Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 11:15 AM- Wednesday, May 14, 2025 12:15 PM
Location: RESNA@RehabWeek 2025 Sheraton Riverside Downtown Chicago Chicago, Il
Lead/Instructor: Wallace Karuguti, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Abstract: Access to rehabilitation services and assistive technology (AT) remains a challenge in developing countries. The Ministry of Health-ATScale program in Kenya, launched in April 2023, addresses these gaps by establishing a government-led National Rehabilitation and AT Coordination Mechanism. Key outcomes include developing the Kenya Assistive Technologies Essential Products List (KATEPL), creating standardized reporting tools, rolling out short courses, and awarding Higher National Diploma scholarships to enhance healthcare worker capacity. The integration of AT into national supply chains has improved accessibility to essential devices. Future plans include scaling training programs, strengthening AT distribution, and monitoring outcomes using newly developed tools. This model demonstrates a scalable, sustainable approach to rehabilitation services in resource-limited settings, providing insights for global application.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze Kenya’s scalable model for enhancing access to assistive technology and rehabilitation services in resource-limited settings. Apply innovative strategies, including AT integration into supply chains and workforce upskilling, to address similar challenges in their own contexts. Advocate for scaling of AT and rehabilitation services in similar settings using the presented model.