How the Coronavirus crisis affects the assistive technology industry

It’s precisely what many companies have resigned to do – albeit not in the same way they did pre-pandemic. Resources and tools in (continuing) development are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after test runs. Teams have also reorganized their work processes at this point. "We were able to stay in touch with our customers and partners while we worked remotely from our homes. It enabled us to show our solidarity and strengthen close relationships," says Alison-Lore Bourget from the French company Ferriol-Matrat. "This also allowed us to take more time to listen to our customers and to know and understand their needs. We now feel that we are more actively involved in their projects."

Working remotely from home has become the new normal and has inevitably prompted a shift to digital culture. Documents and requests are digitized and processed online, meetings are held via video conference and teamwork has become increasingly flexible.

Companies like Sunrise Medical, Tomcat UK, Sodermanns Automobile or BamBuk had to cancel in-person workshops and postpone personal consultations for the time being, but offer several online seminars and virtual consulting services via live stream or live chat as an alternative.

Nevertheless, businesses might still run into obstacles since the digitization of services does not automatically mean that they are always accessible to everyone. "The accessibility of online communication tools is a key aspect, especially for people with sensory disabilities," says Dr. Martin Danner, Executive Director of BAG Selbsthilfe (Federal Association of Self-Help Organizations for People with Disabilities and Chronic Diseases and Their Relatives). "Unfortunately, many tools are not accessible. That’s why we have to examine how we can make them accessible to everyone. One option is to use sign language interpreters and audio description services."

BAG Selbsthilfe and its associations also had to adapt to the many changes in recent months. Since face-to-face meetings were not an option, work in the self-help groups came to a grinding halt in some instances. However, digital solutions and social media platforms offered great alternatives for many participants. "In a way, the pandemic has acted as a catalyst for change and has given a big push to modernization." In an interview with REHACARE.com, Dr. Danner discusses the current and future role digitization plays in self-help groups and associations.

Despite the different types of digital communication, many people miss direct human contact and social interaction at events. That’s why we see increasing efforts to give virtual meetings more of a fun event vibe. One example of this is the long-term REHACARE exhibitor REHAVISTA. The company plans a four-day completely virtual event. From September 23 to 26, 2020, REHAVISTA will provide a platform to share the latest trends and experiences centering on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The virtual event targets individuals, experts, and professionals and will include webinars, interviews, panel discussions, and training courses pertaining to various topics.

KUMAVISION AG is also moving its scheduled trade fair appearance into the virtual realm this year: The free WeCare event will take place on September 23. Three speakers will deliver condensed information on the latest issues pertaining to the use of industry software for the healthcare market. According to the press release, "the event will address aspects such as e-prescription, automated processing of prescriptions and compliance."

Digital events mean most companies are entering unfamiliar territory, which inspires them to explore and try new things prompted by the current situation. Some companies have been known for their quality assistive technology products for many years but have decided to break new ground in the wake of the pandemic. Due to an increasing demand for coronavirus-related protective equipment, companies like Ottobock, Ossenberg, and Scooterpac have decided to expand their production to include door openers, plastic visors, respirator masks, disinfectants and related products. Find out what these companies produce and discover whether they contemplate making a permanent switch in our article "Corona pandemic: Companies adapt to meet changes in demand".

Having said that, not all companies want to or are flexible enough to expand their product portfolios in such a manner. And they actually don’t have to be. What really matters is for the industry to understand its customers and continue to make every effort to stay in touch with them. It’s essential that companies review how they can make valuable contributions to help all of us get through these challenging times together.