News
Celebrating the DATForum 2025
The 2025 DATForum took place in Paris on April 2-3, attracting over 100 people across the AT industry. The event explored major trends and influences upon developing and implementing Digital AT for people with disabilities in Europe and beyond.
There were many highlights to mention. Our opening session included Inmaculada Placencia-Porrero reminding us of the influence and opportunity offered to the industry by the European Accessibility Act, while Dave Gilbert and Philip Robinson looked back at long careers from working in electronics to Digital Assistive Technologies. Charting progress highlighted the many partnerships and relationships built over many years, and Microsoft’s Hector Minto noted the importance of these as we look to the future.
Trends in funding models and the challenges of a fragmented European market were the theme of speakers as we looked at how we looked ahead. Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland highlighted new provision models as influential, where the proposed AT passport changed the relationship between stakeholders throughout the DAT delivery chain.
Some of the most important messages were shared by our speakers in the user voices session. Bryan Boyle summarised research on the impact of DAT, noting that the most significant impact was not simply related to a single domain but was about a sense of inclusion. This theme was shared by those with disabilities who spoke, including Annalu Waller and Mary Lavender. Bob Sagoo’s input as he described his son Harchie’s journey with AT and the legacy he left was both moving and a vivid reminder that DAT matters.
We go forward into the coming year with a shared sense of purpose and commitment to making a difference through technology
DATEurope Elects new board members at the 2025 OGM
At the OGM in Paris, the board accepted the departures of Gamal (Jim) Halaga and Nadine Farris. Their contributions to the development of DATEurope as Membership Secretary and Secretary to the board have been immense. As a result, we welcome three new board members elected by the DATEurope members who were present or by Proxy.
Mika Jannes, Andrea Potrok, and Mikael Lundin from Kajo, Adros, and Steripolar attended the board’s first meeting on April 8. They look forward to helping shape the direction for future years and serving people with disabilities in Europe.
DATEurope Impact Award 2025
At the DATForum, Nadine Farris announced the winners of the DATEurope impact award 2025. Members nominated those who had contributed significantly to the industry during their careers, and a vote by all members took place earlier in the year.
The nominees were
Uli Ehlert
Bob Sagoo
Christoph-Jo Mueller
Marina Vriz
David Niemeijer
The result was extremely close and Nadine announced a tie with two winners who were recognised together. All thanked Uli Ehlert and Christop-Jo Mueller for their contribution to our industry and their commitment to making inclusion a reality for people with a disability
DATEurope welcomes first new members of 2025
Updated April 2025
Welcome to our latest member, Sensory App House from the UK. This adds to the list of new members this year that includes Steripolar, ASPiH, Motion Composer, Mindreader, and Sensory Guru as the latest organisations to join. We look forward to working together for many years to come.
DATEurope Welcomes Lisa Sampson to the team
Lisa Joins us as our new administrator supporting our accounting, membership and events functions. Lisa has an extensive administrative background as Director of Sampson VA Services, and now brings her passion for Assistive Technology to DATEurope, handling Members Administration. Her background is enriched by her experience within the education sector, working with assistive technology organisations, and personal insights as a mum of two neurodivergent teenagers.
Looking back at ATIA 2025 with DATEurope
ATIA 2025 was a resounding success for DATEurope members, a packed exhibition hall and a wide range of educational and networking opportunities make this one of the major events of the year for members. Here are some pictures looking back at our participation.
DATEurope ATIA 2025
DATEurope and our members are planning an active and purposeful visit to Orlando for ATIA 2025. Gamal Halaga and David Banes will be presenting on DAT Matters – The Case for Provision of Digital AT on Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM EST
in Magnolia 1.
