Digital assistive technologies: Modern tools to make life more accessible

DATEurope – Digital Assistive Technology Industry Association was founded in 2021 to highlight this product feature and to engage in proactive communication with potential users. Initially, the launch was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has since brought many important stakeholders together. David Banes, Board Director at DATEurope, marveled at the number of companies who stepped up and have since become members. Many of them will also showcase their business at REHACARE 2022. 

Banes describes the objective of the industry association: "We have set ourselves some very specific goals for the first year. We plan to map the funding models for digital assistive technology judiciously across Europe and appreciate the benefits and challenges of each model. We will start by developing a clear and unambiguous business plan for each country to invest in assistive technology provision, being aware that the criteria can differ between locations. That said, many problems are the same regardless of geography. To be successful, we must embark on collaborative partnerships with other stakeholders. We have already reached out to initiatives like WHO GATE or the Zero Project, public sector bodies, non-profit organizations, and similar entities across the world."

Co-founder and board director Christoph Jo. Müller is equally confident that the new network will make it easier for many people to access digital assistive technology – frequently abbreviated DAT – and thus facilitate participation for all: "Assistive technologies increase the quality of life by providing access to more and more activities of daily living. They help create true inclusion, because the right assistive devices and technologies can offset motor or mental impairments and promote equal labor force participation. Digital assistive technology is also vital to the participation of people with severe disabilities.” He adds, “We must also raise awareness of the benefits of DAT. We need more funding for research and development at the European level to give people with disabilities access to the latest technology. Funding bureaucracy must be reduced drastically and tailored to small businesses. A few hundred thousand euros can have a powerful social impact. The same applies to health insurance companies covering costs in all countries since this investment brings high, multiple monetary returns as it pertains to quality of life and social inclusion!"

Like many companies, the DAT manufacturers are affected by the ongoing electronic component shortages and global supply bottlenecks. Even though the companies typically manufacture products in smaller quantities, they must be high quality and meet the special requirements of the individual. Added to this are the unprecedented challenges the pandemic has posed and is continuing to pose to society. Both affect people who depend on DAT (digital assistive technology). 

David Banes: "Support for people with disabilities remains tenuous at the end of the pandemic. This will necessitate some tough financial decisions. From a social perspective, we are still uncertain about the impacts of all the measures taken so far, while technology and innovation are advancing rapidly. An active and constructive response – both as an industry and as part of a much larger community – is a continued challenge that we are happy to accept."

The two board directors are glad that trade shows are finally returning after a two-year interlude. After all, it's the place where everyone – companies, commercial partners, and users – gets together. David Banes explains: "After two years of isolation, we have learned that trade shows, events, and exhibitions are vital to the success of the industry as they are often the place where collaborations are first contemplated. They are the place where we reach out to public entities to consider how we can offer assistance, and they are the place where we can engage with our customers - particularly people with disabilities and their families - to receive feedback on what works well and what problems people are facing. These insights help us develop better products and services in the future."

Christopher Jo. Müller also attests to the importance of trade fairs as a meeting venue: "REHACARE is one of the leading trade fairs where companies can launch new products on an international scale and find new partners. DAT needs to attract more attention and foster networking. The trade fair management has really galvanized into action in this case and together we can showcase the technology trends that will define the future."

Visit REHACARE 2022 to learn more about DATEurope.