New accessible technology hub launched to drive disability-led innovation

The UK's most accessible technology hub to drive disability innovation and assistive technology has been launched today by UCL, Plexal and Here East. The East London Inclusive Enterprise Zone (ELIEZ) is the first fully accessible, specially designed space for entrepreneurs and businesses leaders who are disabled, or are focused on servicing disabled people. It will feature an innovation lab optimised for accessibility, which will accelerate the development of needed products and services through from idea stage to global deployment. The zone will also coordinate the delivery of accessible innovation education, training and events. About 15% of the global population has a form of disability, yet disabled people are frequently excluded from the opportunities available to non-disabled people. As an example of this exclusion, only one in ten disabled people has access to the assistive technology they require to go to school, work, or have a family. In the UK, the disability employment gap - the difference in the rate of employment of disabled people and non-disabled people - has remained at around 30% for a decade.