How Assistive Technology Brings Independence and Safety to People We Support

The 4th of June 2025 marks the first ever World Day for Assistive Technology, launched by leading health and development organisations as part of the Unlock the Everyday campaign, to raise awareness of the importance of assistive technology and the urgent need to improve access to it.

There are various forms of assistive technology, including basic assistive products such as wheelchairs, eye glasses, hearing aids, artificial limbs and digital devices, as well as more complex, bespoke pieces of technology that are often installed in people’s homes. These products and solutions enable people to live healthier and more independent lives, enjoying the everyday moments that many of us take for granted.

Assistive Technology at AFG

We’re proud to work with expert providers to enable the highest levels of care and support – all made possible through the hard work and dedication of our incredible frontline colleagues. A key example of example of how assistive technology is creating positive outcomes, is our work with My Ecosystem, a provider of smart assisted living technology and home automation solutions.

In 2023, we worked with My Ecosystem and Lancashire County Council to install a range of high specification assistive technology was installed in a bungalow in Parklands Court, AFG’s 13-bed scheme in Lancashire, as part of a bespoke package for Alex*, one of the amazing people we support.

Alex is 35 and has severe learning disabilities, autism and epilepsy. He has limited verbal communication and complex support needs. We identified that a bespoke package of assistive technology could give Alex a level of independence and safety that he had never had.

Alex’s autism means that he finds it very difficult to live in an environment that he does not have control over. He is not comfortable with fixtures such as light switches, plug sockets and any technological items.

Living around items like this causes him daily anxiety and behaviours that challenge due to his distress. Alex’s epilepsy also means that he had not been able to be left on his own in case he has a seizure, therefore requiring 24-hour support.

Using Innovation and Technology to Achieve Positive Outcomes

Working with My Ecosystem and Lancashire County Council, a package of assistive technology has been installed into Alex’s bungalow to promote his independence and keep him safe.

This includes a ‘SensFloor’, which is a sensor underlay utilising smart software which detects whether someone is lying on the floor, to alert support staff when Alex has an epileptic seizure during the night. There are also sensors in the ceiling to detect where he is in the property, which support staff can monitor when not physically with him, allowing him privacy in place of another solution such as a camera.

Due to Alex’s history of challenging behaviours, there is a safety button that support staff can activate if needed, where they can press a button which will immediately close and lock the kitchen door but allow staff to observe Alex. This functionality can also be used when staff are not in the property to protect Alex from harming himself with kitchen appliances.

This bespoke technology has helped to create an environment in which Alex feels safe, and is able to be left alone for the first time ever.

Alex’s father said: “Knowing that Alex is not just being cared for but thriving – enjoying life and building new connections – means everything to us.”

AFG Area Manager, Chris Lamble, said of the impact that the assistive tech has had on Alex’s life: “Alex is so much more relaxed and settled. His environment is clean, comfortable and safe. His challenging behaviours have reduced significantly, and his family are extremely pleased.”

We’re excited to bring you more developments in this area and share more of the fantastic independence journeys of the people we support. If you’d like to learn more, please get in touch with us here.

(*name changed to protect identity)

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