Publications





































  • Red and white page shows a summary of our reserach with a photo of a machine in the top right corner. The text reads, ‘Reserach summary: A scoping review of digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics and orthotics: Part 1 of 2-Prosthetics. About: Around 0.5% of the global population requires prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation services, with demand expected to double by 2050. However, access to these devices is limited, especially in low-income countries. Digital technologies, such as CAD, CAM, and additive manufacturing, offer potential solutions to improve accessibility and efficiency in prosthetic fabrication. Highlights: 
Digital tools have streamlined prosthetic production by replacing manual 
processes. While these innovations could reduce labour and improve access, our research shows: A lack of large, long-term studies on these technologies.
Minimal focus on training for clinicians and on device adjustment methods.
Variability in workflows and materials, making conclusions difficult.
Despite commercial systems being available, evidence on their real-world effectiveness and use is limited, especially in low-income countries.
Conclusion: Research gaps, particularly in long-term evidence and training, hinder the widespread adoption of digital prosthetic technologies. Collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and industry is essential to support evidence-based decision-making and improve access to these innovations. Cover Image

    A scoping review of digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics and orthotics: Part 1 of 2-Prosthetics (Summary)

    Dr Ben Oldfrey, Catherine Holloway, Margaret K Donovan-Hall
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Global
    Research Summaries

    Click here to read a summary of our review on digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics and orthotics. Digital fabrication offers potential to improve global prosthetic access, but gaps in research, large-scale studies, training, and workflow standardisation hinder evidence-based adoption and practical implementation in real-world clinical settings.

  • Cover page of report, showing people with visibility disabilities exercising Cover Image

    PSAS Athlete Toolkit

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, Loughborough University, The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), University of Malawi
    Sept. 30, 2024
    Ghana, Malawi and Zambia
    AT2030 Resources

    This toolkit is aimed at athletes with a disability who aspire to become world class and compete for their country at an international level. The toolkit is designed to provide useful information and step by step guides on important aspects of Para sport such as classification, competition, coaching and communication.

  • Cover page of report, showing sports classes with children with disabilities. Cover Image

    PSAS Coach Toolkit

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, Loughborough University, The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), University of Malawi
    Sept. 30, 2024
    Malawi
    AT2030 Resources

    This toolkit is aimed at supporting coaches who work with disabled athletes within their national and international sporting systems. The toolkit is designed to provide useful information and step-by-step guides on important aspects of Para sport, such as classification systems and processes, competition requirements, coaching checklists and communication methods.

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    PRET Printer: Development and Evaluation of a Passive Refreshable Tactile Printer - Research Summary

    Catherine Holloway, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar
    Aug. 28, 2024
    Research Summaries

    The study explores the development of the PRET Printer, a cost-effective solution for creating refreshable tactile graphics for visually impaired individuals. Using Tacilia technology and a laser engraver, the system produces precise, reconfigurable tactile graphics. Testing showed high usability, with users reporting improved comprehension of diagrams and charts.

  • Cover page of report featuring images of the PRET printer Cover Image

    PRET Printer: Development and Evaluation of a Passive Refreshable Tactile Printer

    Catherine Holloway, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar
    Aug. 28, 2024
    Academic Research Publications

    While audio-based interfaces make information accessible to people with visual impairments, some information, such as diagrams, graphs, and charts, can be better interpreted tactilely. We introduce a new Passive Refreshable Tactile (PRET) Printer concept. Using off-the-shelf components of a laser engraver and the nascent Tacilia technology, the prototype enables the creation of refreshable tactile graphics.

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    Research Summary: Multi-country rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) 2019-2021: findings from a consultative review

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, World Health Organization
    July 25, 2024
    Global
    Research Summaries

    This research summary provides key highlights and snapshot content from the Multi-country rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) 2019-2021: findings from a consultative review.

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    Mapping Assistive Technology Start-ups

    Catherine Holloway, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, Patel Dilisha
    July 16, 2024
    Global
    Academic Research Publications

    This paper explored their experiences of providing and accessing AT, including procurement strategies, adoption of new technologies, and provision pathways. Overall, we found that there is still a substantial knowledge gap in assistive products, how to access products, and funding for needed products. These discussions also enlightened us that word-of-mouth and peer networks are the main avenues through which knowledge of assistive products is shared. Difficulties in keeping up with the expanding innovative landscape was raised as a key concern.

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    Exploring Information Needs for Tracking to Support Using Wheelchairs in Everyday Life

    Wen Mo, Aneesha Singh, Catherine Holloway
    July 9, 2024
    Global
    Academic Research Publications

    This study contributes by delineating the unmet information needs in wheelchair tracking and advocating for more research interests to develop and design tracking tools in Human-Computer Interactions (HCI) that enrich the everyday experiences of wheelchair users.

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    Mapping Assistive Technology Start-Ups (book: Design for Equality and Justice)

    Catherine Holloway, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, Dilisha Patel
    July 9, 2024
    AT2030 Resources

    This project aimed to assess the met and unmet needs of AT through five focus group discussions with users, policy makers, developers, and providers. Findings revealed a major knowledge gap in accessing and funding assistive products, with word-of-mouth and peer networks being the primary sources of information.

