Wheelchair innovations named top assistive tech of the decade
Published: Thu 1 Oct 2020
Published: Thu 1 Oct 2020
Alongside this research, the IET has shared its predictions for the most important assistive technology developments for the next decade. It is working with London 2012 ParalympicsGB superstar, Dame Sarah Storey, to celebrate the incredible assistive tech innovations that have changed people’s lives.
Technology has changed the way we all exist but for many people with a disability it can often have profound effects. Two thirds (67%) of those surveyed agree that innovations have greatly improved their lives and four in ten (41%) say they have become more independent as a result. For one fifth (22%) technological developments have provided them with greater access to venues and events and the same number say tech has brought them closer to their able-bodied peers. In fact, technology has played such a large role in many disabled people’s lives that a third (33%) believe the impact of tech has been greater than that of policy.
Dame Sarah Storey, ParalympicsGB hero of London 2012, said: “It’s phenomenal to see how far assistive tech has come over the past decade. Whether it’s increasing people’s independence or helping them to connect with others, these innovations have a profound impact on people’s everyday lives. The work the IET is doing to support the developments in assistive tech is integral to striving towards a more equal future for all.”
Dr Guy Gross from IET’s Healthcare Committee comments: “Just ten years ago, electric wheelchair batteries would only allow users to go to the shops and back a couple of times before needing a recharge. Now, battery-life has increased to allow more than 30 miles between charges meaning wheelchair users enjoy significantly more independence and reduced concern over being left stranded without power. This is just one advancement in a whole host of developments within assistive technology, which we will see ladder up to creating a better way of life, and more opportunities for all.”
Two-fifths of the disabled people questioned are optimistic about what the next decade will offer them and there is particular excitement on the potential benefits offered by robotic prosthesis (24%), driverless cars (15%) and AssistiveTouch (11%). The IET’s predictions for the biggest innovations of the next 10 years include:
ENDS
The research was carried out by Mortar Research which conducted an online survey among 284 respondents across the UK. The sample of adults was randomly selected from our survey panel among individuals who have a registered disability. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability at the country level was +/- 5.8% at 95% confidence limit. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding. The research was conducted between 17th and 22nd September 2020. Our researchers are members of the MRS and we adhere to research practice In line with ESOMAR guidelines.