Hello, it’s George Mwika Kayange here. Welcome to the AT Innovation Wiki.
I created this platform to solve a problem. Knowledge about assistive technology innovation exists in scattered places. Research sits behind paywalls. Local innovations go undocumented. Practitioners reinvent solutions that already exist elsewhere.
Meanwhile, 2.5 billion people need assistive technology. Most live in regions with limited access. Africa faces particular challenges despite remarkable grassroots innovations.
This disconnect frustrates me. My PhD research on AT ecosystems in Malawi revealed something important. Communities create brilliant solutions with minimal resources. Yet this knowledge rarely travels beyond local contexts.
AT Innovation Wiki changes that (hopefully!).
What This Platform Does
We connect three groups that rarely talk to each other.
Researchers need comprehensive databases. They search for peer-reviewed articles across AT categories. They want case studies showing real-world applications. Our global database delivers this.
Practitioners need practical resources. They seek proven solutions for their contexts. They want to learn from others facing similar challenges. Our encyclopedia and regional hub provide this.
Innovators need visibility. They develop solutions in resource-constrained settings. They deserve recognition and connection to broader networks. Our Southern and East Africa hub showcases this.
Why Africa Matters
My research focused on Malawi’s AT ecosystem. I found extraordinary innovation happening with limited resources. Organisations like MAP provide mobility devices. Groups like APAM protect people with albinism. Companies like eKitabu create accessible digital content.
These solutions work because communities design them. They understand local needs. They adapt to real constraints. They build sustainable models.
Yet global AT conversations often ignore African contexts. Resources focus on high-income settings. Innovation stories highlight expensive technologies. Policy frameworks assume infrastructure that doesn’t exist.
This platform centers African innovation without excluding global knowledge. We showcase grassroots solutions alongside academic research. We celebrate frugal innovation that serves billions of people.
What Makes Us Different
No Barriers: Everything works without plugins or databases. All resources load in standard web browsers. Mobile devices get full functionality.
Free Access: No paywalls block our content. No registrations required for basic features. Knowledge should be free.
Community Driven: People with disabilities shape our direction. Practitioners tell us what resources they need. Researchers help curate quality content.
Evidence Based: We prioritize peer-reviewed sources. Case studies come from real projects. Data reflects actual outcomes.
African Centered: Our regional hub focuses on Southern and East Africa. We document innovation ecosystems from the ground up. Local knowledge gets equal weight with global research.
Current Resources
Right now you can explore several interconnected tools.
The Global AT Database consists of peer-reviewed articles. Search by keyword or browse categories. Filter by region or publication date. Find exactly what you need.
The Interactive Encyclopedia explains AT terminology clearly. Each entry includes definitions, examples, and case studies. Start anywhere in the A-Z listing.
The Southern & East Africa Innovation Hub profiles startups and institutions. Learn about ecosystem actors. Discover policy frameworks. See where innovation happens.
The Events Calendar tracks AT conferences through 2026. Plan your participation. Connect with communities worldwide.
All resources feature live search, filtering, and responsive design. Use them on any device.
Coming Soon
The Assistive Technology Innovation Forum launches in Q1 2026. This will create space for community discussion. Share challenges and solutions. Build professional networks. We’re already preparing on LinkedIn.
Additional regional hubs will expand coverage. More innovation ecosystems deserve documentation. More communities deserve visibility.
Enhanced interactive features will improve user experience. We’re always refining based on feedback.
How You Can Help
This platform succeeds through community participation. Here’s how you contribute.
Share Your Knowledge: Have you developed AT solutions? Published relevant research? Documented local innovations? Send us your work. We’ll feature it appropriately.
Connect Others: Know researchers, practitioners, or organizations doing great work? Introduce them to this platform. Build our network together.
Provide Feedback: What resources do you need? What features would help your work? How can we improve existing tools? Tell us everything.
Join the Forum: Follow our LinkedIn group. Participate in early discussions. Help shape the community before official launch.
Spread Awareness: Link to our resources in publications. Share specific database entries. Reference our encyclopedia. Tell colleagues about this platform.
Collaborate: Have ideas for partnerships? Want to contribute content systematically? Interested in regional hub development? Let’s talk.
Why This Matters Now
Assistive technology appears in all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It enables education, health, work, and social participation. Yet most people who need AT can’t access it.
Innovation ecosystems hold the answer. When researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and communities work together, solutions emerge. When knowledge flows freely, innovation accelerates. When grassroots ingenuity gets recognized, sustainability follows.
This platform exists to make that happen.
Start Exploring
Browse the global database for research insights. Search the encyclopedia for terminology. Check the regional hub for African innovations. Review the events calendar for networking opportunities.
Every resource reflects years of research into AT ecosystems. Every feature serves actual user needs. Every decision prioritises accessibility and inclusion.
Welcome to AT Innovation Wiki. Let’s build this community together.
Tags
assistive technology, innovation ecosystems, Africa innovation, disability inclusion, AT research, accessibility, technology access, grassroots innovation, assistive devices, disability rights, Southern Africa, East Africa, AT database, knowledge sharing.