Full details are on the ATIA website
We are delighted that the session has been deemed worth of being named for the Joy Zabala Spirit Award. The Award is awarded to speakers at ATIA 2025 whose sessions have been selected as exemplifying the passion Joy brought to her work in AT and education. More details at https://www.atia.org/joyzabala/
In addition members and guests are invited to join us for an informal gathering to share experiences and plans for 2025 in Room Crystal E on Friday, 1/31/2025 from 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM
After the gathering members will meet together for dinner at a local restaurant for dinner and networking
Give a gift that matters campaign 2024
Digital Assistive Technology is the gift that keeps on giving. As we approach Christmas, DATEurope is highlighting how a gift of AT can change a life not only at Christmas but at any time. Examples of products that make employment possible, unlock the potential of education or just make daily life, including leisure and social activities, are all included. The first posts on LinkedIn included
With more to follow
#giveagiftthatmatters
DATEurope Board Elections open for nominations
DATEurope will hold elections for all of the association positions on April 2, 2025, during our general meeting in Paris.
The board members, one President or two Co-Presidents, and two auditors shall be newly elected or may be re-elected for one more term.
DATEurope members who are interested in standing for any of these roles, please submit a nomination between November 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025
Please note that to be elected as President, you must first be elected to the Board of Directors. Therefore, there are three potential types of nomination:
Member of the Board of Directors
President (automatically a member of the Board of Directors)
Co-Presidents (automatically a member of the Board of Directors)
Auditor (not a member of the Board of Directors)
Looking back at ATAAC 2024
Zagreb is a great place to hold a conference, with many hotels and places to meet and socialise. This provided the backdrop to DATEurope at ATAAC 202t with members and guests meeting together the night before the event to enjoy food and drink and to network and socialise. The following day, we started work in earnest.
The conference, hosted by E-GLAS was engaging, enjoyable & energetic, offering great content, including workshops offered by DATEurpe members and the opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends, old and new.
Companies took the opportunity to introduce new products and features to an audience that was both thoughtful and well-informed.
Board member Nadine Farris commented
“The attendees were a pleasure to meet and passionate about all the innovative resources and expert speakers.”
We all agreed with her when she said, “Finally, I must give huge thanks to the amazing student volunteers who were a great support and real asset towards the event’s success!”
We look forward to working with Miro and his team again in 2026
DATEurope Launches Policy Working Group
A stated aim of DATEurope is to provide one voice on behalf of the DAT industry in Europe. An important first step in doing this is the formation of a standing group on DAT policy for members. This working group will identify many of the key barriers to the successful distribution and uptake of digital assistive technology in Europe and make recommendations to policymakers and professionals on steps that can be taken to increase the use of Digital AT to empower and enable persons with disabilities. Members with an interest are invited to connect to David Banes (General secretary) for further details.
Rehacare 2024 and DATEurope thrive together
Looking back at Rehacare 2024, exhibitions are a unique opportunity for those interested to connect and engage in an informal setting. Rehacare 2024 in Dusseldorf reflected this for the many members of DATEurope who took part. The event saw 20 exhibiting DATEurope member companies from 12 countries taking part, with 11 of them at the Joint Booth with 200 sqm (doubled compared to 2023) The stand acted as a central meeting point for around 40 member companies and more than 70 people joined the Kick-Off Reception and networking event. Feedback from all those attending reflected a sense of satisfaction at a very successful show, with international visitors especially valued. Rehacare is rapidly becoming an essential event for Digital AT in Europe.
September 2024 Welcome to our New Members
We are delighted to welcome two new members to DATEurope this month. Storm Interfaces and ATVisor were approved for membership, and we look forward to working closely together in the future. Storm Interfaces represents the concept that Digital AT can be designed as a single device or interface used by many people. Some of their best-known work involves creating accessible controls for Kiosks.
ATVisor represents a different strand of the DAT ecosystem. They offer an AI-driven tool for matching people and their needs to AT that addresses the barriers they face.
We welcome them both and if you wish to join DATEurope you will find the application form on our website.
DATEurope at ATIA 2025
ATIA 2025 looks to be a great event for DATEurope members. You will be able to meet them in the exhibition hall, explore their products and talk to senior staff about their plans for the future. In addition, DATEurope will be hosting a meeting to introduce companies to the benefits of membership and introduce members to companies who want to learn more.
