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VIRTUAL LUNCH HOUR LECTURE: Assistive Technology as an innovation leader - a vision for the future
9 November 2020
Join the Global Disability Innovation Hub on 3rd December, which is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, for an inspiring virtual lunch hour lecture about accelerating access to assistive technology to those who need it the most.
Traditionally assistive technology has been the poor relation to healthcare technology. The interdisciplinary nature of assistive technology has been lost. Global Disability Innovation Hub is leading a £40m investment to understand what works in getting assistive technology to the people who need it most.
In this lecture, Prof Holloway will address the research findings thus far pointing to a new future where assistive technology is a leading component of the innovation industry. The lecture will focus on two emerging areas of knowledge. First, the role of local production in creating appropriate designs which are sustainably manufactured and fit for use within the context of use. Second, the increasing role of both digital and ageing on the creation of new market opportunities.
GDI Hub is a research and practice centre driving disability innovation for a fairer world. Operational in 33 countries the GDI Hub develops bold approaches, partnerships, and ecosystems to accelerate global change. It has reached over 1.2 million people directly and a further 2.5 million indirectly.
Speaker: Professor Catherine Holloway
Professor Catherine Holloway is Academic Director and co-founder of Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), and UCL Professor of Interaction Design and Innovation. Cathy is also a member of WHO’s expert advisory panel for the World Report on Assistive Technology.
Prof Holloway's research revolves around developing the Disability Interactions Manifesto, which transcends disciplines and takes a challenge-based approach to understanding and developing technologies and interventions to help disabled people. This has led to a growing portfolio of assistive products and insights. These include devices to aid people who are blind to draw, code and explore open spaces, and Internet of Things and robotic applications to aid wheelchair user mobility. Her research focuses on a systems approach considering: stigma, economics, and community context.