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Lived experience helps Launcher startups build more inclusive tech
Last month, 32 early-stage Disability Tech startups from around the world completed the Remarkable Launcher program. This year brought something special — it was the first time startups were supported by our brand-new User Feedback Community.
As part of the program, startups were able to request support to be matched with Community Members with disabilities who may be potential users of the products. These Community Members provided direct feedback on the startup’s ideas and solutions to ensure they were designed inclusively and truly meet the needs of people with disability.
Lived Experience at the Centre of Innovation
Community Members offered valuable insights drawn from their own lived experience, helping startups validate ideas and improve their designs early in the journey.
They shared how meaningful it was to contribute and be part of the innovation process:
“It was a great opportunity to be at the forefront of disability tech innovation and support startups with making a greater impact”
“The founder did a great job of setting up the session, talking me through their product and they were grateful for my time. It was a really positive experience”
“Excellent way for founders to understand the problem and need in a very practical way and validate their idea”
Startups also deeply valued the lived expertise they received:
“I was connected users who able to share rich insights that have informed the development of my product”
“It's another avenue that makes it easier to connect with the disability community to ensure what we're doing is informed and centred by lived experience”
“It is extremely important to have stakeholder validation and design with the community. Creating tech for the sake of it, is not worthy. An unresolved real need must guide the development”
Help Us Grow the User Feedback Community
The success of this first round of feedback highlights the importance of embedding lived experience in innovation — and we’re just getting started!
Our next opportunity for the User Feedback Community will be:
The 2025 Australia+ Accelerator program, beginning in August 2025.
In preparation, we’re growing our community to include more diverse perspectives and experiences. We’re seeking new Community Members from across Australia, including:
- People with disability
- Parents and carers of people with disability
- Individuals of all ages, genders, backgrounds and disability types
As a Community Member, you’ll be rewarded for your time, get to experience emerging Disability Tech, and help shape the future of inclusive innovation.
Join Us or Share the News
If you have lived experience of disability — or know someone who does — we’d love for you to join or share this opportunity.
You can learn more about the User Feedback Community, and register to join at www.remarkable.org/user-feedback
New to the User Feedback Community?
Check out our Q&A with Liza Maclean, our Head of Technology Implementation and the driving force behind the Community. In her blog, she shares her vision for the User Feedback Community and why it matters.
Together we can shape the future of Disability Tech!
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