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    AI for Disability Inclusion in Africa

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 30, 2024
    Africa
    Academic Research Publications

    This report summarises the opportunities, challenges and enablers for disability-inclusive AI in Africa and key research questions that were identified in three online roundtables held in February, March and April 2024. The roundtables were convened and hosted by UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

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    Collection of the AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure case studies on Accessibility and Inclusive in the Built Environment.

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 13, 2024
    Global
    Case Studies and Reports

    A collection of the case studies from the Inclusive Design and Accessibility of the Built Environment research.

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    Case Study: Malawi Para Games

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    May 19, 2024
    Malawi
    Case Studies and Reports

    The Inaugural Malawi Para Games (MPG) provided the first national platform for people with disability to gather and engage in sports, promoting inclusion.

  • Graph from review showing Roles and positions of technology (a) Ability Channel; (b) Ability Supporter; (c) Ability Combiner; (d) Communication Supporter Cover Image

    A Systematic Review of Ability-diverse Collaboration through Ability-based Lens in HCI

    Catherine Holloway, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, Maryam Bandukda, Lan Xiao, Katrin Angerbauer, Weiyue Lin, Michael Sedlmair
    May 11, 2024
    Global
    Academic Research Publications

    This paper offers an analysis of 117 papers sourced from the ACM Digital Library spanning the last two decades. It contributes (1) a unified taxonomy and the Ability-Diverse Collaboration Framework, (2) a reflective discussion and mapping of the current design space, and (3) future research opportunities and challenges. Finally, we have released our data and analysis tool to encourage the HCI research community to contribute to this ongoing effort.

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    Enhancing Communication Equity: Evaluation of an Automated Speech Recognition Application in Ghana

    Catherine Holloway, Giulia Barbareschi, Richard Cave, Gifty Ayoka
    May 11, 2024
    Ghana
    Academic Research Publications

    In Ghana people who struggle to articulate speech as a result of different conditions experience barriers in interacting with others due to difficulties in being understood. Automatic speech recognition software can be used to help listeners understand people with communication difficulties. However, studies have not looked at the practical feasibility of these technologies beyond the Global North. We present a novel user study examining the introduction of one such technology, Google Project Relate, to Ghana.

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    Enhancing Communication Equity: Evaluation of an Automated Speech Recognition Application in Ghana - Research Summary

    Catherine Holloway, Giulia Barbareschi, Richard Cave, Gifty Ayoka
    May 11, 2024
    Research Summaries

    This study assessed Google's Project Relate app in Ghana to assist individuals with speech impairments. Key findings included challenges with device access, the need for customised training, and limited awareness of the app. While some users benefited, others faced issues with speech recognition. The study highlighted the need for better support and adaptations, leading to the launch of the Centre for Digital Language Inclusion to address these challenges.

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    NEPCON Conference 2024

    Dr Ben Oldfrey, RAM CHANDRA THAPA
    May 10, 2024
    Nepal
    Academic Research Publications

    A presentation made at the 2nd NEPOCON (Nepal Prosthetics and Orthotics) conference in May 2024 by five members of the project team led by Ram Chandra Thapa from Zener Technologies in Nepal, and Ben Oldfrey from UCL, on A Global-Local Innovation Approach for Appropriate Technology in LMICs: A Case Study in Nepal.

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    On the Relation between Assistive Technology System Elements and Access to Assistive Products Based on 20 Country Surveys

    Wei Zhang, Johan Borg, Irene Calvo, Chapal Khasnapis, Mikael Winberg, Arne H Eide
    May 3, 2024
    GLobal
    Academic Research Publications

    The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between assistive technology system elements and access to assistive products. Data on assistive technology system elements and self-reported survey data on access to assistive products from 20 countries were analyzed using multivariate statistical methods, including orthogonal partial least squares analyses.

  • ParaSport toolkit cover page - this is purple and shows children playing parasport. Cover Image

    Para Sport against stigma coach toolkit

    Loughborough University, The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), University of Malawi
    April 19, 2024
    Malawi
    AT2030 Resources

    This toolkit is aimed at supporting coaches who work with disability athletes within their national and international sporting systems. This includes coaches who are starting out within the parasport system, and also those who currently have athletes on national training programmes supported by the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) and competing under their international federation (IF) rules for a particular sport.

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    Case Study: Making Noise Malawi

    University of Malawi
    April 19, 2024
    Malawi
    Case Studies and Reports

    This is a tool for co-creating action plans for community engagement with disability sport social change in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is intended for use by a wide range of disability sports organisations, including National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), as well as Disabled Persons. Organisations (DPOs) and their partners and allies.

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    Case study : Growing a Para Sport Ecosystem in Malawi

    University of Malawi
    April 18, 2024
    Malawi
    Case Studies and Reports

    Throughout the project, a Para sport ecosystem developed in Malawi. Shifting stigma through coordinated strategies in media, community engagement, and sport development is beginning to influence national systems and policies.

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