Assistive technology in public policies: trends in the international debate and implications for Brazil.

Abstract

The objectives of this study(1) were threefold: to identify the main topics related to the international debate on Assistive Technology (AT) public policies, to analyze the Brazilian case in light of these topics, and to extract lessons that could be applied in Brazil and other countries to advance progress in the field. A qualitative study was conducted through a critical literature review, involving the search for, selection, and analysis of articles indexed in two information source portals and four databases from 2007 to 2023. International and Brazilian laws, reports, and other publications specifically related to AT policies were also included. The analysis of 186 articles and Brazilian documents facilitated the examination of four themes: AT policies from a human rights perspective, public procurement, service delivery systems, and national plans. A subset of 107 publications was then selected for detailed analysis. Initiatives such as implementing a national plan, establishing an AT research center, and creating a product catalog are considered virtuous. Enhancing the freedom of choice for products and developing public procurement mechanisms are identified as additional strategies to reinforce protections of human rights in Brazil. Policy dynamics and national and international experiences suggest the potential for expanding initiatives and creating new solutions in Brazil. Universities and other scientific institutions emerge as promising loci for generating new knowledge to support the formulation of AT policies and facilitate their debate and further development.