EFHOH welcomes the landmark resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on access to assistive technology on 2 September 2026. The resolution was led by Pakistan and co-sponsored by over 40 Member States.
The adoption of the resolution marks an important international milestone, recognising the potential of assistive technology to support the exercise of human rights, independent living, inclusion and full and meaningful participation in society. For many hard of hearing people, access to appropriate hearing assistive technology, including hearing aids, cochlear implants and assistive listening devices and systems, enables communication, access to information and equal participation in education, employment, healthcare, independent living and community life.
For EFHOH, effective implementation must result in affordable, equitable and sustained access to hearing aids, cochlear implants and assistive listening devices, supported by quality professional hearing care and rehabilitation throughout the life course. It must also be shaped by the meaningful participation of hard of hearing people and their representative organisations throughout policy and technology development, implementation and evaluation.
EFHOH is already contributing to these objectives through its research, advocacy and engagement at European and international level. By bringing together evidence from across Europe with the lived experience of hard of hearing people, EFHOH works to identify persistent barriers and advocate for equitable policies and health systems. We will continue to engage with Member States, the United Nations and other relevant stakeholders to support the implementation of this landmark resolution and ensure that the voices of hard of hearing people shape the actions that follow.
