Enabling Technologies Impact Collective
Te Awe Roki Whakamana Hangarau
About ETIC
ETIC is a growing network of passionate individuals and organisations, including researchers, service providers, innovators, educators, and people with lived experience who believe in the potential of technology to:
Enhance independence and wellbeing
Enable participation in education, employment, and community life
Support ageing populations and reduce long-term care costs
Foster social inclusion and reduce stigma
The Opportunity
Globally, over 2.5 billion people rely on assistive technology (AT), with that number expected to exceed 3.5 billion by 2050. In New Zealand, just under 1 million people live with a disability, and our ageing population is growing rapidly. Yet, awareness, access, and investment in assistive technologies remain limited.
This collective aims to change that, by co-designing a coordinated assistive technology strategy, engaging in research, sharing knowledge, and advocating for inclusive, sustainable systems that make AT accessible to all.
Our Purpose
The Enabling Technologies Impact Collective (ETIC) aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and provide thought leadership among a wide range of stakeholders in the enabling technologies sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. The collective will focus on promoting the untapped potential of assistive technology as an enabler to better assist all.
Together, we're building on the momentum of the inaugural Enabling Technologies Forum to shape a more connected and accessible future.
Our Plan
Develop a coordinated assistive technology strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Promote awareness and understanding of the potential of enabling technologies within various sectors.
Contribute towards the development of a suitably skilled and sustainable workforce.
Collate current research, data and best practice evidence related to assistive technology as a starting point to inform the other objectives.
Create a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, government agencies, service users, providers and community groups.