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For most people, technology makes things easier.
For people with disabilities, however, technology makes things possible.



- Mary Pat Radabaugh
Director of IBM National Support Center
for Persons with Disabilities

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What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive devices and technologies are those whose primary purpose is to maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence to facilitate participation and to enhance overall well-being. They can also help prevent impairments and secondary health conditions.

- World Health Organisation

Assistive Technology (AT) is any device or system used by individuals to perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. AT range from simple household items like a jar opener to the more complex items like pressure care mattress that prevents pressure sores. In brief, anything that assists individuals to perform daily activities can be considered assistive technology.

Most people apply AT in their daily lives; using voice-activated devices, smart phones, remote controls to perform tasks easier. For people with physical or cognitive impairments (disabilities), Assistive Technology can make significant impact as follows:
- AT can assist them to communicate and learn;
- AT enable them to participate in work and/or social environment;
- AT can help them to achieve independence and improve their quality of life.

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Who Benefits from Assistive Technology (AT)?

Question: "Who Benefits from AT?"; the answer might surprise some people.
The fact is, majority of the population benefits from using assistive technology in various aspects in their daily lives. In 2018, one in five Australian have a disability or functional limitation, 17.7% of the population or 4.4 million people. Source: ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistic)

girl in a wheelchair holding laptop looking happy with family

Assistive Technology benefits not only the individual users of AT, but family members, carers, employers, teachers and people in the community who interact with the AT users.
Granddaughter and grandpa gazing lovingly at each other. Grandpa is sitting in a 

wheelchair. With appropriate and relevant access, adoption and application of AT can provide individuals the opportunities to participate in community life which benefits us all.

Sample scenarios of how Assistive Technology can help in everyday living:

  • After a recent stroke, Harry's bathroom was fitted with grab rails to provide support and to prevent falls.
  • Sophia, a primary school girl with visual impairment, plays “beeping” soccer balls with her friends at recess.
  • Though with weakness in her legs, Joyce uses a powered scooter and is able to travel easier.
  • Frank, in the early stages of dementia, uses an electronic pill box to remind him to take his tablets.
  • Alice lives alone independently. For safety and in case of emergency, she installs a pesonal call alarm system.
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Types of Assistive Technology

There are different categories of Assistive Technology, ranging from simple “low-tech” devices such as jar openers to more “high-tech” items such as voice-control software used to control a computer instead of a keyboard.

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program provides a detailed definition of Assistive Technology and the types of Assistive Technology available. Further information is available at http://www.sc.edu/scatp/what.htm.

knife and fork with large grip standing isolated on white background

Aids for Daily Living

Devices that assist in daily living and independence. Examples include modified eating utensils, page turners, dressing aids, emergency call systems, adapted personal hygiene aids.

communication board isolated on white background

Augmentative Communication

Devices that assist people with speech and/or hearing disabilities communicate: communication boards, speech synthesisers, and modified typewriters, head pointers, text to voice software.

colourful keyboard for kids isolated on white background

Computer Access Aids

Headsticks, light pointers, modified or alternate keyboards, switches activated by pressure, sound or voice, touch screens, special software, and voice to text software.

colourful big switches isolated on white background

Environmental Controls

Electronic systems that assist people control various appliances, switches for telephone, TV, or other appliances which are activated by pressure, eyebrows or breath.

a staircase lift with skeleton of stairs isolated on white background

Home/Workplace Modifications

Structural adaptations that remove or reduce physical barriers: ramps, lifts, bathroom changes, automatic door openers, expanded doorways.

yellow prosthetic leg isolated on white background

Prosthetics and Orthotics

Replacement or augmentation of body parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids such as splits or braces.

red and black manual wheelchair isolated on white background

Mobility Aids

Devices that assist people move within their environments: electric or manual wheelchairs, modifications of vehicles for travel, scooters, crutches, canes and walkers.

