Marcus Jones MP joined charity Leonard Cheshire at an assistive technology showcase in the House of Commons to hear about the transformational impact it can have upon the lives of disabled people. 

Disabled people want to use the latest devices as much as anyone, yet access to innovative technology is often barred. 

Low awareness amongst employers, public service providers, carers and disabled people of the available technology as well as high costs and a lack of relevant skills all play a part in preventing access to this support. In fact, 1 in 4 disabled people have never used the internet. 

At the event Marcus Jones heard from sector experts and users of assistive technology about the opportunities it can offer - supporting disabled people to communicate with friends and family, stay in work and live independently - as well as the potential barriers to its use. 

Developers of specialist and mainstream assistive technology, including Microsoft, LexAble and Dolphin were also on hand to demonstrate some of the latest innovations. 

Marcus Jones said: “I am delighted to support Leonard Cheshire’s work on assistive technology. In a world where technology advances each day, it is unacceptable that disabled people are barred from innovations which have the potential to support them to live, learn and work independently. All technology must be assistive technology.”