Opening the GATE: systems thinking from the global assistive technology alliance

Figures & data

Table 1. Signatories to the Budapest Agreement are the founding members of the International Global Alliance of Assistive Technology Professional Organisations.

Association	Demographics	Strategic goals	Activities
AAATE	AAATE has 218 members among which 41 institutions mostly from academia, providers, industry. The board is composed of 7 members including a president and president elect.	A strategic objective is that in Europe and worldwide an increasing number of persons with disabilities that might benefit from it have access to and effectively use appropriate assistive solutions. The implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities, in particular the articles that acknowledge the importance of assistive technology, accessibility and universal design. The development of policy and programmes in all areas of disability and technology. International collaboration and exchange. Support work that enhances accessibility legislation and standardisation.	A biannual conference Workshops Communication and dissemination activities Project participation Technology and Disability journal International networking and related activities Support to the ENTELIS network
ARATA	Board of 10 plus individual or associate membership. 220 members including AT professionals (all allied health, professions education, engineering, nursing); AT users, AT suppliers, educators, policymakers and funders	i. Influence policy and sector reforms to embed good practice and equitable service delivery; ii. Support and develop assistive technology knowledge and skills by: - promoting specialised skills and knowledge in assistive and rehabilitation technologies; - supporting good practice principles in service delivery; iii. Develop, strengthen and support assistive technology research, practice and profile, locally and globally; iv. Ensure ARATA’s sustainability, financial viability and relevance	Biennial conference Education events Member listserv Policy advisory activities Australian and international standards representation International liaison Policy change activities
RESKO	In 2007 RESKO (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of Korea) was established based on the RESNA model. RESKO has about 170 members including student members. The affiliated organisations are academy, institute, government, hospitals and welfare organisation, industry manufacture, and associations. Board committee is composed a total of 20 members including president, president elect, and three vice-presidents.	The primary goal of RESKO is to contribute to academic research on RE & AT for persons with disability and elderly persons. The details are as follows: 1. Investigation, research and exchange of academic studies 2. Publish journal 3. Host of regular conference, special interesting group, training workshop, and committee meetings 4. Standardisation research 5. Education and training programme on RE & AT 6. International and domestic cooperation activities related to RE & AT	Two conference per year Project participation One domestic journal publication AT Licence education International networking and other activities
RESNA	Board of Directors of 15; Approximately 1300 members who are engineers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counsellors, manufacturers, suppliers, technologists, AT users, policy makers	Established in 1979 our mission is to promote the health and well-being of people with disabilities, and those who are aging, through technology solutions; Strategic Plan: 1) Advance the professional and educational development of RESNA members, students, and others in the field.  2) Increase RESNA’s value to members and potential members.  3) Raise our profile in the field and position RESNA as a credible leader and expert resource.  4) Pursue new financial resources to strengthen Society while benefitting the field. 5) Strengthen RESNA’s role in AT/RE research and knowledge translation	Special interest groups (SIGs) Professional Specialty Groups (PSGs) ISO & ANSI Standards Professional Standards Board, Certification (ATP, SMS, RET) Educational webinars AT Forum listserv Annual conference Government Affairs AT Journal AT Education Accreditation
RESJA	714 individual members including AT professionals (all allied health, professions engineering, education, nursing, vocation), AT users, AT suppliers, educators, policymakers and funders; and 20 institutional members. 14 elected board members.	RESJA, established in March 1986, is an organisation for all persons with disabilities, pursuing to develop and popularise assistive technologies in the rehabilitation field. RESJA continues to contribute to the academic research, culture and industry by utilising assistive technologies.	Annual conferences (JCAART) Annual AT Competitions Rehabilitation Engineering Journal (4 books per year) 10 Special Interest Groups 6 Local Area Groups ad hoc committees Seminars and training programmes International activities
TREATS	Board of 22 plus individual or associate membership. 193 members including AT professionals (all allied health, education, engineering, nursing); AT users, AT suppliers, educators, policymakers and funders.	i. Assist the government to develop policies related to assistive technology ii. To participate in international affairs and related activities iii. Attending relevant conferences to improve knowledge and skills iv. Promote the alliance of “health industry, government and science research” in TREATS v. Promote the development of members related matters	Annual conferences Newsletter (4 per year) Ad-hoc committees Seminars and training programmes International activities Workshops Education events Project participation: International networking and other activities