The Future with Hannah Fry · Series 1 · Episode 5
The Future with Hannah Fry, Inclusion: what the evidence says about technology for disabled people
What the episode covers, where technology for disabled people stands on the 311 Starburst and what leaders should take from it.
What it covers
About the episode
Hannah Fry asks whether new technology, including AI, can transform the lives of millions of disabled people and make society more inclusive.
- Broadcaster
- Bloomberg Originals; BBC Two and BBC iPlayer (UK, 2026)
- Made by
- Bloomberg Media with Windfall Films
- Distributed by
- TVF International
- Episode
- Series 1, episode 5
Official episode page (Bloomberg Originals; BBC Two and BBC iPlayer (UK, 2026)) · More about the series
What the evidence says
Where technology for disabled people stands in 2026
The 311 Starburst maps when each emerging technology and trend is expected to reach wide use. These are the entries that match this subject, with their status today.
- Technology · BiotechNeuro-Prosthetics
Neuro-prosthetics are devices wired into the nervous system. They help replace or improve movement, senses or thinking, like a bionic arm you steer with your mind.
- Expected wide use
- 2045
- Status in 2026
- Watch
- Readiness
- TRL 9 of 9
- Technology · BiotechEndovascular Brain-Computer Interfaces
Endovascular brain-computer interfaces are placed through a blood vessel, a bit like a stent. They read brain signals without opening the skull.
- Expected wide use
- 2040
- Status in 2026
- Watch
- Readiness
- TRL 6 of 9
- Technology · BiotechVisual Neuroprostheses
Visual neuroprostheses are implants in the eye or brain that send signals to the visual system. They give some sight back to people who are blind.
- Expected wide use
- 2045
- Status in 2026
- Watch
- Readiness
- TRL 8 of 9
- Trend · Customer Experience TrendsDigital Accessibility Laws
- Expected wide use
- 2027
- Status in 2026
- Act now
Source: the 311 Starburst, researched by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit (data built 2026-10-28). Status rings: Act now means wide use by 2027, Prepare 2028 to 2030, Explore 2031 to 2035, Watch 2036 or later. Explore the Starburst Centre.
311 analysis
What leaders should take from it
- Digital accessibility is becoming enforceable law; audit your websites, apps and services now.
- Design for disabled people first and you usually build a better product for everyone.
- Brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics are long-range; partner with research now if your sector is health or care.
Analysis by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
Next steps
Take this subject to your leadership team
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Answers
Common questions
Can technology help disabled people?
Yes, and much of it is available now. Brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics are further out: the 311 Starburst places them in its Watch ring, while digital accessibility law is an Act now trend.
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