Research Institute Technology and Disability (FTB)

In the past the needs of persons with physical disabilities were the motive behind technical innovations on a limited scale only.
Yet, this motive caused the establishment of Forschungsinstitut Technologie und Behinderung (FTB) as a part of Evangelische Stiftung Volmarstein in 1991.

The centre of interest is no longer the industrial application of new technologies, but the actual problems and needs of persons with disabilities and older people.

Two basic approaches are followed here

• solutions "for all"
• dedicated solutions for problems of specific target groups

• In the first place the work of FTB is committed to the needs and interests of persons with disabilities and older persons. However the close co-operation with service delivery, manufacturers and institutions is an important issue, too.

  According to the concept of FTB with its multidisciplinary approach, the institute's staff consists of an interdisciplinary working team. The scope of functions and project activities is devided into synergetic centres for

  • Research & Developement
  • Information & Advice
  • Test & Evaluation

  Only an appropriate knowledge of the state of the art enables sound problem-oriented research and development. On the other hand really useful results can only be obtained by intensive testing with direct involvement of the potential users.