Sweden has made notable contributions to global AT, including the electric wheelchair Permobil (developed by Per Uddén), the rollator walker (by Aina Wifalk), and the angled kitchen knife (by Maria Benktzon). In the mid-20th century, electronics were introduced into hearing and visual aids, such as the Magnivision. By the 1970s, digitized and networked technologies became more widespread, including text-to-speech systems for audio books and newspapers. Compurized speech was developed in at Royal Institute of technology (KTH) in the 60s.

The Nordic model, rooted in public policy, has prioritized inclusion and innovation—offering a contrast to more market-driven approaches found elsewhere. However, the evolution of assistive technology reflects broader trends in technological advancement, with benefits that often extend to the wider public—such as talking books and closed captioning. In the session we will highlight the critical role that people with disabilities have played in shaping AT: not just as users, but as professionals and innovators whose embodied knowledge has significantly enriched the design and development process.

Nonetheless, the field faces tensions between specialized and universally integrated solutions. While mainstream technologies can be empowering, they often require a level of technical literacy. Specialized solutions, on the other hand, exclude users due to bureaucratic navigation. Despite significant progress, many persons with disabilities still encounter exclusion and stigma, underscoring the ongoing need for advocacy, intersectional analysis, and inclusive design regarding assistive technology.

During the session a new survey on the development of assistive technology (hjälpmedel – AT) policy and innovation in Sweden will be presented. The survey traces the roots of assistive technology in Sweden back to the 19th century. Organizationally, a national umbrella group for disability institutions and orthopedics was established in 1911, eventually evolving into today’s Authority for Participation. From the 1950s to the 1990s, this body—alongside robust public funding—played a key role in fostering innovation and technical collaboration with people with disabilities.

In April 2025, the Association of Disability History (Handikapphistoriska föreningen) published the book Vi fick snurr på det: röster ur hjälpmedelshistorien (We Got a Spin on It: Voices from the History of Assistive Technology). The author, Emil Erdtman, PhD (2024, Lund University), will introduce and chair the discussion.

The discussion will focus on how policy can help shape more inclusive and responsive assistive technology ecosystems.

Organisations involved

Independent Living Institute, Sweden, founded 1993.

DHR, Association for People with reduced Mobility, founded 1923.

Stockholm university