This year also sees a DATEurope first as Board member Gamal Halaga and General Secretary David Banes will be presenting insights and leading discussions on “DAT Matters – The Case for Provision of Digital AT for All”
The 60 Minute session will be on Thursday, Jan 30: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM and will explore how demand for digital assistive technologies has grown globally in the last decade. Increased use of mobile phones and consumer technologies has seen significant steps forward to access and inclusion through technology. However, unlocking the opportunity offered requires a rethink of policy and provision criteria. This session draws upon research and review undertaken by DATEurope to explore barriers to the availability and funding of digital AT in Europe and more widely. Issues related to the nature of Digital AT, criteria and funding models, awareness, and policy will be discussed, with suggestions and discussion on reducing such barriers as new technologies emerge.
Meet DATEurope companies and board members at ATAAC 2024
ATAAC 2024 offers a great opportunity to learn more about Digital AT from companies exhibiting and our board members. The conference takes place in Zagreb on October 23-24, 2024. In addition, a wide range of speakers will explore many of the issues related to the effective implementation of Digital AT and AAC. DATEurope will also host an informal meeting to further discuss many of the issues raised and the role of DATEurope in greater depth. You can find out much more about the event at www.ataac.eu
DATEurope to Contribute to Studies into DAT Policy in Europe
DATEurope members are taking the opportunity to share their unique perspectives on what is working well and what needs to be addressed to make Digital AT fully available to people with disabilities across Europe. A detailed questionnaire was shared with DATEurope members, and the organisation is collecting and forwarding the responses. Members who want to participate can find a copy of the form in the new member’s resource area. This is an important first step in bringing the perspective of the industry to the attention of policymakers seeking to support those with disabilities effectively and efficiently.
New Members Resource base launched
The new members-only area on the DATEurope website has now been launched
The resource base offers a unique location where members will find a library of articles and materials, such as sources of investment, research into innovation, policy frameworks, and up-to-date news and thoughts on Digital AT. A curated set of events of interest to members can be searched online; there is an archive of members’ newsletters and a discussion forum where some of the key issues facing the digital AT industry in Europe can be shared and discussed.
Members will receive a password by email to access the Beta version.
Access can be found under the Members Tab in the main DATEuope website menu.
DATForum 2025
Planning has started for the first DATForum, to be held in Paris on April 2 and 3, 2025. Our draft theme is “Building Digital Access for All – The Role of Digital Assistive Technology Today and Tomorrow”
The event will explore the lessons learned from the last 25 years of access to Digital Technology and explores the implications of those lessons in a fast-changing technological and social landscape.
This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, share insights, and expand your professional network. You won’t want to miss it. Watch this space for more details and how to book your place.
DATEurope advocates for access to Digital Assistive Technology for all
In June and July, members of the DATEurope board and individual members participated in working groups to influence DAT policy and provision in Europe and Beyond. We bring the industry’s voice to the table to increase access for people with disabilities.
In the submissions to the UN Conference of the State Parties (COSP) held in New York in June, special attention was given to encouraging a commitment to access to digital AT. Work was undertaken on the Global Digital Compact at the conference, and in online meetings, we made the case that a clear and unequivocal commitment to Digital Access and Assistive Technologies was essential in seeking to bridge the digital divide. Furthermore, we also took part in initial meetings with AAATE and GAATO to explore some of the barriers to the uptake of Digital AT around the world and to offer insight from the industry related to the experience of those barriers and potential solutions.
DATEurope continues to Share the voice of industry to policymakers to stimulate and enhance DAT provision across the globe
DATEurope welcomes three new members
We are delighted to announce three new members who have joined DATEurope this month.
AssistiiveWare a popular AAC company, offer a range of products to support people without speech
Acapela creates personalised voices that bring value to all services, applications or devices that need to speak.
Dolphin Computer Access develops assistive technology that makes a difference to people with visual impairments.
DATEurope at Rehacare 2024 25-28 September
There is a great opportunity to meet with DATEurope and many of our members at Rehacare in Dusseldorf when we will again have our popular shared Booth CO9 in Hall 5
The booth is not just a meeting point but a hub for networking and collaboration between our members and the public.
