Innovation in assistive technology is accelerating. Lighter materials, smarter controllers and increasingly sophisticated mobility solutions are expanding what is possible for people of all ages and abilities. Globally, the scale of need is significant. A joint report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF estimated that 2.5 billion people required at least one assistive product in 2021, with demand expected to grow.
Innovation matters. When well applied, technology can reduce effort, improve access, enhance safety and support participation. But innovation alone does not guarantee better outcomes. In practice, the most successful assistive technology is not always the most advanced – it is the one that is used consistently and confidently in everyday life. The real measure of success is not what a device can do on paper, but how well it is made for the person using it.
Why “better” can fail in real life
International reviews of assistive technology outcomes suggests that a notable proportion of devices are not used long term or as intended, even when funded and delivered. In Australia, research into assistive technology services similarly highlights that access, effective matching and ongoing support – not just the technology itself – are key determinants of whether devices are adopted and used over time.
Abandonment is rarely about people being “non-compliant”. More often, it reflects a mismatch between the device and the user’s physical needs, cognitive load, environment, lifestyle, or the level of training and follow-up provided. When technology is not experienced as made for me, even the most impressive features struggle to translate into lasting benefits.
Innovation brings opportunity – and responsibility
Advanced features can dramatically improve outcomes when they are thoughtfully matched. However, they can also introduce friction:
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Cognitive load: multiple modes, settings and decisions
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Set-up demands: charging, pairing, alignment and transport
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Maintenance complexity: more components and potential failure points
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Context mismatch: what works in a showroom may not work at home, school or in the community
Innovation delivers its greatest value when complexity is either invisible to the user or clearly outweighed by meaningful functional gain.
Outcomes come from systems, not products alone
The World Health Organisation emphasises that access to assistive technology is not just about devices – it also depends on appropriate services, trained professionals and effective matching. This philosophy sits at the heart of Astris PME’s Made for Me mission: recognising that real outcomes emerge when technology is shaped around the individual, not the other way around.
Time and time again, the message is clear – assistive technology performs best when it is embedded within clear goals, good set-up and real-world routines.
Redefining progress
Progress in assistive technology should be measured less by novelty and more by:
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Sustained use over time
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Reduced effort and increased participation
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Reliability and serviceability
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Confidence, comfort and dignity in daily life
The next wave of innovation will not simply add more features. It will bring Made for Me to life through smarter matching, better fit and stronger support systems for both prescribers and end users – ensuring innovation translates into real, lasting benefit long after delivery day.
To learn more about Astris PME’s Made for Me philosophy and how personalised assistive technology can support real-world outcomes, contact your closest branch.
