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

Further Information

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the Assistive Technology Research projects please contact AT Australia CEO Robyn Chapman on:

• Phone: (02) 8812 5800
• Email: robyn@at-aust.org