Assistive Technology

Assistive technology includes assistive products and their related systems and services. Assistive products help maintain or improve an individual’s functioning related to cognition, communication, hearing, mobility, self-care and vision, thus enabling their health, well-being, inclusion and participation. (World Health Organisation).

Most people will require some form of assistive technology at some point in their lives. The use of assistive technology can positively impact a person and their community, as it can help in all aspects of their life, including improving a person's sense of independence and autonomy, and reducing secondary complications or ailments. (World Health Organisation). Some examples of assistive technologies include wheelchairs, crutches, heart monitors, hearing aids, prostheses, and orthotics.

• In 2023-2024, 48% of NDIS participants received assistive technology supports. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)

• Of those with disability (living in households), 59.7% of people had their need for assistance fully met. (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

• 1.3 million older Australians needed some assistance with every day activities. (Australian Bureau of Statistics).