Actively involving people with disabilities in product development

When it comes to product development in the assistive technology sector, it is important to involve people with disabilities in the processes. After all, they are ultimately the users – they can enrich the development process by sharing their experiences and are best qualified to judge whether an innovation really helps.

Whether in research, the design of local public transport or the development of innovations - people with disabilities must be actively involved in all areas of life to ensure that inclusion really works. And also in order to ensure that products are not developed "bypassing" the needs of users. For many exhibitors at REHACARE, this inclusion is already a matter of course.

Even before it comes to the actual production of assistive products, research is the first step. And researchers can and should already involve end users at this stage. The "DOF-Adaptiv" project has shown what this can look like, which ultimately benefited both the users and the participating munevo GmbH. But let's start at the beginning: the project was about making it easier to control robotic arms. In many cases, a robot arm could perform many more movements than the user's input device allows – usually there are only two options available, which is why the user has to switch back and forth between the robot arm's options. munevo tackled this problem together with the end users.

The aim of the project was for the robot to use artificial intelligence (AI) to recognize an everyday situation and then suggest a suitable type of movement that can then be implemented by the user. To achieve this goal, the researchers worked closely with the users: While the researchers trained the AI using virtual reality objects and then programmed the associated movement suggestion, people with disabilities assessed the subsequent execution.

The result of the research was that the robotic arm was quicker to operate. And this was not the end. Munevo integrated the final results into its munevo DRIVE control system, so its development also benefited from the input of active and potential users. The project has thus provided important insights for everyone involved.

What experiences and stories do customers associate with innovations and products? ORMESA Srl from Italy asked this question to themselves, but especially to the users of their products. On its website, the company introduces young people who have been given new opportunities in their everyday lives thanks to ORMESA assistive devices. In this way, users not only inspire others, but also the company in particular, which can incorporate these experiences into product development. In addition to involving people with disabilities, this also helps to optimize the products.

RECK-Technik GmbH & Co.KG, which offers motor-assisted movement therapy devices, also relies on customer reviews during development. In addition to experts, users can also share their experiences with MOTOmed movement therapy, which the company can then incorporate into future development processes. In addition to current experience reports, RECK regularly publishes current studies that can be used to improve the therapy methods. In this way, other users also benefit from the experience of others.

EnableMe also focuses on the participation and empowerment of people with disabilities. The platform provides its users digitally with various solutions or helpful resources. The aim is to break down barriers and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. And this also requires solutions that are suitable for everyday use and include people with disabilities from the outset.

Users themselves know best what exactly they need and expect from such solutions. EnableMe has launched the “Insights” project to involve them in the development process right from the start. This means that users are not presented with a "fait accompli" at the end of product development, such as barrier-free train carriages, but are involved in their design. Shortcomings can thus be eliminated as early as the planning phase. "Insights" actively seeks participants for studies and product tests in order to provide organizations with concrete recommendations for improved accessibility.

Last but not least, REHACARE also strives to strengthen its community in the best possible way. In cooperation with Messe Düsseldorf, the #TogetherForInclusion initiative was created in the run-up to the 2024 Paralympic Games. People can share their own personal inclusive stories from sport, politics or culture and inspire others in the process. For Boryana Milova, Global Community Manager at EnableMe, the trade fair is also making an important contribution to greater inclusion: "With the #TogetherForInclusion campaign, REHACARE [...] is making a significant contribution to eliminating prejudice and moving towards a society in which everyone is valued for their individual talents."

Together with renowned inclusion ambassadors, REHACARE wants to set an example for the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities "Nothing about us without us", so that diversity and participation are promoted as the cornerstones of an inclusive society in the future.