The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive and Accessible Technology (APPGAT), in partnership with The Royal Society and Steve Darling MP, hosted a Parliamentary Breakfast Reception on 5 November to explore how science and innovation can improve access to assistive and accessible technology for the 16.1 million disabled people in the UK.

The reception highlighted how the UK’s innovation ecosystem can better support inclusion through advances in digital and assistive technologies. The event marked the Parliamentary launch of the Royal Society’s Disability Technology report, which sets out key recommendations for strengthening support for disabled innovators, consumers, and researchers.

Attendees heard insightful contributions from The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, Professor Annalu Waller OBE and Sir Bernard Silverman FRS, who reflected on how emerging technologies can enhance independence, communication and participation for disabled people.

The reception also featured hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge ATech from organisations offering parliamentarians and sector stakeholders an opportunity to experience new tools first-hand. including: 

• Smartbox Assistive Technology,
• Sony PlayStation,
• SensePilot,
• Waymap,
• CareScribe
• Automated Spaces

This event forms part of APPGAT’s ongoing work to promote inclusive technological innovation and champion policy solutions that improve accessibility for all.