Assistive Technology Australia
Endless Possibilities for All
Assistive Technology
For most people, technology makes things easier.
For people with disabilities, however, technology makes things possible.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Special Projects on Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Sessions for People with Disabilities, Carers and Family Members
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
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?
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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