Assistive technology inquiry – Inclusion London’s evidence

Inclusion London’s evidence to the Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee’s inquiry into assistive technology for Deaf and Disabled people

The summary of some of the key issues raised in our evidence are below:

  • Without assistive technology many Deaf and Disabled people could not obtain or   progress in employment and would remain unemployed.
  • Access to Work scheme has been the most successful of the UK’s policies aimed at supporting Deaf and Disabled people to obtain and progress in work, but has been beset by bureaucratic incompetence and obstructionism in recent years, which has undermined its effectiveness.
  • Deaf and Disabled people are experts by experience regarding assistive technology/equipment that works effectively so could work with industry to improve the assistive technology available. Professional training in product design together with work in the field of assistive technology design would provide new employment opportunities.
  • Deaf and Disabled entrepreneurs need access to grants and business loans.
  • Equipment and support should be treated as an investment not an expense to be avoided.
  • Training in the use of assistive technology is needed.
  • There is a lack of awareness of the assistive technology available for different impairments.
  • The Assistive technology is not always appropriate, support from a person can be necessary.
  • Employers or other employees can fail to make reasonable adjustments[1] to support the effective use of assistive technology.
  • Employers’ recruitment processes are not accessible. 

Download the briefing: Inclusion London evidence to the assistive technology inquiry

More information about the inquiry is available at:

http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/work-and-pensions-committee/news-parliament-2017/assistive-tech-inquiry-launch-17-19/