NIDILRR ARRT: Where are We, and where are we going? A Comparative Review of Assistive Technology Policies in Brazil and the United States

Introduction: Inclusion of people with disabilities is a global human rights and sustainable development priority. Assistive technologies (AT) are essential for independence, participation, and access to education, employment, and healthcare. While international frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and WHO’s Global Report on Assistive Technology emphasize equitable access, national responses differ greatly in scope and implementation.

Objective: This scoping review compared how Brazilian and U.S. legislation addresses disability inclusion and AT provision, examining both legal texts and academic literature.

Methods: Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, the study proceeded in two phases: (1) analysis of national legislation and programs in Brazil and the U.S., and (2) literature review using the PCC framework (Population, Concept, Context). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and LILACS. Studies focusing on AT policy or legislation were included.

Results: Seventy-one studies met inclusion criteria. U.S. literature reflected a multisectoral approach, citing the ADA (1990), Tech Act (1998), and IDEA, and covering AT across education, healthcare, employment, and civil rights. In Brazil, particularly after the 2015 Brazilian Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (BLI), research focused mainly on inclusive education. Common challenges in both contexts included fragmented implementation, limited funding, and regional inequalities. Few studies addressed artificial intelligence (AI) in AT, revealing a gap in the literature.

Conclusion: Both countries have advanced legislative frameworks for AT and inclusion. However, implementation remains uneven. Future policies should strengthen cross-sector coordination, reduce socioeconomic disparities, and anticipate emerging technologies—particularly AI—to safeguard autonomy and equitable access for people with disabilities.