[Public Voices]Assistive Technology Devices: Innovative Solutions Breaking Down Barriers for People with Disabilities

Recently, I came across an article about a dentist. This dentist suffered a cervical spine injury in an accident while attending dental school, resulting in paralysis of the entire body except for part of the shoulder and both wrists, meaning they cannot use their hands. It is likely the world's first and only dentist with such a severe disability.

The fact that a person with total paralysis is working as a dentist, a profession that requires precise manual work, may sound unusual. However, this dentist treats patients most safely, accurately, and meticulously, albeit at a slower pace. The secret lies in various assistive technology devices, including a standing wheelchair.

Assistive technology devices, often called "warm technology for people," are tools researched and developed to help people with disabilities carry out daily life, work, and educational activities effectively. These devices are used in various fields to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

In particular, assistive technology in the workplace helps individuals with disabilities maximize their abilities, breaking down barriers that block them and opening new doors of opportunity. It also contributes to creating a society where people with and without disabilities work together, holding the potential to innovatively advance our society. When the Act on Employment Promotion and Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities was enacted in 1990, the employment rate of people with disabilities was only 0.43%. Over the past 30 years, it has increased more than sevenfold, and assistive technology devices can be cited as one of the key factors behind this growth.

Nevertheless, many people still have not encountered assistive technology devices and do not know what they are or how they help people with disabilities in their professional lives.

At the Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities, where I work, we hold an annual assistive technology expo to provide opportunities to directly see and experience assistive technology devices, which are "innovative solutions that break down barriers for people with disabilities." This year, the agency will host the "2024 Korea Assistive Technology Expo" on June 4th and 5th at the aT Center in Yangjae, Seoul.

Through this expo, I hope everyone will join us on the journey to create a beautiful society where people with and without disabilities work together by meeting innovative assistive technology solutions that break down barriers and help people with disabilities demonstrate their abilities.

Cho Hyang-hyun, President of Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities