Research
The Aspire Centre for Disability Sciences
The Aspire Chair in Disability and Technology was established in 1995 at the University College London Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Sciences. This joint venture between Aspire, the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and University College London offers fantastic opportunities to identify and develop new technologies and ways of working that will directly benefit disabled people.
Professor Martin Ferguson-Pell Ph.D took up the post in January 1996, fresh from running an internationally renowned rehabilitation technology programme at Columbia University. The Aspire Centre for Disability Sciences (ACDS) was launched later that year by Martin and is recognised internationally as "a centre of excellence increasing knowledge and developing technologies to reduce the impact of disability."
The research undertaken is varied and, while Spinal Cord Injuries are integral to much of the work, examines issues of interest to a broad range of disabled people. It is hoped and expected that the results of the primary research established at the Centre will lead to real benefits to disabled people across the UK.
Meanwhile, Martin's expertise is well utilised both at Aspire and elsewhere; he recently chaired a steering group that reviewed NHS Wheelchair Services on behalf of the Scottish Executive and ensures that Aspire's services and projects are kept up to date with the latest developments in disability research.