Independent Assistive Technology Expert Witness

James Northridge is an assistive technology specialist with over 15 years' experience supporting individuals with disabilities, and more than a decade of experience providing expert witness reports in legal cases across Ireland and the UK.

He provides court-compliant reports for personal injury, clinical negligence, and disability-related cases, with particular expertise in assistive technology for autism, cerebral palsy, brain injury, and physical disabilities.

James works independently and directly with instructing solicitors, preparing clear, objective reports supported by structured assessment and aligned to procurement standards.

Expert Witness / Medico-Legal Reporting Experience

• Year started in expert witness work: 2013

• Average number of expert reports per year: ~30

• Ratio of Claimant to Defendant instructions: 80/20

• Joint statements with opposing experts: Experienced

• Expert witness training completed: Bond Solon (UK) & La Touche (Ireland)

• Ongoing CPD: Regularly attend and present at national and international conferences focused on assistive technology and medico-legal practice

• Insurance and Vetting: Fully insured (Professional Indemnity & Public Liability) and Garda Vetted (equivalent of UK DBS check)

With over 15 years of experience in assistive technology, I’ve been acting as an independent expert witness since 2013. This experience builds on a much longer career supporting individuals with complex needs through technology, including work in research, consultancy, and training roles across Ireland, the UK, and the United States.

Qualifications and Expertise

Education & Fellowships

• Marie Curie Research Fellowship (Assistive Technology) - UMASS Medical School, Boston (2016–2019)
  EU-funded research fellowship focused on assistive technology and disability, combining applied clinical work and international collaboration.

• LEND Fellowship (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) - UMASS Medical School, USA (2018)
  Nine-month interdisciplinary fellowship awarded to emerging leaders in the disability field.

• MSc in Disability & Rehabilitation Studies (First-Class Honours) - University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland

  Postgraduate programme examining inclusive practice, rehabilitation models, and disability policy.

• BSc in Business Information Systems (First-Class Honours) - University College Cork (UCC), Ireland

  Degree combining business strategy and digital systems, with a focus on applied problem-solving and systems analysis.

• Certificate in Assistive Technology - Technological University Dublin, Ireland

  Foundational course on the effective selection and use of assistive technology to support access, communication, and learning.

Professional Experience

• Founder & Director - UrAbility (Ireland & UK)
  2014–Present
  Founded and led a specialist assistive technology consultancy supporting individuals with disabilities through training, assessments, and strategic projects across the education and legal sectors.

• Assistive Technology Expert Witness & Independent Consultant
  2013–Present
  Provide court-compliant expert witness reports for personal injury and clinical negligence cases, with expertise in AT for autism, cerebral palsy, ABI, and spinal injury.

• Project Manager - Inclusive UCC, University College Cork, Ireland
  2021–2025
  Led a university-wide project embedding Universal Design and digital accessibility practices across academic and professional services.

• Marie Curie Research Fellow - UMASS Medical School, Boston
  2016–2019
  Delivered EU-funded research on assistive technology for communication and environmental control. Conducted assessments and collaborated with interdisciplinary clinical teams.

• Technology & Accessibility Roles - Accenture, PA Consulting, AHEAD & University College Dublin
  2008–2014
  Worked across industry and education settings on technology transformation, accessibility, and inclusive education. Gained early experience in assistive technology implementation, user-centred design, and learner support.

Key Achievements, Speaking & Publications

• United Nations Zero Project Award (2020)
  Selected as one of only 75 global innovations supporting people with disabilities in education.

• Young Researcher of the Year – ICCHP (2018)
  Awarded at the International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs, Austria.

• UCC President’s Impact Award (2024) and Learning & Teaching Award (2023)
  Recognised for leadership in digital accessibility and Universal Design in higher education.

• International Speaker on Assistive Technology & Inclusion
  Delivered 40+ invited talks and conference presentations across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the US, including:

  • HF’s Catastrophic Injuries & Complex Claims Conference (Dublin, 2025)

  • AHEAD Conference (Ireland)

  • Beyond Limits Summit (Inclusion Ireland)

  • ATIA - Assistive Technology Industry Association (USA)

  • ICCHP - International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs (Austria)

• Featured on RTÉ Dragons’ Den (2014)
  Successfully pitched and secured investment for UrAbility, an assistive technology training platform.

• Published Author and Contributor
  Contributor to peer-reviewed publications on inclusive education, digital accessibility, and assistive technology innovation.