Hayley Philippault

We can send people to the moon - and maybe soon Mars - but we're still using tech from the time of the moon landings in assistive devices for people with disabilities. Why? When advances in technology are harnessed for the benefit of those who really need them, we can start imagining a more equitable society in which health conditions are no longer a barrier to full participation. I've spent the last 20 years designing products with and for people with disabilities, and railed against the lack of progress in providing well designed, affordable assistive products. Now Head of Technology at Duchenne UK, the UK's leading Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy charity, I am leading a groundbreaking project to deliver a product that will augment arm strength and movement for young people who are progressively losing muscle mass. It has to be wearable. It has to be discreet. It has to work!