Asia and the Pacific region is at the crossroads of demographic and digital transformations. Addressing the digital divide is more urgent than ever as the population of Asia and the Pacific ages, and age-related disabilities increase. As we approach the International Day of Persons with Disabilities this Insight Thursday event will spotlight the essential role, and urgency of digital accessibility in reducing inequality and improving outcomes for people with disabilities.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually to foster greater understanding of disability-related issues and to encourage support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with disabilities.  

This Insight Thursday will deep dive into the enabling levers for a digital-first, disability inclusive, future in Asia and the Pacific.  Catherine Holloway, Academic Director from the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub at the University College, London will outline emerging opportunities and innovations in digital inclusion. With a focus on public policy, infrastructure, health and education, Cathy will spotlight future opportunities across the ADB sectoral portfolio. Leading the question-and-answer session, Director of the Digital Sector Department, Antonio G. Zaballos, will respond and set the scene for audience discussions.

An estimated 16% of the world’s population experience significant disability. Yet people with disabilities are excluded from many of the advances in digital technology. As technology rapidly changes with advances in artificial intelligence, big data and online platforms, low digital literacy and inaccessible digital design reduce the ability of many people with disabilities to participate in an online world. Gaps in digital and data infrastructure in developing member countries (DMCs) further limit equitable access to online information and opportunities. Digital exclusion reinforces the barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and financial services that drive poverty, deepening inequality and leading to worse health, education and economic outcomes.  

Come along or listen to learn about future opportunities for digital inclusion in ADBs work. This is an online event and will be conducted via Zoom. 

Register in advance:
https://adb-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/PUL3eC3ATySFkj-ukNA_DA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the session.

Meeting ID: 955 2515 1052
Passcode: insight25

----------------------------------

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

CATHERINE HOLLOWAY
Academic Director
Global Disability Innovation Hub

Cathy is co-founder & Academic Director of GDI Hub. Cathy leads the Innovation Cluster and the Data and Evidence cluster of the flagship AT2030 programme. Cathy leads the innovation work of GDI hub, including the imagination and initiation of Innovate Now and the AT Impact Fund.

Cathy contributed to the WHO-UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology as an author and via membership of the Expert Advisory Panel. Cathy currently sits on sits on the EPSRC Strategic Advisory Team for Healthcare Technology, and the WHO Technical Advisory Group for Assistive Technology.

Cathy is Prof. Interaction Design & Innovation and the world-leading UCL Interaction Centre, led the design of the MSc Disability Design & Innovation and is co-Director of the WHO Collaborating Center on assistive Technology.

Cathy’s team at UCL also develops novel technologies for disabled people in the UK and globally. It is currently investigating the role of future technologies, such as AI, haptics and mobile, in solving major global priorities of poverty and inclusion.

ANTONIO ZABALLOS
Director, Digital Sector
SD2-DIG

As director he provides strategic advice, guidance, and knowledge expertise to promote digital technologies in Asia and the Pacific, and serves as a leading figure to shape ADB’s digital technology strategies. Mr. Zaballos holds a doctorate degree in economics, master’s in management development, and bachelor’s in business administration.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR

LOUISE MCSORLEY
Social Development Specialist
SD3-HSD

Louise joined ADB after a long career as a senior civil servant and diplomat with the Australian Government in areas as diverse as legal policy, migration, economic development and trade, labor market programs and gender. Her government service was supplemented by short term consultancies for the ILO, drafting new labor laws in Myanmar and Sri Lanka and with UNDP in Myanmar coaching in a Civil Service leadership program. She was also consultant for ADB in the gender teams of the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Trained as a lawyer in Sydney, Australia (complemented by Southeast Asian Studies) Louise also holds a Masters in Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development, majoring in gender.