The Asia and the Pacific region was at the crossroads of demographic and digital transformations. Addressing the digital divide was more urgent than ever as the population of Asia and the Pacific aged, and age-related disabilities increased. As the International Day of Persons with Disabilities approached, this Insight Thursday event spotlighted 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 was 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.

Insight Thursday took a 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 University College London, outlined emerging opportunities and innovations in digital inclusion. With a focus on public policy, infrastructure, health, and education, Cathy spotlighted future opportunities across the ADB sectoral portfolio. Leading the question-and-answer session, Director of the Digital Sector Department Antonio G. Zaballos responded and set the scene for audience discussions.

An estimated 16% of the world’s population experienced significant disability. Yet people with disabilities were excluded from many of the advances in digital technology. As technology rapidly changed with advances in artificial intelligence, big data, and online platforms, low digital literacy and inaccessible digital design reduced the ability of many people with disabilities to participate in the online world. Gaps in digital and data infrastructure in developing member countries (DMCs) further limited equitable access to online information and opportunities. Digital exclusion reinforced barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and financial services that drove poverty, deepened inequality, and led to worse health, education, and economic outcomes.

Participants learned about future opportunities for digital inclusion in ADB’s work. This was an online event and was conducted via Zoom.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Disability Inclusion Improves System Performance
   When systems are designed for persons with disabilities, they work better for everyone. Inclusive design enhances usability, efficiency, and resilience—critical in Asia and the Pacific where aging populations, rising healthcare needs, and rapid tech adoption converge.
    
2. Assistive Technologies Are Under-Provided
   Even basic devices like eyeglasses remain inaccessible for up to 60% of people in some Asian countries. Advanced tools—voice interfaces, eye-tracking—require inclusive datasets and local language models to function effectively. Scaling access is essential for equity.
    
3. Accessibility Must Be Written Into Contracts
   Experience shows that accessibility cannot be left as a recommendation. It must be mandated in procurement, tenders, and system specifications, including compliance with WCAG standards and local language coverage. Without this, accessibility is deprioritized during implementation.
    
4. Language and Speech Diversity Are Critical for AI
   AI systems and voice technologies often fail for non-English or accented speech. Including diverse voices—such as those with speech impairments from stroke or cerebral palsy—improves accuracy for all users and ensures equitable access to voice-enabled technologies.
    
5. Scaling Inclusive Innovation Needs System Integration and OPD Engagement
   Pilots often fail to scale due to funding gaps, regulatory hurdles, and poor integration into national systems. Partnering with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), using outcome-linked vendor incentives, and creating AI regulatory sandboxes can accelerate adoption and ensure solutions meet real-world needs.
    
6. Digital Health Can Deepen Inequality Without Inclusion
   Telehealth, AI-assisted triage, and mobile health apps often benefit urban, higher-income, and non-disabled users first. Rural communities, women, and persons with disabilities risk being left behind unless accessibility is embedded in telehealth platforms, remote monitoring, and AI-driven care.
    
7. Education Requires Inclusive Platforms and Specialized Tools
   Countries must adopt global accessibility standards for digital learning platforms and provide classroom support for teachers. Inclusive mainstream technology and bespoke assistive tools are both essential for lifelong learning and workforce readiness.

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

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.