I had the privilege of representing the Karten Network at the parliamentary launch of The Royal Society’s report, Disability Technology, hosted in partnership with Policy Connect and Steve Darling MP at the House of Commons. The breakfast reception brought together policymakers, technologists, researchers, and disabled people to explore how the UK can strengthen access to assistive technologies and digital inclusion for the 16.1 million disabled people across the country.
The event opened with remarks from Steve Darling MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Work and Pensions, who welcomed attendees and emphasised the importance of improving access to assistive technologies.
He was followed by Professor Sir Bernard Silverman FRS, who chaired the report committee and presented the key findings of The Royal Society’s Disability Technology report. He reminded delegates that “the best ideas arise when those who are most affected shape the solutions,” highlighting the need for genuine co-design and collaboration with disabled people.
Next, Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, spoke about the opportunities technology can offer to disabled people, while acknowledging the continued need to raise awareness and availability of assistive technologies.
The final speaker, Professor Annalu Waller OBE FRSE, Professor of Human Communication Technologies at the University of Dundee, drew attention to the progress that has been made in accessibility but also to those who remain excluded. She spoke passionately about the need to include people with severe and complex disabilities, particularly those with profound intellectual disabilities, in conversations about technology. She explained that “they first need the skills to participate, and then they need to be included, even if that is as simple as being able to say, ‘I like this,’ or ‘I don’t like that.’”
The Royal Society’s Disability Technology report is the culmination of two years of research, drawing on insights from more than 800 disabled people and 2000 members of the public across the UK, US, India, and Kenya. It makes a compelling case for viewing assistive technology as a fundamental part of digital inclusion and innovation, not an afterthought. Among its recommendations are recognising smartphones as assistive technology, on par with hearing aids, manual wheelchairs, or white canes, and ensuring analogue alternatives remain available to prevent digital exclusion.
It was encouraging to see so many people from across policy, academia, and industry working to advance accessibility and inclusion.
Read the Royal Society’s Disability Technology report.
Article meta data
Clicking on any of the links in this section will take you to other articles that have been tagged in the same category.
- Featured in the Karten Autumn 2025 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Other