Global Accessibility Awareness Day marked with new research showing the increasing use of devices and smart home technology

New research commissioned by Amazon Devices & Services has revealed that more than three quarters (77%) of adults in the UK living with a disability report using devices and smart home technology to help them out with tasks in their everyday lives. This includes answering the door, shopping and turning the lights on and off.

The YouGov poll of more than 1,000 UK adults living with a physical or sensory disability was commissioned by Amazon Devices & Services to highlight the importance of accessible technology, ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on Thursday 19th May.

The data revealed the integral role of technology in the lives of those living with a disability. Those who use devices in their everyday lives reported using them, on average, 13 times per day.  Five years ago, just 10% of people with a mobility impairment used smart speakers to switch on and control appliances such as kettles, toasters and the thermostat, but now that use has doubled (20%). Similarly, the number of people using a video doorbell has quadrupled over the past five years.

Aston spoke to Shadi Abou-Zahra, principal accessibility standards and policy manager at Amazon and author and diversity, equity & inclusion consultant Dr Amit Patel.