Zelalem Dessalegn Demeke

Bio

Zelalem Dessalegn Demeke is an expert in rehabilitation with over five years of experience. He is the founder and executive director of the Grand Assistive Technology Center (GAT) in Ethiopia, where he works to improve access to assistive technology and associated services for children with disabilities. Zelalem is also a lecturer at the University of Gondar's Occupational Therapy Department and led the establishment of Ethiopia's first occupational therapy program at the university.

He serves as Ethiopia's country representative for the Enablement Foundation, formerly known as Cerebral Palsy Africa, and runs projects that support children with disabilities and their families. He holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Queen's University in Canada and is an alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, earning a Civic Leadership certificate from Michigan State University. Zelalem’s work centers on creating an inclusive environment for people with disabilities.