COTA Victoria is leading a national campaign advocating for the establishment of a national assistive technology program.
Assistive Technology for All is an alliance of peak bodies and consumer advocates spanning the ageing and disability sectors. Together, they are advocating for equitable access to assistive technology for people with disability who are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), many of whom are over age 65. The have launched a campaign to help them work towards this goal and we need as many people as possible to get involved!
The term “assistive technology” refers to any aid or piece of equipment that helps a person with disability perform an everyday task. Wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, electronic communication devices and home modifications like ramps are all examples of assistive technology. These solutions can allow people with disability to move around independently, communicate, undertake self-care and continue leading full, active lives.
All Australians with disability should have equal access to the assistive technology they need, however only some people with disability are entitled to fully funded assistive technology under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Almost half of those over 65 have a disability or health condition. People with disability who fall outside the NDIS may be eligible to receive support under the Commonwealth Continuity of Support Program, My Aged Care or state-based aids and equipment programs. At present, none of these pathways provide equitable access to assistive technology.
The lack of funding available outside the NDIS continues to lead many people with disability to sacrifice their limited income to self-purchase equipment or to simply go without the support they need.
A safety net is needed to stop people from falling through the cracks and we need it now!
That’s why the Assistive Technology for All are asking the Australian Government to establish a national assistive technology program to meet the needs of people with disability who are excluded from the NDIS.
You can help make a difference by:
- Signing up to the campaign distribution list to stay up to date.
- Signing the petition.
- Sharing your story – it’s real stories about real people that will help influence change.
- Contributing as a member of the alliance.
For more information visit cotavic.org.au and assistivetechforall.org.au.