yellow and black beeping soccer ball isolated on white background

Recreation

Devices to enable participation in sports, social, cultural events. Examples include audio description for movies, adaptive controls for video games, adaptive fishing rods, cuffs for grasping paddles or racquets, seating systems for boats.

brown powered loung chair in tilted position isolated on white background

Seating and Positioning

Adapted seating, cushions, standing tables, positioning belts, braces, cushions and wedges that provide body support to assist people perform a range of daily tasks.

magnifying glass laying flat isolated on white background

Sensory Aids for Vision/Hearing Impaired

Aids such as magnifiers, Braille and speech output devices, large print screens, hearing aids, visual alerting systems, telecommunication devices.

a database symbol

Browse Assistive Technology Australia Database @magic

Our AT database @magic contains information of Assistive Technology products and services.
It is useful to users and service providers of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and on My Aged Care.

Browse Assistive Technology Products in @ magic

 

Selecting and Obtaining Assistive Technology

Finding the “best match” between a person, their environment, and technology requires careful input from the consumer, and possibly family, carers and relevant professionals. It is an involved multi-step process requiring technical knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the individual's needs; resulting in an informed decision about the best possible solutions.
Making sure the technology matches an individual's needs in the best possible way is critical as poorly chosen AT may be of little assistance to the user, or even end up being abandoned in a closet.

cartoon drawing of a man leaning against a giant question mark

When obtaining Assistive Technology, consider the following before purchasing:

  • What are my needs?
  • What limitations do I need to overcome?
  • What are my specific goals? Be realistic in what you want to achieve (eg. walk to shops)
  • Who can assist me with selecting the AT? (eg. family, health professionals)
  • Where can I find what AT is available?
  • With whom can I consult to help me to consider the options?
  • How will the AT be paid for? (e.g privately, through a funding source)
  • What are the pro's and con's of the different types and brands of AT?
  • Does the AT meet my needs?
  • Can I trial the AT?
  • Do I need training/education to competently use the AT?
  • What follow-up is available? (e.g servicing, repairs, spare parts)

AT Australia has published a list of guides for consumers, carers and new graduates in the AT knowledge base. These @ a Glance Guides provide information in selecting assistive technology solutions, offering an introduction to different types of AT and factors to consider when choosing and using AT, featuring tips and advice on products that are helpful with performing everyday activities. Topics include:

  • Falls prevention
  • Getting in and out of a car
  • Personal alarm call system
  • Dressing and undressing
  • Solutios for tremors
  • Opening jars
View @ a Glance Guides

When considering AT,
it is worth to remember that AT is not an end itself, rather it is part of an ongoing therapeutic process to assist a person achieve their goals.

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Assistive Technology Research

Cost-effectiveness analysis of assistive technology based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

This presentation reports on a research project between ILCA, Novita and UWS on how ICF‐based cost‐effectiveness analyses can provide a methodology that users of assistive technology (AT) systems can employ to direct economic analyses of their own AT systems, which include AT devices, care work and accessible environments. The presentation first introduces the methodology and then explores how such economic analyses might overcome the dilemma posed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: the dilemma between the right to reasonable accommodation and the limitation of disproportionate or undue burden.



AT Collaboration and AT Economics

The story of Australia’s AT collaboration stems from a shared vision by an interdisciplinary group of practitioners and academics.
The vision is that people will have access to appropriate assistive technology when they need it, as well as built and social environments that facilitate maximum independence.

In November 2006 the Fremantle Collaboration obtained from University of Western Sydney (UWS) Research Partnerships Program a grant to investigate the economic framework for people with a disability and the provision of specialist equipment for their needs. The Research Partnership Project is entitled Assistive Technology in Australia: Economic Analyses from a user standpoint – methodological implications. Independent Living Centres Australia; National Council on Rehabilitation Engineering and Novita Tech are grant industry partners.

