Global

Physiological computing is an emerging research area that can help to boost disability technology innovation. Dr Youngjun Cho is a pioneer in this field, and is simultaneously helping to connect ideas and information to push forward the innovation of accessible assistive technology and interaction (AATI), in turn empowering our capability.

Assistive technology (AT) can improve lives, but only if the surrounding environment enables its effective use. In particular, cities and buildings need to be accessible and inclusive, as this helps to create an enabling environment for disabled people. GDI Hub Co-founder and Director of Inclusive Design, Iain McKinnon, is leading research on inclusive design in cities across the developing world.

Searching for information online is a daily activity for many people. Simultaneously, there is a growing need for assistive technology (AT), and this need is predicted to be rising significantly across the world. Yet little is known about how people are searching for information about AT, and what information they are looking for. PhD student Wen (Frances) Mo is exploring this topic, to understand how the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) could help.

Building stronger data systems to inform policy, guide investment, and improve access to assistive technology through collaborative research and innovation.

Prosthetic liners sit in between the prosthetic device and the stump of amputees or people with congenital limb difference. They make a profound difference to the comfort of using prosthetics, but liners often do not account for differences in stump shapes, or growth, particularly in children. Research fellow Dr Ben Oldfrey has created sensor skins that can help to create more comfortable and bespoke solutions to prosthetic liners.

Innovation is happening across the world in all fields, and developing solutions for people with disabilities is a compelling area to innovate in. Yet in many cases, the intended users of new innovations are not meaningfully involved in the design process. Postdoctoral researcher Tigmanshu Bhatnagar is working on a programme of activity to make user centred design a central part of assistive technology innovation.

There are various reasons why people with disabilities have not always been able to share their experiences or advocate for themselves and their communities. Postdoctoral researcher Maryam Bandukda is working with communities across the world to build skills and opportunities for disabled people to meaningfully engage on the subjects that matter to them.

In our ageing world, assistive technology (AT) needs will increase. Yet there is little understanding about how and when access to AT will change as populations get older. Jamie Danemayer is a PhD student, co-supervised by UCL and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who is working to maximise sparse data in this field and build a model that will forecast future AT needs.

Partnering with the World Bank, GDI Hub researched and authored the ICT landscape review, exploring the use of ICT in improving the educational participation and outcomes of children with disabilities.