Empowering Through Assistive Technology For All

ATFA Assistive Technology For All

1. Who is behind the Assistive Technology For All campaign? 2. What is assistive technology? 3. Why is access to assistive technology so important? Outline 4. Why are some people missing out on the assistive technology they need? 5. What is the Assistive Technology for All campaign trying to achieve? 6. How can you get involved and help us achieve assistive technology for All?

Introducing The Assistive Technology For All Campaign

Who Is Behind, And Part Of, The Assistive Technology For ALL Campaign?

What Is Assistive Technology? Assistive technology is any type of equipment, technology or modification that helps people achieve daily activities. Assistive technology can be found almost everywhere. It is used by most people, not just those with disability. It can help people overcome the limitations created by disability and ageing. It can help people to be mobile, communicate, hear and perform daily living activities.

Examples Of Assistive Technology Assistive technology can be simple, low-cost items or more complex or expensive equipment. Low-cost items include a page-turning thimble, a walking frame or a cane. More expensive items include customised power chairs and vehicle adaptations. AT also includes home modifications, such as rails, ramps or bathroom modifications. AT can be high-cost and complicated, but it s not all rocket science!

Examples Of Assistive Technology

Why Is Assistive Technology So Important? It helps people overcome limitations and barriers that may be experienced in everyday life. It increases people s independence and participation in community activities. It enables people to remain living in their own homes for as long as possible.

How Many People Could Assistive Technology Impact And Be Beneficial For? In Australia: One in every five people have a disability or long-term health condition Almost 50% of people over the age of 65 have a disability or long-term health condition

What Is The Governments Role In Providing Access To Assistive Technology?

How Is Australia Upholding The Right To Assistive Technology?

What Is Excluded From The NDIS? The NDIS only provides support to 10% of people with disability across Australia. Older people are the largest group to be excluded from the NDIS. Around 1.7 million people with disability over the age of 65 are unable to access the scheme. Around 800,000 people with disability under the age of 65 are also expected to miss out on the scheme.

Why Is This A Problem? Right now, people who are excluded from the NDIS can t access the assistive technology they need. They can t readily access assistive technology that is customised to their individual needs and circumstances. They can t access affordable assistive technology when they need it. They can t access training to learn how to use their assistive technology safely and independently. And they can t access funding for upgrades, maintenance and repairs.

Where Do These People Go To Access Assistive Technology? Funding for assistive technology outside the NDIS is spread across multiple state and commonwealth government departments. There are approximately 100 assistive technology programs across Australia, creating a maze of funding that is very difficult to navigate. We need things to be simpler.

What Makes The Current System Inequitable? NDIS participants can access fully funded assistive technology. They can also access: Assessments to help them understand what assistive technology they need. Training to help them use their assistive technology. Funding to cover the cost of equipment upgrades, maintenance and repairs.

What Makes The Current System Inequitable? People who are excluded from the NDIS may be forced to: Go without the assistive technology they need. Self-fund assistive technology, often at significant personal cost. Go without another vital service so they can afford the assistive technology they need. Use outdated or inappropriate aids which do not meet their needs. Go without proper assessments to help them understand which assistive technology they could benefit from. Go without training to enable them to use their assistive technology properly.

What Is The Impact? Isolation and loneliness. Inability to participate in economic, social and cultural life. Deterioration in physical health. Deterioration in mental health. Increased risk of accident or injury. Increased reliance on others for support. Increased burden on families and carers.

The Recommendations From The Royal Commission Into Aged Care Quality And Safety Recognise: Older people with disability who are not eligible for the NDIS should still have equal access to the assistive technology they need Older people with disability who require assistive technology should not be required to contribute to the cost of this support

How Can We Fix This Problem And Achieve Assistive Technology For All? The answer: a national assistive technology program for people with disability who are excluded from the NDIS.

How Can You Help Us Achieve Assistive Technology For All? (For Consumers) Sign our e-petition Contact or meet with your federal MP Share your story Help us spread the word Stay involved

Contact Details For ATFA Coordinator: Web: www.assistivetechforall.org.au Phone: 03 9655 2140 Email: info@assistivetechforall.org.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/assistivetechforallatfa/

The Assistive Technology For All Alliance would like to acknowledge and thank the State Trustees Australia Foundation for their generous contribution to our work