Electronic Assistive Technology
Are you an Occupational Therapist who works with people with a neurodiverse caseload?
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Do you struggle with the depth of scope required to provide quality OT interventions?
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Master neuro-affirming strategies to co-create plans, tailor interventions and empower neurodivergent participants in this practical OT workshop.
 Online learning for your OT professional development
Session 1: Getting Started with the Assessment Process for Electronic Assistive Technology
Presented by: Sarah Solomon
This session provides an overview of different access methods, the HATT framework and how to choose hardware and software based on individual goals. Learn how to identify activities and goals important to the individual and match the right assistive technology system to the person’s needs.
Session 2: Disability-Designed Environmental Control Options (ECU)
Presented by: Bronwyn Simpson
Explore how to assess a person, their activities and environment to match assistive technology for environmental control. This session includes door lock solutions and call system options to enhance accessibility and independence.
Session 3: Home Automation: What You Need to Know
Presented by: Karen Maurer
Covering the essentials of home automation, this session will guide you through simple to complex systems, understanding suppliers and individual considerations. Topics include voice control, automated doors and integrated systems using Z-Wave, IR and other interfaces.
What will you learn?
In this 3-part education series, you will gain the following insights and tools to:Â
- Understand the OT assessment process for selecting and implementing Electronic Assistive Technology.
- Learn how to work within the Electronic Assistive Technology MDT Team and understand the scope of OT's role.
- Master clinical decision-making for choosing the right devices (mainstream & low-cost vs high-end specialist systems).
- Gain knowledge on the rationale and justification process for funding applications.
- Discover resources for relevant suppliers and support in the purchasing process.
- Learn the importance of evaluating individual needs to effectively integrate mainstream devices with assistive technology.
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Who is this workshop for?
This series is designed for Occupational Therapists and professionals working in the field of Electronic Assistive Technology.Â
This series is ideal for you if:
- You work with individuals who need tailored assistive technology solutions.
- You are involved in the assessment, selection and implementation of electronic assistive technology systems.
- You seek to enhance your understanding of integrating assistive technology with mainstream devices.
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Why attend?Â
- Gain foundational knowledge of assessing and implementing Electronic Assistive Technology.
- Learn practical, real-world strategies to assess and integrate assistive technology solutions.
- Develop your clinical decision-making skills in selecting the right devices for your clients.
- Enhance your ability to apply for funding and work with suppliers for assistive technology solutions.
- Benefit from participant stories and case studies, illustrating why individualised solutions are essential.
Workshop duration: 3 x 1.5 Hour
Workshop cost: $255.00
Book NowAbout the Presenters
 Sarah Soloman has been an OT for 25 years. Sarah is currently the Senior OT at the MND clinic at Calvary Healthcare Bethlehem in Melbourne where she has assisted in developing a Technology room. She also works as the Consultant Assistive Technology Consultant OT for Zyteq. She works with clients, their therapists and their wider support environment to choose the best-fit electronic assistive technology for them. Sometimes this is simple, and sometimes it’s complex, but it’s always rewarding.
Bronwyn Simpson is an associate lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of Sydney. Her interest in electronic assistive technology was sparked during her 10 years working in inpatient and community rehabilitation. Bronwyn then specialised in this area, working at Ability Technology for four years, where she provided assessment, training and implementation of computer/phone access and environmental control systems. She teaches a specialist assistive technology unit at the University of Sydney.
Karen Maurer is the Founder and Clinical Director of Capable Spaces. Karen has worked as a Senior Occupational Therapist in both public and private health sectors across the Hunter Region for 28 years. She is also a technology consultant OT for Ability Technology. Karen works with adults diagnosed with neurological conditions, those who have experienced major trauma or brain injury and individuals who are facing palliative conditions. She has a passion for assistive technology and how it can empower people, and help them to live with dignity.
