We passionately believe that there needs to be a massive step change in how technology helps people with disabilities such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Technological development is progressing at a rapid pace, yet people with physical disabilities have benefited very little from this.

We are changing this by developing new devices that give people with physical disabilities greater independence. And we’re redesigning and updating old technology for people with disabilities too.  

We took taking this important message and showcased our technology to an international audience at South by Southwest (SXSW), a technology and entertainment conference and festival that took place in Texas in March. 

We were invited as a part of The Future Art and Culture programme at SXSW produced by British Underground and Arts Council England with partnership support from the British Council. The project showcases the best of UK technology, creativity and innovation to an international audience of media and industry professionals.

We demonstrated Elevex, our soft exoskeleton prototype and discussed our work on developing technology that gives people with disabilities greater independence.

There’s still a lot that that needs to change for technological development to truly include people with disabilities. But change has begun, and we’re driving it forward.

Our panel, Tech For All: Unlocking Creativity with Inclusive Innovation, was hosted by Nick Kwek, journalist, BBC TV presenter and founder of Project x Media.

He spoke to Emily Reuben OBE, Co-founder and Chief Executive of Duchenne UK, who shared her horror at realising how little technology there was to help her son as his diseased progressed and her determination to do something about it.

Eli Crossley, Emily’s 16 year old son, who is a musician and has DMD, demonstrated Elevex and how it helps him to continue playing the ukulele as he loses upper body mobility.

Hayley Philippault, Head of Technology at Duchenne UK, discussed her work in designing products with and for people with disabilities over the last 20 years, and how she has railed against the lack of progress in providing well designed, affordable assistive products.

We are always looking for people to support our work in developing inclusive technology.

This could be funding our work, or partnering us on developing technology. 

You can email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.