Policy Connect's Clive Gilbert has delivered the keynote presentation on the future of assistive technology policy in the UK at this month's TechAbility Conference. 

The TechAbility Conference is an annual event that brings together practitioners from the education and social care sectors to explore how assistive technology can improve outcomes for learners with SEND in mainstream and specialist further education. The theme for this year's event was 'Access to a Digital Future’.

Speaking to over 100 delegates, Clive outlined the emerging assistive technology policymaking landscape in relation to SEND and education technology, adult social care, the industrial strategy and research and development. The presentation argued that while assistive technology has a growing place on the government's agenda, policy makers need to update their approach in line with the way the sector has evolved in recent decades. 

Clive recommended a number of areas where the government could help widen access to assistive technology, including through more personalised service models, workforce education and training, research and development policy, and promoting more inclusive design in mainstream products and services.