Dame Sarah Storey on Equality Act via technology

Just ten years ago, an electric wheelchair battery would last around one and a half hours.

Now a six-hour battery life plus the downsizing of batteries has made wheelchairs far more fit for purpose, giving users more independence.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) gathered the views of almost 300 people with a disability to mark the 10^th anniversary of The Equality Act 2010 and has released its predictions for the most important disability technologies for the next decade.

Among the other developments to become available since 2010 were AI hearing aids; wearable tech to support those living with Parkinson’s; and a SMART belt – developed to detect seizures before they occur.

Finalising the top ten were: LUKE – a ‘smart prosthesis’ device; App enabled pacemakers; advancements in bionic eyes; mindfulness Apps for those with severe anxiety; and Kenguru cars designed for people in wheelchairs. EnChroma glasses used to correct colour blindness and Kaspar, a robot that helps children with autism, were placed equal tenth.

Aston spoke to Dame Sarah Storey, one of Team GB’s most decorated female Paralympian’s and Dr Guy Cross from The IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) to discuss the research in further detail and also what the future holds in regards to equality with the technology setup.