Assistive technologies: what is their place in the mainstream market?

Assistive technologies for older and disabled people have previously been provided through public sector providers such as local authority equipment services and through independent specialist outlets.  However current DoH policy is encouraging the mainstreaming of such devices through high street retailers. This significant change presents both opportunities and challenges.  The aim of this day is to bring together different stakeholders to discuss and debate the issues.

This workshop aims to stimulate debate among key stakeholders regarding the nature of assistive technologies designed to promote the independence and quality of life of older and disabled people.

Recent policy is stimulating High Street interest in stocking assistive technologies; ASDA already carry a limited range.  This initiative creates many interesting questions; For example is it sustainable? What needs to change to provide a choice of quality products for the consumer? Can individuals be confident of expertise being available in-store so that they make the right choices to meet their needs?  Will the high street drive costs down?

We have recruited a range of top class presenters who will each provide a different perspective on what is a complex and previously neglected topic. They include representatives  from the Department of Health involved in policy implementation of a retail model for assistive technologies, the Devices for Dignity Health Care cooperative, Mangar International a manufacturer of products for retial stores, researchers and older people involved in research into assistive technologies and representatives from occupational therapy.

Please click for the workshop programme

Please follow the links for presentations:

Gail Mountain - Introduction to KT-EQUAL

Lynne Horn - The Transformation of Community Equipment Services

John Mitchell - Empowering disabled people with information about assistive technology

Christine Barton - Why it matters to me

Wendy Tindale - Devices for Dignity

Maggie Winchcombe - Why ‘mainstreaming' matters

Paul Chamberlain - The challenges for research

Nigel Harrison - The challenges for industry

Andrew Stevenson - The challenges for retail

Ken Hall - Revisiting the user perspective