We were delighted to attend the APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) for Assistive & Accessible Technology Annual Reception in June – thank you to Policy Connect for the kind invitation.
The event brought together policymakers, practitioners and people with lived experience to explore how assistive technology can support disabled people to thrive in employment, and to showcase the innovations already making a difference in workplaces today.
SUSE Trustee Courtney Bruner attended on our behalf and shared some reflections from the discussion:
- The urgent need to dismantle barriers faced by disabled people in work, including the persistent disability pay and employment gaps.
- The vital role of assistive technology (ATech) in developing inclusion and independence at work.
- The importance of improving awareness, access and confidence in ATech.
- The clear social and economic value of supporting more disabled people into work.
- The collective responsibility to create inclusive workplaces, with better awareness of rights, faster adjustments, and a focus on supporting people to thrive.
At SUSE, we recognise how Supported Employment, alongside assistive technology, and the removal of unintentional digital barriers, can create inclusive workplaces, demonstrate Fair Work principles, reduce economic inactivity, and ultimately change lives. When the right support and assistive technology are in place, people can build independence, contribute their skills, and achieve meaningful, sustained careers.
We look forward to continuing to work alongside partners across policy, technology and employment to help close the Disability Employment Gap and create truly inclusive workplaces.
