What is assistive technology

D coordination and use of necessary therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as therapies, interventions, or services associated with education and rehabilitation plans and programs;. E training or technical assistance for an individual with a disability or, where appropriate, the family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of such an individual;. F training or technical assistance for professionals including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services and entities that manufacture or sell assistive technology devices , employers, providers of employment and training services, or other individuals who provide services to employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities; and,.

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. 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.

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 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.

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. 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.

AT Mentors are trained and supported by the allied health professionals at Assistive Technology 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 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. By 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. 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. Watch a video debunking five myths about AT. Finding the right AT tool can be overwhelming.

One good approach is to choose AT that targets a specific activity. For example, if reading is a challenge, look for a tool that helps with reading. It can make a big difference for people who have trouble with reading or focus. For students, another approach is to ask the school to recommend AT. Read about when and how schools are required to provide AT to kids. At first, he would just sit there quietly, taking things in.

But by middle school, he began to be more vocal about his needs. Share What is assistive technology? Podcast Wunder community app. Main menu Our work Blog Surveys and research. In addition, the ATIA sponsors working groups through which its members work to advance industry standards as technology changes, and to find new ways to disseminate information about those advances to professionals and the public. The ATIA and its members develop online webinars that provide continuing education about assistive technology for practitioners and interested members of the public.

Everyone is invited to attend the ATIA Conference , to take advantage of the same broad range of learning opportunities that practicing therapists, teachers, and other industry professionals receive. You can learn how to choose from the best existing technologies and get a first look at new ones as well as cutting-edge academic research.

Teachers can learn proven ways to use AT in the classroom. Hands-on workshops teach more advanced ways to use specific products. In community forums, practitioners, persons who use assistive technology, and their families can discuss issues with manufacturers and professionals. For some, the most exciting part is the Exhibit Hall, where you can try a full range of products, including new and developing technology.

For others, the best part is meeting other people who are facing the same difficulties, sharing stories and helping each other. In Live Broadcast webinars, the audience can interact with the presenter. Webinars are also recorded and archived so people who cannot attend a Live Broadcast can access the information. Webinars are primarily geared toward teachers and practitioners, who can use them for continuing education credits.

But they can also be helpful for users, parents, and other members of the public who have learned the basics of assistive technology and want to learn more. Explore upcoming live webinars as well as archives of recorded webinars here.