Implementing Technology for people with a disability — An introduction to an Ecosystem approach | Government Excellence 2071
Implementing Technology for people with a disability — An introduction to an Ecosystem approach
Technology Published DATE 16/12/2020 18:45
To effectively implement assistive and accessible technologies to support those with disabilities there is a need to both create and sustain an ecosystem of support. This can be defined as a network of organizations, suppliers, distributors, public bodies and agencies that a product or service through both competition and cooperation. Each impacts and is impacted by the others. Building such an ecosystem creates an environment where products and services will have greatest impact.
Effective implementation of assistive and accessible technologies is dependent on a healthy ecosystem at national and local levels. Experience has shown that there are eight key dimensions of that ecosystem that need to be active to maximize the use of assistive and accessible technologies. Whilst these may be delivered in very different ways, with functions divided between public, private and not for profit organisations the functions remain constant. In some settings one organisation may be responsible for some or all of the functions, but in others they are often divided between organisations. In either case, tiem spent mapping who is carrying out which roles can be valuable in identifying gaps for future intervention.
The eight dimensions are :
- Policy and Co-ordination
- Awareness
- Assessment and evaluation of needs
- Provision and funding
- Training
- Technical and Post Provision Support
- Availability of accessible digital content
- Research and development
Where delivery of these function is undertaken by one or more organisations, their is the capacity for some elements to be better delivered for a specific demographic or setting such as education and children or for a set of specific needs such as those who are blind. Undertaking a gap analysis across age, geography and needs will help identify any gaps in the ecosystem where further intervention would be beneficial. This becomes moore urgent as technologies emerge and come to market that create new opportunities for people with a disability. It is important to understand whether the technical infrastructure is in place for effective use of these technologies and provides one critical area for review, but this should be integrated with an analysis of the ecosystem to determine whether the environment is receptive to the innovations.
We have described this in the past as seeking to know if the setting is fertile ground in which the seeds can grow and flourish.
Previous examples of gap analysis have been undertaken by combining an analysis of policy, which may outline the aspirations of public bodies, with interviews, focus groups and surveys of stakeholders to determine whether the policy is fully implemented and the extent of impact. Where we find that policy that is not reflected in practice, is likely to achieve much less than intended.
Many countries are recognizing the benefits of access to technology for people with a disability. These are well researched, and create a powerful business case for investment. Such as business case can be built based on a political and legal dimensions, founded on a rights based approach as described by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability. There is a significant social case, where inclusive communities of all citizens are less likely to become fragmented and unstable, the fewer people who are subject to exclusion the stronger communities are. There is an additional technological case, as public bodies move towards online eGovernment, there is a need to avoid undue replication of effort and cost by ensuring that eservices offer the greatest reach, efficiency and value. This also relates to an economic perspective. Access to technology promotes access to education, employment and increases quality of life. When combined, these allow people with a disability to become active contributors to the state, rather than facing dependency on social protection.
In summary it becomes clear that increased attention not only to the development of accessible technologies, but also on the environment in which the technology is used and implemented can have the greatest impact. The value of this to countries and governments is significant and stimulates the need for investment. The return on that investment will be greatest when both the technology and the ecosystem are supported as a single approach.
Director
David Banes is Director of David Banes Access and Inclusion Services and co-founder of Global symbols, having previously led assistive technology services in Europe and the Middle East He now works across the globe including projects in Africa and South Asia to support access infrastructure from policy to practice, based upon a detailed model of the AT ecosystem that supports implementation. Recent projects include the development of a response to disruptive innovation in the access industry, whilst supporting entrepreneurs to bring products and services to market. He has a special interest in emerging technologies and the impact upon the daily lives of people with a disability. This has included the use of AI to augment communication and automation, emerging technologies and mobility and the use of innovation to build resilient services for people during the pandemic. David has extensive experience in the area of accessible design for a broad range of individual needs and writes regularly on the tools and techniques that might facilitate more accessible products including websites and apps in companies, public bodies and NGO’s Recent publications include emerging technologies and the impact on universal design for learning, economic return on investment in AT, and the potential impact of frugal innovation on provision of assistive products. He maintains a regular written column on Medium to explore trends related to access and inclusion through technology.
© 2020 Government Excellence 2071. All Rights Reserved.
Website designed & Developed by Future Internet
For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode.
Originally published at https://www.govexcellence2071.com on September 12, 2020.
