Possum is proud to have joined forces with many of this country’s leading AT (Assistive Technology) companies and special needs service providers to play an active part in the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology (AT APPGT).
The group’s aim is to foster debate, increase understanding and generate greater engagement with AT among politicians in both Houses of Parliament.
How it all began
In 2009 a group of British AT industry leaders came together to form the British Assistive Technology Industry Association (BATA). Today BATA boasts a membership of almost 100 organisations and companies keen to promote the interests of AT users.
Together we have already tackled the way VAT is levied on AT products and have now become founding members of the AT APPG.
How does the AT APPG operate?
Selected Members of the House of Lords and MPs attend numerous meetings during the year to meet AT experts, select areas for further investigation, make recommendations and publish reports.
As public funding is not available for APPGs it is down to AT companies such as ourselves to cover the cost of a full-time researcher.
Support at the highest levels
We are proud to say that both Angela Rayner MP, Labour Shadow Education Secretary, and Barry Sheerman MP have added their backing at the AT APPG’s preliminary meetings.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, who has a great interest in special needs provision as shown by the Bercow Report, has also offered invaluable support including allowing the AT APPG to launch the initiative in his rooms at the Palace of Westminster.
