africa. 

The project worked with local disability organizations to address gaps in AT availability.  From the project The Southern Africa Assistive Technology Expo- SAATE was established to bring together a wide range of practical problem solvers of AT, AT suppliers and manufacturers, and service providers to promote AT in the region. SAATE also aims to facilitate improvements in the AT sector broadly through raising awareness about the need for better AT solutions and/or products. 

The following are the specific objectives; 

  1. To showcase different types of AT by AT manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and other related stakeholders;
  2. To advance local innovations of appropriate AT solutions, products, and services

In order to ensure that the SAATE events achieve both the overall goal and the ensuing specific objectives, it is therefore in this context why the events are targeting stakeholders beyond just AT manufacturers and suppliers. Other stakeholders to be involved will include:

  • Organizations of Persons with disabilities (OPDs)
  • Persons with disabilities or parents of PWDs who are looking to learn more about AT products?
  • International Non-governmental organizations that are engaged in AT provision
  • Other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
  • Key governments officials involved in AT procurement and provision
  • Representatives from professional associations (e.g., OT, PT, P & O)
  • Academic and industry researchers
  • The Media