Assistive technology: creating and working with a knowledge transfer community

Objectives Firstly to describe the strategic remit of the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council KT-EQUAL (knowledge transfer for extending quality of life of older and disabled people) consortium. Secondly to provide some case examples of knowledge transfer activities concerned with assistive technology that have been facilitated through KT-EQUAL and that contribute to technology transfer together with likely metrics of impact Main content A brief overview of the aims of KT-EQUAL and its (3,000+) membership will be presented. The range of activities conducted by the Consortium will be illustrated. This will be contextualised within the policy agenda of research impact and the science of knowledge transfer/knowledge translation. The relationship with technology transfer will be highlighted. Results Three different examples of how KT-EQUAL has brokered assistive technology knowledge transfer and related activity will be illustrated. In each case the key impacts on technology transfer is described. The examples are: 1. The showcasing of the Maavis open source technology to promote technology use by older people. Demonstrations of this technology at workshops has confirmed interest by those who might benefit in the future (older people) or would be involved in assisting people with usage (older peoples' advocacy organisations/occupational therapists). This has caused bi-directional new learning to occur, use of MAAVIS in nursing homes and adult education and is leading to a number of new collaborations. 2. The sponsorship of a design competition. This involved three teams of masters and post doctoral designers from Sheffield Hallam and Cambridge universities. Each team had one design challenge; namely an audiology device, a female urinal and a neck brace. This enabled new learning to take place and fostered collaborations, which has led to preparation of a bid for product development funding. 3. Another community of researchers was involved through a workshop on robotics for health. The relationships established through this event have resulted in the submission of a proposal for EU funding for robotics for stroke rehabilitation with three of the UK participants. Conclusion KT-EQUAL is successful in enabling the voice of older and disabled people, and their advocates to be heard and responded to. It is also proving valuable in enabling ideas to be translated into projects and for products to find a route to market.