Disability technology: how data and digital assistive technologies can support independent, fulfilled lives

Disabled people face barriers in their everyday lives to work, play, rest and care. Disability is estimated to affect 1.3 billion people or 16% of the world’s population1. In the UK, there are 16 million people reporting a disability, with the prevalence increasing with age2. Digital assistive technologies (DigAT) promise to promote independence for disabled people, potentially reducing or eliminating existing barriers. This report defines DigAT as ‘any technology that processes information to help make people’s lives easier’3. Examples include screen-readers, speech-to-text software, or smartphone applications which support daily living. This definition does not include non-digital assistive technologies (eg white canes or sticks, manual wheelchairs, or magnifying glasses). While this report is focused primarily on the needs of disabled people, disability access is relevant to all as everyone can experience temporary and permanent disability throughout their life. Accessibility can also benefit the whole of society as products designed for disabled people (eg automatic doors, closed captioning and voice assistants) are often valued by all. The physical, emotional and social impact of disability, as well as attitudes towards disabled people, can affect all aspects of disabled people’s lives. This includes impacts on education, employment, wellbeing and life expectancy. DigAT will not be a standalone solution for these challenges and, in some cases, technology itself causes significant challenges for disabled people. However, if designed and deployed appropriately, these technologies can be transformative in helping disabled people live more independent and fulfilled lives. Exemplifying this, the report highlights five case studies of how DigAT can support disabled people across work; gaming; tourism; music; and social care. In addition to exploring the landscape of DigAT, the report is focused on various challenges within the DigAT lifecycle related to measurement, inclusive design and sustainability. Furthermore, it provides an overview of small data methods. These methods, which help researchers derive insights from limited data, present significant potential across a broad range of scientific fields, including the development of DigAT. The nature of disability is inherently diverse and complex. To ensure a more defined focus, the report has generally explored disabilities related to hearing; cognition; mobility; self-care; built-environment; vision; and communication. The report has been guided by an international expert steering committee, many of whom have lived experience of disability. It has been informed by a series of activities undertaken by the Royal Society. These include a survey of more than 800 UK-based disabled people; a nationally representative survey of approximately 2,000 members of the British public; focus groups with UK-based DigAT users; literature reviews on disability data and small data; a case study analysis of DigAT in the UK, US, India and Kenya; and various roundtables and workshops on inclusive design, gaming, social care and technology transience.