History of Source

The AskSource website was originally founded by Humanity & Inclusion alongside a consortium of partners. In 2023 Global Disability Innovation Hub took over management and ownership of this important resource.

Set up in 2000/2001 AskSource was developed to combine the physical collections of Healthlink Worldwide (formerly AHRTAG) and the Centre for International Child Health (later the Centre for International Health and Development (CIHD) and now The Institute for Global Health (IGH)) – housed in the library at the Institute of Child Health, University College London, where IGH is based - with an online presence for global users. Handicap International UK joined the partnership soon after Source started.
The resource has been developed to meet the information needs of individuals and organisations working in health, disability and development worldwide. These included health care workers, disabled people's organisations, CRB workers, OTs, disability practitioners, and grassroots and local NGOs in developing countries, as well as academics, researchers and policy influencers.

Until 2023 the collection was managed by Humanity & Inclusion, an international aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations to take action and raise awareness in order to respond to essential needs, improve living conditions and promote respect for dignity and fundamental rights.
In 2023 Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) took over management of this resource. GDI Hub is an academic research and practice centre driving disability innovation for a fairer world.

Founded in 2017 in the legacy of the 2012 Paralympic Games, GDI Hub translate robust research into innovative practice to deliver impact in communities by delivering an extensive portfolio of research, teaching, global programmes and technical assistance including building innovation ecosystems and advocating for change at the highest level. We’ve now reached over 29 million people in more than 60 countries.

Based at UCL Engineering the GDI Hub recently became the world's first World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Assistive Technology.  Our teams are experts in Assistive Technology & EdTech (with a strong digital focus), Inclusive Design; Innovation; Inclusive climate and crisis resilience and community partnerships.

Knowledge sharing and collaboration are central to driving change. GDI Hub will continue to build upon the reach and tools on the AskSource site, both through it’s own global programmes, such as the flagship UK aid funded AT2030, and our wider partnerships and collaborators.

If you have any comments about this site or the service please email us at: asksource@ucl.ac.uk