Report produced by assistive and accessible technology policy lab praised by government minister
A report produced by the ATech Policy Lab which outlines ways to raise awareness of assistive technology has been praised by the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work.
Assistive and accessible technology (ATech) has the potential to transform the lives of disabled people across the country, but many are still not aware of the tools and features that can help them.
The report outlines the need for assistive technology training for frontline professionals in public services, to help raise awareness of the availability and potential applications of assistive technology with disabled people and their support networks.
Speaking at the launch of the report via a recorded address, Tom Pursglove MP, the Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, said: “ATech has the power to transform lives – allowing disabled people to break down barriers in education, employment and independent living.
“I welcome the report’s focus on transforming awareness of ATech across society. Lack of awareness is something that has been emphasised consistently to me and my team, as I’ve met with people in the ATech and wider disability sector. There are so many fantastic tools that schools, care settings and workplaces can use to help drive inclusion – but too many simply don’t know what they don’t know.”
The ATech Policy Lab brings together disabled people, sector leaders and researchers to help design policy to make technology work for everyone.
Speaking about the collaborative approach taken by the ATech Policy Lab, Tom Pursglove MP added: “The ATech Policy Lab is a great example of policymakers (a think tank), charities (the Ace Centre) and academia (Bournemouth University) working collaboratively, and with the wider ATech sector.”
