Guyana Advances Assistive Technology Policy with PAHO Support to Boost Inclusion for Persons With Disabilities

Guyana moves forward with a new assistive technology policy aimed at expanding access to devices for people with disabilities, following a recent collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization that seeks to align national standards with regional inclusion goals.

PAHO provides technical assistance and expertise to Guyana’s ministry of health, offering guidance on procurement, training, and distribution of assistive tools, while also helping to secure funding mechanisms that can sustain long‑term implementation across the country.

Assistive Technology Policy outlines steps for stakeholder consultation, development of national standards, and creation of a monitoring framework, aiming to increase the availability of low‑cost devices and improve service delivery for disabled citizens in urban and rural areas.

Implementation is planned to roll out in phases over the next two years, beginning with pilot programs in Georgetown and regional health centers, and includes training for local technicians to maintain equipment, signaling a broader commitment to disability inclusion in national development plans.