Research on Accessibility Aids

I'm a Game Design student, and I'm trying to create something of a Master Document of Assistive Devices for Disabilities, with an understanding of how they are used, how they work, and what they are used for. I'm finding it's not an easy research matter though, as most information I'm finding about it is either studies that only include the elderly, or discussions about improving their aesthetics rather than the functionality and accessibility of these aids themselves. It seems to be something that people are aware of being an issue, especially within the world of prosthetics, where this idea of Designer Disability Aids has become more prevalent than the Accessibility Aids themselves.
I've looked through my own University's resources around it, I was hoping the BioMedical Engineering Masters that it offers would mean there are a decent amount of resources around the subject, however once again I can't find anything.
I was wondering if anybody else would have any resources around this, perhaps anybody studying any subject that covers these subject matters or anybody with lived experience. Anything would be insanely helpful! The most important thing to me in game dev is creating representation in media, and the first step to this is fully understanding the things I want to represent.

Reply 1

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

You might want to narrow down your definition a bit. Technically an assistive device can be anything from an easy grip garlic press or a memory foam cushion or a weighted blanket to a paragliding wheelchair.

Many assistive devices are designed for disabled people but sold to a much wider audience. The smaller market of disabled people often makes it expensive to produce bespoke devices for little profit and so broadening out into the non disabled market is more profitable/sustainable for a business.

If you want to start categorising/investigating more then looking at the products available to purchase by exhibitors at naidex would be a reasonable starting point to find things that are actually available - engineering resources are more likely to focus on products in development.

You can find a list of exhibitors on the naidex website: https://www.naidex.co.uk/exhibitors most will then have details of their product range on their business websites

Reply 2

Phantompeaches

OP

1

Original post by PQ

You might want to narrow down your definition a bit. Technically an assistive device can be anything from an easy grip garlic press or a memory foam cushion or a weighted blanket to a paragliding wheelchair.

Many assistive devices are designed for disabled people but sold to a much wider audience. The smaller market of disabled people often makes it expensive to produce bespoke devices for little profit and so broadening out into the non disabled market is more profitable/sustainable for a business.

If you want to start categorising/investigating more then looking at the products available to purchase by exhibitors at naidex would be a reasonable starting point to find things that are actually available - engineering resources are more likely to focus on products in development.

You can find a list of exhibitors on the naidex website: https://www.naidex.co.uk/exhibitors most will then have details of their product range on their business websites

Oh absolutely, although whilst I'm seeking out help and resources through communities I am keeping my definition quite broad, whilst I'm researching independently I am being a lot more specific with my criteria. I'm beginning with Ambulatory Assistive Devices, as although I have had some problems with contradicting information in some places, it is the easiest starting point for more accessible information, as well as having some prior knowledge due to my own experiences. However, with me seeking out further information, I just don't want to close myself off to any resources people may be able to offer by being too specific in my query, and so far I have been able to get a few really good tips and resources to look into thanks to that ^-^

Thank you so much for the advice, and thank you for the website as well! I hadn't heard of Naidex before, I'll definitely have a look at those exhibitors and look more into it all!

Reply 3

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by Phantompeaches

Oh absolutely, although whilst I'm seeking out help and resources through communities I am keeping my definition quite broad, whilst I'm researching independently I am being a lot more specific with my criteria. I'm beginning with Ambulatory Assistive Devices, as although I have had some problems with contradicting information in some places, it is the easiest starting point for more accessible information, as well as having some prior knowledge due to my own experiences. However, with me seeking out further information, I just don't want to close myself off to any resources people may be able to offer by being too specific in my query, and so far I have been able to get a few really good tips and resources to look into thanks to that ^-^

Thank you so much for the advice, and thank you for the website as well! I hadn't heard of Naidex before, I'll definitely have a look at those exhibitors and look more into it all!

Naidex is a pretty fascinating exhibition. Depending where you’re at with your research they might be willing to let you test some ideas or even present some of your work.

It’s a pretty even split of disabled people, medical/care professionals and the disability products “industry” that attends.

Reply 4

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Oh and one company that wasn’t at naidex last year I don’t think but that quite often has assistive devices/tech that’s not available elsewhere is https://shop.disabilityhorizons.com

Reply 5

Phantompeaches

OP

1

Original post by PQ

Naidex is a pretty fascinating exhibition. Depending where you’re at with your research they might be willing to let you test some ideas or even present some of your work.

It’s a pretty even split of disabled people, medical/care professionals and the disability products “industry” that attends.

It seems really interesting, I'm honestly considering going to the next one if my uni schedule allows it, it's so close to me! I know my own knowledge and knowledge I will find online can only go so far, so being able to go to an exhibition that specialises in these things seems like it could be a really incredible learning experience for me.

That other company link as well, thank you so much! Just from the quick look I've had now, it looks like there's so much I can learn from it! I appreciate all of your help and advice so much!

Research on Accessibility Aids

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