Frontline Accessibility, AI, Supported Employment, and Accessible Transport
Dear Reader,
As the Houses of Parliament lead up to recess, we look back on a productive session raising the agenda of assistive and accessible technology - and forward to a packed schedule for the rest of the year.
Last month, the ATech Policy Lab launched its first report on Frontline Accessibility at London Tech Week 2023 and held an event about Generative AI, disability and accessibility in partnership with Tech For Disability . The Lab also held an event about autism, technology, and employment for the Buckland Review of Autism.
In September, we hold our next event in Parliament to gather insights and evidence for a new APPG for Assistive Technology (APPGAT) inquiry into the use of technology in Supported Employment. This work is trailed by a new article from Shamima Akhtar and Laura Davis - part of the Digital Transformation Campaign with Mediaplanet.
We will also launch a new Accessible Transport Policy Commission, part of the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) in which Policy Connect is a partner. Finally, the ATech Policy Lab is supporting the establishment of a new ATech Academic Research Network.
More on this below, as well as?upcoming APPGAT and ATech Policy Lab events, and the latest news?from Whitehall and Westminster.
We’re always keen to hear from our supporters and stakeholders. If you’d like to get involved in any of the events below or meet for a catch-up, please feel free to get in touch.
Best wishes
Upcoming Events
Accessible Transport Policy Commission Launch
On Tuesday 5 September we will launch the Accessible Transport Policy Commission - part of the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) in which Policy Connect is a partner. Chaired by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, this new cross-party Commission will bring together parliamentarians from both Houses to work with disabled people, policymakers and transport professionals to make transport accessible to everyone. The Commission's first meeting will explore the future of accessible transport in the UK with senior politicians, disabled transport experts, and other industry leaders.
The NCAT recently also launched a?Community of Accessible Transport (CAT) panel, which invites disabled people to join to ensure their voices and experiences of transport are heard and used to shape the future of transport access.
For more information, please contact Clive Gilbert at [email protected].
Technology use in Supported Employment
On Wednesday 6 September the APPGAT will hold a meeting to gather insight and evidence for the APPGs inquiry and forthcoming report on the use of technology in Supported Employment, chaired by Paul Maynard MP.?
The APPG have launched a written Call for Evidence to inform the report and we invite contributions by those working in the Supported Employment sector by Thursday 31 August 2023.
For more information, please contact Shamima Akhtar at [email protected].
ATech Academic Research Network Launch
On Friday 15 September the newly established ATech Academic Research Network will hold its first Summit, supported by the ATech Policy Lab, Bournemouth University and the University of Dundee .
The Network will bring together academics working in assistive and accessible technology across the UK.
For more information, please contact Robert Mclaren at [email protected].
Our news
Report Launch: Frontline Accessibility
On Wednesday 14 June?the ATech Policy Lab launched its first report –?Frontline Accessibility, at London Tech Week 2023, hosted by Plexal and in partnership with Tech For Disability .
We were joined by report author, Geena Vabulas , contributors from local and national government, as well as those from the tech, policy and academia worlds. Tom Pursglove MP, the Minister for Disabled People, welcomed the report’s focus on ‘transforming awareness of ATech across society’ and shared his vision to ‘make the UK the most accessible place in the world to live and work with technology’.
WATCH the Minister's speech here:
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London Tech Week - Generative AI and disability
On Tuesday 13 June the ATech Policy Lab held a hybrid roundtable, hosted by Plexal, and in partnership with Tech London Advocates Tech For Disability, at London Tech Week 2023 on?Generative AI, disability and accessibility.
We were joined by contributors from the tech, disability, academia and policy worlds who discussed how we can put disability and accessibility at the heart of the generative AI agenda – in tech development, deployment and public policy. We will be continuing this conversation and invite you to join a new interest group, hosted on LinkedIn, for?AI, Disability and Accessibility. We will post a link to the forthcoming outcomes briefing in this group.
Shamima on accessible technology within the supported employment
Shamima Akhtar , Policy Manager for Assistive and Accessible Technology, writes for Mediaplanet about how accessible tech within the Supported Employment model can drive inclusive recruitment, alongside Laura Davis , Chief Executive for BASE (British Association for Supported Employment) .
"By joining the dots between Supported Employment, accessible technology and a well-developed workforce, we can make a real difference in the lives of disabled people, their families and employers. This is more than getting people jobs — it is supporting people into careers where they will flourish."
Autism, technology and employment
On Wednesday 5 July the ATech Policy Lab held a meeting on autism, technology and employment for the Review of Autism and Employment lead by Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC . We were joined by contributors from the NHS, technology, Supported Employment, education, and disability organisations.
For more information, please contact Robert Mclaren at [email protected].
APPG for Assistive Technology AGM
On Tuesday 6 June the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology held a meeting to elect new and existing officers to the Group including - Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Lord Taylor of Warwick.
Policy news and developments
Our Research
Policy Connect is a cross-party think tank. We specialise in supporting parliamentary groups, forums and commissions, delivering impactful policy research and event programmes and bringing together parliamentarians and government in collaboration with academia, business and civil society to help shape public policy in Westminster and Whitehall, so as to improve people’s lives.
Our work focusses on five key policy areas which are: Education & Skills; Industry, Technology & Innovation; Sustainability; Health; and Assistive & Accessible Technology.
The ATech Policy Lab is a partnership between the cross-party think tank, Policy Connect, Bournemouth University and the charity, Ace Centre.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology aims to disseminate knowledge, generate debate and facilitate engagement on assistive technology amongst Members of both Houses of Parliament. Policy Connect provides the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Assistive Technology, supporting the group’s activities.?