Bhatnagar, Tigmanshu; Patel, Dilisha; Holloway, Catherine; (2023) Mapping Assistive Technology Start-ups. Presented at: Interacting with Assistive Technology (IATech) Workshop - Interact 2023 Conference, York, UK. (In press).

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Abstract

Assistive technology (AT) is the application of organised knowledge and skills related to assistive products, systems and services designed to maintain or improve an individ-ual’s functioning and independence, thereby promoting their well-being [1]. We can enable life-changing differences in millions of lives worldwide using and enabling ac-cess to assistive technology. However, with all the incredible innovation, development and distribution of assistive products, there is still a significant gap between design and awareness to access and use of assistive products [2]. This was corroborated through our project to understand the met and unmet needs of AT through a country-capacity assessment [3]. As a part of this project, we carried out 5 focus group discussions with AT Users, policy stakeholders, AT developers, providers and those that work in AT distribution and support (n=31). We explored their experiences of providing and ac-cessing AT, including procurement strategies, adoption of new technologies and provi-sion pathways. Overall, we found that there is still a substantial knowledge gap in as-sistive products, how to access products and funding for needed products. These dis-cussions also enlightened us that word-of-mouth and peer networks are the main ave-nues through which knowledge of assistive products is shared. Difficulties in keeping up with the expanding innovative landscape was raised as a key concern.

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