This paper looks in more depth at the role of assistive technology (AT) in supporting independence. It examines the place of AT in the current policy context and describes the current evidence to demonstrate how AT can support independence. It analyses the current obstacles to progress and explains how change can be introduced. New assistive technology can play a vital role in supporting the ways in which millions of older or disabled people can maintain or regain their independence. It also has the potential to modernise the way in which many aspects of health and social care are currently delivered to the benefit of users, carers, service providers and the taxpayer.
This paper looks in more depth at the role of assistive technology (AT) in supporting independence. It examines the place of AT in the current policy context and describes the current evidence to demonstrate how AT can support independence. It analyses the current obstacles to progress and explains how change can be introduced. New assistive technology can play a vital role in supporting the ways in which millions of older or disabled people can maintain or regain their independence. It also has the potential to modernise the way in which many aspects of health and social care are currently delivered to the benefit of users, carers, service providers and the taxpayer.
Subject terms:
independence, information technology, older people, physical disabilities, social care provision, user participation, access to services, assistive technology, health care;