UNICEF’s Request for Expression of Interest for Inclusive Education Products

Background 

The UNICEF-WHO’s Global Report on Assistive Technology (GReAT) emphasizes the urgent integration of assistive technology (AT) into national health plans and social systems worldwide, recognizing its potential to benefit over 2.5 billion individuals, especially in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 240 million children around the world, under the age of 18, have a disability, often facing exclusion from education and society. Assistive technologies play a vital role in bridging this gap, ensuring their right to quality education as stipulated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). 

In line with the growing need for inclusive supplies, UNICEF SD is launching an initiative to incorporate inclusive education products into its global supply catalogue, aiming to streamline procurement processes and enhance availability for UNICEF programs and partners worldwide.   

Purpose of this REoI  

To ensure that this vision can be achieved across UNICEF, through this initial exercise we are aiming to identify suppliers and gain insights into the current market landscape, ensuring the final product inclusion aligns with the needs of children with disabilities. This will be followed by a Request for Proposals (RFP) tentatively scheduled for Q3 2024 and signing of Long-Term Agreements (LTAS).

Procedure for submission of the REoI 

Please find attached REoI document providing additional information related to this project. An online Response Form should be completed by 10th May 2024. The online form can be found under the “links” section of this UNGM announcement.