Introduction

David Banes is Director of David Banes Access and Inclusion Services and co-founder of Global symbols, having previously led assistive technology services in Europe and the Middle East He now works across the globe including projects in Africa and South Asia to support access infrastructure from policy to practice, based upon a detailed model of the AT ecosystem that supports implementation.

Recent projects include the development of a response to disruptive innovation in the access industry, whilst supporting entrepreneurs to bring products and services to market. He has a special interest in emerging technologies and the impact upon the daily lives of people with a disability. This has included the use of AI to augment communication and automation, emerging technologies and mobility and the use of innovation to build resilient services for people during the pandemic.

David has extensive experience in the area of accessible design for a broad range of individual needs and writes regularly on the tools and techniques that might facilitate more accessible products including websites and apps in companies, public bodies and NGO’s

Recent publications include emerging technologies and the impact on universal design for learning, economic return on investment in AT, and the potential impact of frugal innovation on provision of assistive products. He maintains a regular written column on Medium to explore trends related to access and inclusion through technology.