News release: Workshop looks at needs of older and disabled people

Abstract

As the percentage of the world's population over the age of 60 continues to increase, the
greater the need for new and better technology to allow older people to remain in their
own homes and retain their independence. This is one of the themes of a special
workshop, hosted by the University of Central Lancashire and the EQUAL Research
Network, which aims to explore the recent advances in the development and availability
of assistive technologies to improve the quality of life for older and disabled people.
The workshop will bring together colleagues from the University's Faculty of Health
and leading international and national researchers, academics, engineers and designers,
with those particularly involved in the actively assessing the needs of older and disabled
people, such as occupational therapists and health care workers.
''This is a networking event where the leading edge of science meets the sharp end of
practice and the reality of ageing and disability", says Professor Peter Lansley, Director
of the EQUAL Research Network, an organisation set up to meet the needs of older and
disabled people. "In undertaking the workshop we are hoping to encourage better links
and collaboration between the research community and those who work in health and
social services, so that future research agendas are more finely attuned to the most
pressing needs and the results more swiftly incorporated into routine practice."
The workshop will include an evaluation of some on-going projects, plus discussions on
future developments and policy issues.
23 June2003
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Notes for Editors:
1. The EQUAL Research Network is funded by the Engineering and Physical
Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). It was set up two years ago to bring
together researchers, practitioners and professionals from the full range of
organisations, charities and groups concerned with meeting the needs of older
and disabled people, and older people and disabled people themselves. For
details of on-going research, see www.equal.ac.uk
2. The workshop will be taking place at the Harris Conference Centre, University
of Central Lancashire on Wednesday 25 June, 2003. For more information,
please contact Professor Lansley, tel: 0118 358 7179.
3. The workshop, "Integrated approaches to the development, selection and supply
of assistive technologies for older and disabled people", has been co-sponsored
by the University of Central Lancashire and the PPP Foundation.