TechLab APF France handicap
Paris, Île-de-France
Founded within an association established in 1963 in Paris, the TechLab of APF France handicap tests assistive aids, advises users and trains professionals in inclusive design.
The TechLab is APF France handicap's service dedicated to assistive technologies and digital access. Based in Paris, this association was established in 1963. Its teams bring together occupational therapists, speech therapists and engineers, as well as ergonomists and social sciences specialists supported by a community of disabled users.
The structure evaluates material and software assistive aids to adapt computer workstations. It advises individuals, carers and healthcare professionals, with the possibility of testing equipment at home before adoption. Follow-up allows devices to be adjusted if motor or cognitive abilities change.
Among the cases followed, a 28-year-old student with multiple sclerosis tested a tremor-reduction kit for three weeks. Other interventions address wheelchair joysticks or communication for ALS.
The team trains in inclusive design through Qualiopi-certified sessions based on work with École Polytechnique. With over 60 projects supported since 2018, its game "Tous inclus" has received two teaching awards, from AEI and EURAM.
Accessibility services offered
Training, Consulting and support, Inclusive design
Training
The organisation delivers webinars, situation simulations with disability simulators, the "Tous inclus" workshop and two-day modules in inclusive design or three-day co-design modules. Services form part of APF Formation, an organisation certified Qualiopi.
Consulting and support
The team guides people with disabilities, their carers and healthcare professionals in choosing appropriate assistive aids. Equipment is available on loan for home testing, with device re-evaluation if the condition evolves.
Inclusive design
The TechLab helps companies involve disabled users in developing their products and services, through simulated tests and co-design workshops. The Aptar group notably explored this approach when designing easier-to-handle packaging.
Quote from the provider website
“Nos formations se distinguent par leur approche pratique et immersive, mettant l'accent sur la manipulation d'aides techniques et des sessions pratiques d'utilisation des logiciels.”
