Live Workshops
21 February, 7 March & 21 March 2025
11:00am - 12:30pm AEDT
Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT): Simplifying the Complex
Feeling overwhelmed by the differences between Google and Alexa? Eye gaze and switches? Struggling to match the right technology to your client? Wondering how electronic assistive technology integrates with mainstream devices, or the difference between home automation and environmental control? If so, this 3-part education series is designed for you!
This innovative professional development series provides a comprehensive overview of assessing and implementing Electronic Assistive Technology. Each session features real participant stories and journeys, illustrating why different individuals require tailored solutions.
The series aims to equip participants with foundational knowledge to begin applying these concepts in practice. While there is no standardized clinical pathway for this process, careful evaluation and individual consideration are key to success.
Learning Objectives for the series:
- OT Assessment process for the assessment and implementation of Electronic Assistive Technology
- Understand the role and scope of practice for OTs within the Electronic Assistive Technology MDT Team
- Clinical decision-making process for selection of devices (Mainstream and Low cost vs High end specialist systems)
- Rationale and justification process for funding applications
- Resources for relevant suppliers and resources
Purchase of just one session is not available as the sessions are interrelated.
All sessions will be recorded and available in your learning library.
Session 1 - 11am to 12.30pm, Friday 21st February 2025 presented by Sarah Solomon.
Getting Started with the Assessment Process for Electronic Assistive Technology
This session aims to provide an overview of different access methods, the HATT framework, and how to choose hardware and software based on individual goals. Begin by identifying the activities and goals important to the individual. Utilise your usual assessment skills to determine relevant environmental and personal factors. This information will help you identify an appropriate access method.
All these insights come together to determine the final piece of the puzzle—the assistive technology (AT) system. This process is known as feature matching.
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Session 2 - 11am to 12.30pm, Friday 7th March 2025 presented by Bronwyn Simpson
Disability designed Environmental Control options (ECU).Â
This session explores how to assess the person, their required activities, and their environment to effectively match assistive technology (AT) for environmental control. It will also include an overview of door lock solutions and call system options to enhance accessibility and independence.
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Session 3 - 11am to 12.30pm, Friday 21st March 2025 presented by Karen Maurer
Home Automation: What You Need to Know
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Workshop duration: 3 x 1.5 Hour
Workshop cost: $255.00
Book NowAbout the Presenters:Â
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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.
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