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EASPD Knowledge Café: Assistive technology centres across Europe

Join us on 15 July to discuss innovative practices and challenges in equal access to assistive technology across Europe.

Register here 

Access to assistive technology is fundamental for independent living and full participation in society of people with disabilities. Both rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Yet access across Europe remains deeply unequal, shaped by inconsistent funding, fragmented service provision, and regional disparities.

Assistive Technology (AT) is a broad term covering products and services that enhance capacities such as communication, hearing, mobility, cognition and vision. 

Ensuring equitable access to AT is not only about the tools themselves, but is also about supporting people to find, trial, learn and confidently use them. Across Europe, this support takes different forms, from independent, not-for-profit AT Centres that operate outside of commercial interests, to peer-led coaching approaches. Despite the importance of this support, it remains under-researched and lacks clear policy frameworks to ensure equitable access to assistive technology.

In this context, this webinar will:

  • Present the key findings of EASPD's recent study on AT Centres across Europe.
  • Showcase the diversity of AT Centre models and innovative practices across the EU.
  • Highlight systemic barriers that prevent equal access to assistive technology.
  • Facilitate exchange between AT practitioners, researchers and service providers.

 

Agenda

14:00

Welcome Remarks by Moderator

  • Garbiñe Uriarte, Knowledge and Innovation Assistant at EASPD  
 

14:05

Introduction

  • Vaia Arsenopoulou, Head of Research and Development at THEOTOKOS FOUNDATIONand Co-Chair of the Person-Centred Technology Member Forum
 

14:15

Understanding the ecosystem of Assistive Technology 

  • Evert-Jan Hoogerwerf, Head of the department" Technology for Independence and Inclusion" at AIAS Bologna onlus (Italy) 

 

14:35

DigiCoach - Embracing Technology Through Lived Experience 

  • Patrick Fitzgerald, DigiCoach at St. John of God Community Services Liffey (Ireland) 

 
  • Declan Meenagh, DigiCoach at St. John of God Community Services Liffey (Ireland) 

 
  • Klara Gyarmathym, Assistive Technology Facilitator at St. John of God Community Services Liffey (Ireland) 

 

14:55

EASPD Study on Assistive Technology Centres across Europe

  • Estelle Houtart, Junior Policy Officer at EASPD
 

15:10

Q&A and Discussion

15:25

Concluding remarks

  • Vaia Arsenopoulou, Head of Research and Development at THEOTOKOS FOUNDATIONand Co-Chair of the Person-Centred Technology Member Forum