Assistive Technology and Right to Repair: Come Join the Conversation!

Date: Wednesday, October, 12, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Joy Hynzy, M.S., OTR/L; Kathleen Ellis, M.S., OTR/L

Course Description: Once a consumer makes a purchase of something such as a product, tool, or software, it is considered that the consumer owned the item. Given the ever-changing technology landscape, that is not necessarily the case today. We live in a disposable society and often the “next” new version of a product is out before we discovered all the features in the previous model. Some companies make it more difficult or impossible for consumers to obtain replacement parts for equipment even though the consumer technically owns the item. For individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs, they are forced to go directly through the supplier to make even basic repairs for their wheelchairs. This often leads to unrealistic time delays which can interrupt the consumer’s daily life for quite some time. Furthermore, suppliers do not make equipment or parts available for consumers, so a consumer cannot simply request a part for their wheelchair to be sent directly to them. The suppliers who obtain wheelchairs may be less quick to respond to repair needs because financially it does not provide the revenue that occurs from purchasing a new product. This “Conversations that Matter” presentation will engage participants to provide their perspective about this developing topic.

Content areas(s): Assistive Technology, General