Shaping an Identity for Digital Assistive Technologies - Executive Summary - DATEurope Discussion Paper

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Violet

Executive Summary identifies how digital assistive and accessible technologies are constrained by limited understanding of their value and impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Barriers arise from criteria set for assistive technology provision before widespread adoption of digital and smart technologies, leading to support focused on disability-specific devices instead of funding desired functionality and features. The paper proposes building identity for digital assistive technologies through attributes informed by the surrounding ecosystem and delivery chain, and outlines variations across awareness, advice, provision, training, support, R&D, and policy.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Identity

Why Identity for DAT Has Become Important

Defining AT

The Assistive Technology Ecosystem and Delivery Chain

Shaping an Identity for Digital Assistive Technologies A DATEurope Discussion paper Prepared by David Banes on Behalf of DATEurope December 2022 Executive Summary The provision of Digital Assistive and Accessible Technologies has been constrained by a lack of understanding of the value and impact of the technologies on the lives of people with a disability. Barriers have been created because of criteria for the provision of assistive technology being established prior to the widespread uptake of digital and smart technologies. As a result in many cases, only those devices and aids designed specifically for people with a disability are supported, rather than seeking to fund the functionality and features that people identify and require. In this paper, we seek to build upon definitions of assistive and accessible technologies by outlining how the identity of traditional and digital solutions vary and differ. The concept of identity is shaped through an understanding of the attributes of the technology drawn from a deep understanding of the ecosystem that surrounds the technology and the delivery chain that supports implementation. That ecosystem comprises- • Awareness • Advice/Assessment • Provision, purchasing, and procurement • Training • Support • Research and Development • Policy and coordination In each case, we identify variations in the chain that criteria should allow for. The importance of relating the funding model to the form of technology is discussed and the steady move towards selfdetermination and direct funding of AT is highlighted. In the conclusion of the report, we recommend a series of questions for policymakers and administrators to consider in determining that the criteria and process of provision of TV is appropriate and responsive to innovation and the growth of digital and smart assistive products. Identity In this paper, we propose that it is appropriate to identify an identity for digital assistive technologies. This is distinct from a definition, a definition is a relatively simple description of a subject or object, that may be physical or virtual, including ideas and concepts. Identity is constructed by the combination of unique characteristics, relationships, and roles or purposes. If a distinctive definition is feasible, we can build upon that by addressing the concept of identity. As our identity is being applied to digital technologies, there is a challenge in recognising the attributes that constitute that identity, hence in this discussion, we draw upon the expertise of those who develop, use and work with Digital Technologies to clearly describe those attributes. Why identity for DAT has become important The range of products available to address barriers to the inclusion of persons with a disability has diversified significantly over the past 20 years. As the demand for products has increased, the industry has responded. At the same time, there has been a steady influence of disruptive innovation and technologies upon the marketplace, often driven by the availability of mainstream technologies as a means of delivering both assistive technologies and accessible products for use by those with disabilities. Increasingly some of the distinctions between digital and traditional assistive technology has become blurred as traditional AT such as wheelchairs embrace and integrate “smart” features that enhance the product by incorporating access to digital elements or data for maximum benefit. Many technologies have fully transitioned from analogue or mechanical products to digital, offering the same functionality in new ways. Such transformations challenge existing provision systems torethink the criteria for provision to take full advantage of these opportunities. Equally, the rapid pace of digital innovation further challenges both the user and professional to acquire knowledge and skills and maintain current knowledge of possible solutions. Defining AT

FAQs

Why are digital assistive and accessible technologies difficult to obtain under current provision criteria?

Provision has been constrained by limited understanding of their value and impact, and by criteria created before digital and smart technologies became widely adopted. As a result, support often targets disability-specific devices rather than funding needed functionality.

How does the paper distinguish identity from a definition for digital assistive technologies?

A definition is a relatively simple description of a subject or object, while identity is constructed from unique characteristics, relationships, and roles or purposes. The paper argues that building identity requires describing attributes drawn from expertise and the implementation ecosystem.

What ecosystem elements does the paper use to analyze the identity and provision chain of DAT?

The paper outlines awareness, advice/assessment, provision/purchasing/procurement, training, support, research and development, and policy and coordination. It then highlights that criteria should allow for variations across this chain and connect funding models to the form of technology.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Violet