By Sheila Serup, MBA
Overall trends in innovative assistive technology show that the most active domain is hearing, followed by mobility, vision, and communication.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in its 2021 Trends Report on assistive technology noted that in the emerging assistive technology space, innovations in hearing assistive technology lead the way. The report results were shared in a recent webinar hosted by WIPO titled: “Reducing Inequalities through Technologies: A Perspective on Disability Inclusive Development.”
The December 3rd, 2021 webinar, in commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, also discussed how the pandemic has accelerated the use of internet, and how the pandemic has shed light on the significant inequities and exclusion that remain in the digital world.
The study by WIPO is the first to “systematically look into patenting and technology trends across assistive technology at scale” by analyzing data on patent filings over a 10-year period from 1998 to 2019. The study findings show that filings in emerging technology is growing three times faster than conventional technology.
It noted that over 1 billion users worldwide currently need assistive technology, and this figure is expected to double to 2 billion by 2050 as the population ages. Persons with physical, sensory, cognitive/learning, or invisible disabilities represent nearly 15 per cent of the world population with a higher prevalence in developing counties.
The WIPO study analysis revealed that “emerging assistive products use one or a combination of several enabling technologies such as artificial intelligence, brain-computer/machine interface and advanced sensors.” Emerging products, such as hearing technology, are not replacing conventional assistive products, but are complementing them.
The report by WIPO observed that emerging hearing assistive products include “environment-controlling and mind-controlled hearing aids, with cochlear implants accounting for nearly half of emerging patent filings. The areas of greatest growth in hearing are non-invasive bone conduction, and gesture to voice and text. “
In conventional communication assistive technology, 6,899 patent families were filed for technologies such as:
• Special software and services (59%)
• Visual communication (25%)
• Audio communication, speech input (11%)
• Switches and input devices (8%)
• Audio communication: Text-to-speech (TTS) (7%)
In emerging communication assistive technology, 1,599 patent families were filed for technologies such as:
- Navigation aids (68%)
- Sensory substitution aids (15%)
- Brain-computer interface (11%)
- Smart assistants (8%)
Of significant interest is the evolution towards mass use of assistive technology. While innovators are designing technology and devices for specific needs, there is a movement towards the adaption of this technology for use in a wider array of consumer products. “This means increased commercialization of assistive tech applications for a wider consumer base.”
The report noted that globally only 1 in 10 people with disabilities have access to the assistive products they need. Access to assistive technology needs to be broadened so that no one is left behind.
Shedding a Light on the Inequalities and Exclusion in the Digital World
According to data studies by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), internet use has accelerated during the pandemic with 800 million people coming online since the start. Malcom Johnson, Deputy Secretary-General of ITU in Geneva, observed that the pandemic has “illustrated the significant areas of inequity and exclusion that remain in the digital world.”
He noted that it’s a reminder how fragile the situation is, and just how dependent the world is on information technology and communications to carry on work and to keep connected. With the projections of 2 billion people living with some form of disability by 2050, Johnson states that making universal access to digital technology will become a top priority.
He shared that ITU’s vision is that “everyone can have an active part in increasing digital inclusion no matter their ability, age, gender, location or any other factor in the world.”
The first ITU standards were developed in 1990. Significantly, ITU developed safe listening standards, to improve the listening practices in particular of young people when they are listening to music and other sounds.
Johnson remarked that “ITU seeks to build a world where no one is left behind and where opportunities have no boundaries.”
Vital Importance of connectivity and accessibility
The Covid-19 pandemic has “set back progress” in terms of achieving sustainable development goals that would leave no one behind, stated Maria Francesca Spatolisano, UN DESA Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs in New York.
“We reiterate the vital importance of inclusive and accessible technologies,” she said, “including assistive technology that would enable individuals with disabilities to achieve full and meaningful inclusion as beneficiaries and agents of change.”
She observed that technological gaps, such as a digital divide, often limit or exclude persons with disabilities who are affected disproportionately. The pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing socioeconomic and technological gaps.