1. The users’ perspective on Assistive Technology A focus on older people AGE Platform Europe Ilenia Gheno, Research Project Coordinator Prague, Czech Republic

2. The users'perspective on Assistive Technology A focus on older people AGE Platform Europe Voicing the needs and concerns of older people in Europe Bringing older people's point of view in the European policies' debates, regarding the most important dossiers for people aged 50+, such associal protection and pension reforms, anti-discrimination, employment of older workers and active ageing, social inclusion, health, research, accessible mobility and build environment, and ICT. Raising awareness on the users' needs and wishes, on the principle and practice of users' involvement, in order to add value to the European research, to industrial production, to the service provision and and policy-making. Pooling with other European NGOs and stakeholders: facing the challenges brought by the demographic change by working together and by sharing the rationale that nothing can be done without the involvement and consent of those the action is addressed to (“nothing for us without us”).

4. “When I'm 64”: different ages, different needs.

6. An issue of acceptance

7. The multiple facets of digital divide (geographical, social, economical, cultural,...)‏

9. “I cannot afford it”

10. The cost remains one of the most important reason of the divide (the basic equipment is one side of the coin; the installation, the maintainance, the emergency support are the other one)‏

11. What about the costs of AT for older people living at home?

12. What about the costs of new technologies in other public or private setting?

13. What will private insurance policies and the public welfare cover?

15. Self-declaration of accessibility is not enough

17. Reaching remote areas

19. The user's ethics & privacy at stake

20. Informed consent, particularly tricky in case of dementia

22. Providing the (personal) support needed

24. Take heed of the funny aspect of AT :-)‏Accessibility & Acceptance > Market push > Availabilty > Affordability Simplicity, usefulness, non intrusiveness, reliable, secure and safe, interoperable

26. From the very beginning, since the first planning/design/brainstorming

27. Including the largest variety of users possible

28. Compling with the principles of user engagement (AGE brochure)‏

29. Designed for all ICT products and services:

30. A way for enhancing the usability

31. A way of disposing of wider markets and reinforcing competition

32. A way of supporting the development of a whole society

33. Remembering that AT cannot and should not replace the human support