What is EASTIN

EASTIN – the Global Assistive Technology Information Network

EASTIN is a network of national organizations, specialized in disseminating information in the field of assistive technology.

EASTIN owns the EASTIN search engine, which offers free online access to information on thousands of assistive products from databases hosted by EASTIN members.

The information includes product descriptions, pictures, technical product specifications, and commercial information about manufacturers. Products in the EASTIN search engine are classified according to the international standard “Assistive products – Classification and terminology” (ISO 9999).

EASTIN members meet and exchange knowledge at network meetings, both online and in person. External experts, including national organizations considering applying for EASTIN membership, are traditionally invited as guests.

EASTIN is led by a board, according to the Articles of the Association (see section "Downloads").

EASTIN has established alliances with leading global communities in the field of assistive technology, e.g. the WHO GATE community (Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology) and GAATO (The Global Alliance of Assistive Technology Organizations).

Vision

The vision of EASTIN:

  • Empowering people with disability by promoting dissemination of information, awareness, and knowledge on assistive technologies
  • Extending the potential for global aggregation and exchange of information on assistive technologies
  • Sustaining a leading information system on assistive technology worldwide, placing within the reach of every citizen comprehensive and accurate information for free
  • Supporting national activities of data collection and information dissemination on assistive technologies
  • Supporting independency and ability for persons with disability to control and choose activities and participation in all aspects of life, as mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • Contributing to the accessibility and quality of assistive technology globally in line with WHO GATE initiative objective

Strategic objectives

EASTIN collects and disseminates information on assistive technologies using a universal vocabulary operational for contextual use in the field of assistive technology in all cultural settings.

The sustainability of EASTIN is obtained by focusing on co-ordination and harmonization of well-established existing national initiatives collecting and disseminating information in the field of assistive technology.

EASTIN facilitates collaboration and exchange of know-how among its national members and is welcoming alliances with regional and global communities supporting the EASTIN vision.

Membership

Membership of the EASTIN association is open for not-for-profit organizations worldwide that are committed to provide comprehensive, reliable, and up-to-date information on assistive technology.

Partners are the core members of the association: they run a well-established and publicly recognized national assistive technology information system in their own country and make their data available to the EASTIN search engine through a web interface.

Affiliates collaborate to enrich the information contents and qualifies the linguistic translations at the EASTIN website.

Organizations supporting the EASTIN network can be registered as national contacts.

The members of EASTIN and the national contacts are listed at the page EASTIN members.