Currently, around 20 members will exhibit in the shared space
Come to the stand to meet and chat to Abilia, A/S Aabentoft, Alt & Clevy, CSS, E-Glas, , Irisbond, Possum, Smartbox, Tipy, Code Q, Draeger Lienert, Homebrace, Humanelektronik, Jabbla, Prentke Romich, Rehadapt, rehakind e.V. Sybility and Acapela Group
You are invited to the DATEurope event on Thursday, 26.10.2024, at the end of the day
For more details about Rehacare, go to https://www.rehacare.com/
DATEurope AGM and Members Day 2024
London April 24 2024 – DATEurope held the annual general meeting and Members Day at the Microsoft Experience Centre in the heart of London. The event brought together almost 50 members from many of the companies across Europe.
At the AGM the budget for 2024 was approved, and the Strategy 2024 – 2027 was unveiled with a clear commitment to achieve the mission and aims of DATEurope fully, raising awareness of Digital AT, working in partnership with other bodies, adding new member benefits and seeking to encourage greater access to Digital AT throughout the region.
Guest speakers Hector Minto (Microsoft) and Ben Hardiman (GDIHub) presented the global landscape for the provision of AT alongside Microsoft’s accessibility strategy, and members engaged in discussion as to how best to leverage relationships to support persons with disabilities.
David Gilbert Receives first Industry Impact Award
On Members Day 2024, DATEurope was delighted to present the inaugural Industry Impact award to David Gilbert. Board member Nadine Farris introduced the award saying “He has advocated for the Digital Assistive Technology industry for over 20 years and continues to push the envelope for innovation in the industry. His passion, or you could say his calling, to create products that change the life of someone that needs “a little extra help” is an ethos that runs within Praetorian’s DNA, and the company tagline “inspired by you” is in keeping with that.”
We congratulate and thank David for his contribution to our industry and inclusion of people with disabilities
DATEurope launch report into funding for Digital AT across Europe
The DATEurope Research report into funding for Digital AT across Europe was officially launched in London at the Members Day 2024
Key findings included that:-
- DAT is not explicitly mentioned in most national policies, but it is often included within a broader understanding of assistive technology (AT).
- Inconsistencies in the understanding and definition of AT and DAT lead to challenges in policy and funding programs.
- The funding mechanisms for DAT, as revealed by our research, vary significantly across Europe, with no country offering universal funding for assistive products. This diversity underscores the complexity of the issue at hand.
An Executive summary of the full report can be downloaded from here
Download
DATEurope at Exposanita - Bologna - April 2024
DATEurope – Environmental Control Practitioners Summit 2023
BEST PRACTICE, CHALLENGES & FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE EC INDUSTRY
In October 2023 we held the first-ever summit on Environmental Control (EC) systems. Drawing together manufacturers, engineers, technicians, service providers and consultants that serve their customers with EC systems.
During the practical, solution-focused event we shared knowledge, experience, and technical know-how on designing and installing EC systems. Hands-on workshops explored technical issues such as interfacing with beds, lifts, intercoms, lighting systems, Smart TVs and more.
Our summit featured presentations by experts in Smart Home technology and Medical Device Regulation. These thought-provoking talks sparked engaging discussions on the profound impact of consumer electronics and big tech on our business model.
The DATEurope summits are a must-attend event for anyone working in digital assistive technology.
Past Events
DATEurope
DATEurope
& Members
DATEurope Members
Apuväline
11.-13.05.2022
Helsinki, Finland
(National)
Website
Biggest fair for assistive technology and accessibility in Finland.
Breaking Barriers Congress
26.-28.05.2022
Barcelona, Spain
(International)
Website
Breaking Barriers Congress has the vocation of being the reference event on Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication in Spain and for the rest of Western Europe. It is the meeting place for professionals, users, companies and institutions. For companies and institutions in the sector, it is the best opportunity to make themselves known and establish a direct dialogue with the people of reference. (Website in English coming soon!)
Naidex
TBC
Birmingham, UK
(International)
M-Enabling Europe
TBC
Germany
M-Enabling Summit
TBC
USA
Further News and Events
Do you also have some news or events we could be interested into? Feel free to write us!
