NDIS Fact Sheet - Choosing the Right Assistive Technology
Choosing the right assistive technology
Empowering people with disability and their families to choose the right aids, equipment home modifications and transport adaptions for their needs is the basis of one of the projects under the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s Practical Design Fund.
The project proposes that those who provide advice or supply specialised assistive technology (AT) should be accredited so consumers know who to trust. It was undertaken by Assistive Technology Suppliers Australasia (ATSA) and Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA), bringing together suppliers, professional and consumers.
‘As 40% of people with disability use AT every day, and the Productivity Commission identified around 4-7% of support funding would be spent on the technology, it is crucial people get good advice,’ Dr Lloyd Walker, one of the report’s co-authors said.
As people with disability have more control over what services they use, it will be essential that they can identify AT practitioners and suppliers who have proved they have the skills and experience to provide assistive technology advice and solutions that meet an individual’s particular needs.
The Options Paper – The National Credentialing and Accreditation for Assistive Practitioners and Suppliers – reviews international and local practices and recommends a way to achieve a nationally consistent approach.
The Paper recommends establishing an independent register of practitioners and suppliers who have met competencies, standards and skills that help provide better outcomes for users of AT.
“If it isfully developed, it should assist people with disability who need assistive technology to identify the most appropriate sources of skills and expertise to help them meet their goals,” Dr Michael Summers, the Senior Policy Advisor to ATSA and report co-author said.
The options paper was developed after an extensive literature review of national and international accreditation programs, as well as wide ranging consultation.
Dr Summers says that one of the most positive impacts to date has been the extensive interest that this project has generated, and the increased awareness of the need to get something in place – especially for more complex and higher risk assistive technology.
Visit theATSA Practical Design fund pagefor a copy of the options paper.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a new way of providing individualised support for people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers. It provides choice and control and a whole-of-life approach to the support needed for people to live more independently and work towards achieving their goals.
The Australian Government recognises that a strong, prepared and innovative disability sector is critical to the success of the NDIS. The Practical Design Fund was a $10 million grass roots program that has provided practical solutions and innovative approaches to assist people with disability, their families and carers, and the disability sector to prepare for and participate in the NDIS.
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12567 – 2 October 2013