Is welfare technology for everyone?

Aarhus Municipality and CareWare are hosting a conference for welfare technology enthusiasts at Dokk1. With room for discussing the dilemmas associated with welfare technology, the day will deal with questions such as:

Why isn’t welfare technology used on a wider scale when the need is apparent?

Are there any barriers associated with the accessibility of welfare technology, or is it a matter of citizen’s or professional’s acceptance of the technology?

How do we make sure that welfare technology is inclusive and accessible for everyone, regardless of the user’s digital abilities or resources?

11:00-12:00 Arrival: Networking and visit to the exhibition "Caring Technology," DokkX, Level 2.2, Aarhus Municipality. Sandwiches and water available.

12:00-12:10 Welcome by Cecilie Winding: Introduction to the conference theme and objectives. Overview of the day's program.

12:10-12:40 Political discussion: Welfare technology – status and vision: Discussion on the political visions for welfare technology in Denmark, considering major reforms and how to implement these visions.

• Minister for Senior Citizens, Mette Kierkgaard (M)
• Christian Budde, Alderman, Department for Health and Care (V)
• Anette Poulsen, Alderman, Department for Social Affairs and Employment (S)

12:40-13:20 Is welfare technology for everyone? By Doctor Andreas Pihl.
Andreas Pihl examines whether welfare technology is universally accessible and discusses the challenges of healthcare implementation, including disparities in access.

13:20-13:55 Technology in practice –panel discussion
Experts assess specific cases of implementing welfare technology in care homes, home care, and for citizens with special needs. Audience participation is encouraged.

Panel:

• Henriette Lerche, Operations Manager, Care and Rehabilitation, Health and Care, Aarhus Municipality
• Antoniett Vebel Pharao, Disability Activist, Technology Consultant, Aarhus Municipality
• Mette Callsen, Nurse, Welfare Technology & Aids Consultant, Health and Care, Aarhus Municipality

13:55-14:15 Coffee break and networking

14:15-14:55 Panel debate: Why don't we use welfare technology more?

Each panelist will have two minutes to introduce themselves and provide their initial response to the question. This will be followed by a debate with opportunities for questions from the audience.
Participants:

• Polly Dutschke, Head of Stefanshjemmet, Member of Aarhus City Council (M), Disability Council, and Accessibility Council in Aarhus Municipality
• Flemming Hintze Thisted, Vice Chairman of Danish Disability Organizations Aarhus, Member of the Senior Citizens Council, Aarhus Municipality
• Simon Toftgaard Jespersen, Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation
• Ivan Kjær Lauridsen, Head of Assisted Living Technology, Health and Care, Aarhus Municipality

14:55-15:00 Closing Remarks and thanks for today

15:00-16:00 Those who wish may (again) explore DokkX, Aarhus Municipality's welfare technology exhibition, Level 2.2.

The event will be hosted in Danish.