Network analysis of assistive technology stakeholders in Malawi.

BACKGROUND

Assistive technologies promote participation and quality of life for people with disabilities and other functional limitations. There is a global call to develop and implement policies to improve access to assistive technologies. In response, a stakeholder led initiative in Malawi is working towards the development of such a policy.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the existing network of stakeholders, and the strength of relationship between organizations who deliver assistive products and related services.

METHOD

We conducted a survey-based network analysis of assistive technology stakeholder organizations in Malawi.

RESULTS

Stakeholders (n = 19) reported a range of connections, from no awareness to collaboration with organizations within the assistive technology network. No single organization or government ministry was most central to the network. International NGOs were less central to the network than local organizations for disabled people, service providers, and ministries.

CONCLUSION

The assistive technology stakeholder network in Malawi is distributed, with a range of responsibility across a variety of stakeholders, including three government ministries. An effective assistive technology policy must engage all stakeholders and may benefit from a collective leadership approach that spans the inter-sectoral need for a cohesive assistive technology system.