Yesterday, the Speaker Rt Hon. John Bercow MP hosted a launch event for the new All Party Parliamentary Group on Assistive Technology (APPGAT) to be chaired by Seema Malhotra MP.
Assistive Technology (AT) refers to the equipment, software, program or product systems that can be used to increase, maintain or improve the capabilities of individuals with communication and learning disabilities. The APPGAT exists in order to help parliamentarians fully engage with developments in assistive technology and the surrounding policy areas.
AT can be life-changing and for many it is vital to independence. AT can be used in a variety of ways and for a variety of purposes, helping people to carry out everyday tasks and activities, enhance a person’s safety, support their social participation and monitor their health.
AT can help people who have a range of disabilities, including:
- Autism spectrum condition
- Blindness and low vision
- Deafness and hard of hearing
- Difficulties with computer/web access
- Communication disabilities
- Mobility impairment
- Manual dexterity difficulties
- Learning disabilities
- Cognitive disabilitie
Policy Connect (http://www.policyconnect.org.uk) will be supporting the secretariat services for this new All-Party Parliamentary Group. Seema went in to more detail on what she wants to achieve through the group in a recent interview.