On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, AAATE reaffirms its commitment to advancing inclusive, equitable, and enabling environments through accessibility and assistive technology. These are exciting times: we are witnessing significant developments with the entry into force of the European Accessibility Act and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, which is already opening new possibilities for assistive technology and for improving the well-being of persons with disabilities.

Yet many challenges remain. A substantial number of people who could benefit from assistive technology still lack access to it, an unmet need that is exacerbated by ongoing conflicts across the globe and persistent under-resourcing, including in high-income countries. And while AI offers remarkable opportunities, it also raises serious concerns: risks of reinforcing stigma through non-representative training datasets, widening digital and economic divides, or compromising autonomy if systems are not designed to preserve agency and control.

In this context, the European Union has launched a public consultation on the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities towards 2030. AAATE encourages all stakeholders, including professionals, organisations, and especially persons with disabilities themselves, to contribute actively to this important process.

Over the past years, we have witnessed a gradual but steady increase in awareness around accessibility and assistive technology. We firmly believe that by involving persons with disabilities in all stages of development, as co-designers and decision-makers, we can continue to make meaningful progress and build more inclusive societies for all.