Research papers, Updates and presentations by the AT Collaboration Group

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Special Projects on Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology Sessions for People with Disabilities, Carers and Family Members

Endless Possibilities with AT

Following the success in running the 2014 AT Workshops in Hunter, AT Australia expanded the delivery areas and toured around NSW in 2015. These sessions are FREE and are suited for people with disabilities, consumers, carers and family members. The tours aimed to inform and educate consumers about aids available to assist at home and in the community, with a variety of equipment solutions on display at each venue. Included on tours were AT Sessions and Focus Talks on:
- Mobility Options | Self Care Options | Communication Options |

.. more about Assistive Technology Sessions - AT on Tour



Assisitive Technology Mentors

AT Mentors, a twelve month pilot program designed to give more choice and control to NDIS participants around their assistive technology (aids, equipment) and home modification needs. AT Mentors have lived experiences of using assistive technology (AT). They assist others by mentoring and supporting them in making informed choices about their AT and home mods needs. Subsequently, AT Australia Board provided scholarship to seven people to complete 10165NAT Certificate IV in Assistive Technology Mentoring.
AT Mentors are trained and supported by the allied health professionals at Assistive Technology Australia.

.. more about AT Mentors



Everyone Connects Australia

AT Australia Everyone Connects Logo

Everyone Connects is a service dspecially designed for people with complex communication needs, their carers and family members and professionals working with them. The partnership with the Telstra Foundation commenced in 2014 for a pilot project, brought a small team of therapists running workshops in metro, regional and rural NSW. The overwhelmingly positive responses from participants, demonstrated the need for young people with communication disabilities have to experiment and learn. Workshop attendants were inspired to connect to the digital world! The popular outreach delivery attracted new funding from Telstra.

In 2015, the project expanded nationally, aptly re-named to Everyone Connects Australia (ECA).
Through 2015 to 2017, the ECA Team delivered programs in various formats like Mini-Expos and Individual Consultation for Consumers, and In-depth Training programs for Professionals. By 2017 year end, project ECA was completed successfully.
With funding finished, AT Australia no longer has the budget to run programmes that are specifically focused on people with complex communication issues and needs. However the Client Services Team continue to assist people with communication needs for available options through the Funded Core Service i.e. Infoline, AT Display, Appointments with therapists for advices, and the AT Database @ magic on the website.

.. more about Everyone Connects


Questions and Assistance

If you have any questions about selecting and obtaining AT, or are unsure where to start, we are here to assist. Infoline is our free information service for consumers and health professionals seeking advice about AT or access to the built environment.

Alternatively, come to visit our Display at Westpoint Blacktown, to view the range of Assistive Technology items that may be able to assist you.

Inside the Display, most visitors are pleasantly surprised by a one-bedroom apartment, purposely built according to the Livable Housing Australia Design Guidelines, and is stocked with carefully chosen AT products relevant to each area.

 

Questions?

infoline therapist wearing headset smiling

Feel free to contact AT Australia Infoline

 

Phone:
   1300 452 679 - AT Infoline
   02 9912 5800 - Reception
Email: help@at-aust.org

** Please note that Assistive Technology Australia DO NOT SELL any AT equipment,
but we can provide you with the contact information of suppliers who do.

If you would like to consult with one of our friendly allied health professionals, or want to try out any equipment, we welcome you to make an appointment. Call our Infoline on 1300 452 679 today.
Our Livable Design Display is at:

  • Westpoint Shopping Centre
    Level 4, Shop 4019
    17 Patrick Street
    Blacktown NSW 2148
    Australia
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Address

Assistive Technology Australia
(Independent Living Centre NSW)
Shop 4019 Westpoint Blacktown
17 Patrick Street
Blacktown
NSW 2148
Australia

Find Us

Shop 4019
Level 4 (Rooftop)
Westpoint Shopping Centre Blacktown
Enter car park via express ramp at the Alpha St roundabout (Map)

1300 452 679
02 9912 5800 (Reception)

02 8814 9656 (Fax)

Email: welcome@at-aust.org
Feedback:feedback@at-aust.org

Facebook: ILCNSW

ABN 44103 681 572

 

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