Changes and improvements in assistive technology are fast-paced and constant. Emma Chesworth caught up with assistive technology consultant Oliver Lewis to talk about some of the latest equipment and software that are helping improve the lives of people with a brain injury, limiting condition or disability.

“There have been a lot of changes in hardware,” says Oliver. One recent advancement is the robotic arm for wheelchairs devised by Rahana Life. The arm bolts onto someone’s wheelchair and through head movements or a joystick they can operate the chair’s controls. “This means that someone who does not have control of their limbs can use the robotic arm to feed the dog for example or take something gently from a child or look at a piece of paper. Little things that can make a big difference to someone’s life,” says Oliver.