For the online Aperitivo on 10 February 2025, we were joined by members from Austria, Israel, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, Poland, Italy, Ireland, Ukraine, Belgium, UK, and France.

Our AAATE president reported from the recent board meeting in Bologna and that AAATE was busy with submitting many project proposals. Our secretary general visited the conference facilities in Cyprus, where the preparations for the conference in September are well underway.

Global Trends in Assistive Technology: A Snapshot from Israel, Switzerland, UK, Japan, and the Netherlands

Assistive Technology (AT) is rapidly evolving worldwide, addressing diverse needs and challenges. Recent insights from Israel, Switzerland, the UK, Japan, and the Netherlands highlight key trends and developments in this crucial field.

Israel: Addressing Urgent Needs

In Israel, the focus on AT is intensifying due to the current political situation, leading to a surge in rehabilitation and mental health needs, particularly among young people with war injuries. The emphasis is on digital accessibility and facilitating employment for those requiring rehabilitation.

Switzerland: Innovation in Home Care and Prevention

Switzerland is pioneering new initiatives in mobile healthcare and smart home technologies, aiming to provide assistive and preventative care. There’s also a growing focus on supporting caregivers, recognizing their vital role in the care ecosystem. Emerging trends include the use of large language models and teleoperated AT robotics, although privacy concerns, especially regarding teleoperation from low-income countries, are being carefully considered.

United Kingdom: Advancing Education and Digital AT

The UK is actively working on proposals to enhance AT in education, involving industry, end-users, and academics. A significant report on AT from the Royal Society is expected around 2 September 2025, which will likely shape future strategies. The Department of Education is also integrating AT into new qualification requirements to support learning. However, challenges persist, including funding constraints for academic research and conference attendance. On the research front, Edenborough is home to a notable robotic research group focused on rehabilitation.

Japan: Technological Advancements and Standardization

Japan is gearing up for a major conference in Tokyo this August, showcasing its advancements in AT. Ministry-funded projects are underway, focusing on establishing tech hubs at the prefecture level and developing educational programs for occupational therapists and health professionals. A project on automatic, electric wheelchair systems is also in progress. Japan is actively involved in revising ISO 999 standards and is developing new standards for AT in medication adherence and monitoring devices. Notably, the ministry’s focus has shifted from assistive robotics to ICT and AT for care technology.

The Netherlands: Impact of Funding Changes on International Projects

In the Netherlands, international projects in low and middle-income countries have been affected by the closure of USAID, highlighting the vulnerability of such initiatives to funding changes.

Overall Trends

Several overarching trends emerge from these updates:

• Digital Accessibility: A growing emphasis on ensuring digital platforms are accessible to all.
• Integration of Advanced Technologies: The use of large language models, robotics, and smart home technologies is on the rise.
• Focus on Rehabilitation and Care: Many countries are prioritizing AT solutions for rehabilitation, mental health, and caregiver support.
• Standardization and Education: Efforts are underway to standardize AT practices and integrate AT into educational curricula.
• Funding Challenges: Securing long-term funding for research and projects remains a significant hurdle.

These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the AT field and its potential to significantly improve the lives of individuals with diverse needs. As technology continues to advance and global needs evolve, AT will undoubtedly play an increasingly crucial role in fostering inclusion and independence.