1. Open videos and websites on browser ready to launch:

2. Assistive Technology in Training and Employment
(Introductions of self, and a brief orientation to LifeTec – details of LifeTec services can be left for the end on the workshop, where participants will be using LifeTec services to access information.)
LifeTec is a dedicated provider of AT services. Our aim is to enable people of all abilities to actively engage in home, work, school and community life. We have over 30 years’ experience partnering with people to IMAGINE, SEEK, CHOOSE and LIVE the best AT solution. Our dedicated health professionals can provide comprehensive AT information and services, to assist you and the people you work with in achieving goals in everyday living.
Overview of the workshop:
Your clients may be already be seeking and accessing a wide range of assistive technologies. Often you may be asked to provide information, support and advice about what AT options are available and what may best suit the person’s goals.
To help you to provide accurate information and deliver the right level of support, this workshop has been developed for the specific role that you as a community care worker provide in supporting the AT journey for people with disabilities.
Throughout the workshop we explore a range of assistive technologies, to help you develop an awareness of the AT options that are available for everyday living. This will give you an overview of what is POSSIBLE for people using AT. We will also explore key concepts in AT practice, and how to facilitate a good AT journey for your clients.

3. LifeTec is a social enterprise that exists to enable people and their communities to achieve their goals through the correct application of assistive technology.
We provide everyone with everyday solutions to everyday activities.
LifeTec is a social enterprise that exists to enable people and their communities to achieve their goals through the correct application of assistive technology.
We provide everyone with everyday solutions to everyday activities.

4. Our people
are specialists in finding the right assistive technology solution.
We are available onsite, offsite, telephone or online.
Our people are specialists in finding the right assistive technology solution.
We are available onsite, offsite, telephone or online.

5. Goals? Support your client to optimise their potential
Remove perceived and actual barriers to participation
Support participation in meaningful activity
Support successful experiences with the ‘just right challenge’

6. Person Occupation Environment
Key points:
PARTICIPATION
… AT helps people to engage in activity and participate in their community.
INCLUSION
… AT helps people to join in, and be included
WELLNESS
… AT keeps people well, and living longer in their own homes
… … and helps to prevent further decline and deterioration
REABLEMENT
… AT helps to maintains the abilities that people already have
… or make daily activities possible again

7. Challenges people experience
Person:
Person’s abilities
Sensory (vision, hearing, stimuli)
Cognitive (memory, processing)
Physical
Psychological
past experiences
fears

8. Challenges people experience
Environment:
Access
Workspace
Lighting
Perception of others – workplace culture of inclusion?

9. Challenges people experience
Occupation:
Demands of the task (cognitive, physical, sensory)
Support available

11. Adapting the workplace
Environment (access, workspace, lighting etc)
Demands of the task (complexity, attention, endurance required)
Training, mentoring and supervision
Safety - has risk been assessed?

12. Adapting the workplace
Remove/modify physical barriers
Accessible bathrooms
Automated doors
Lifts/ramps
Accessible parking

13. Adapting the workplace
Adjust workspace
Height adjustable workbench/desk
Printers at accessible height
Reduce glare, increase direct lighting
Increase circulation space

14. Modify the task Sensory: High contrast Tactile markers
Optical Character recognition
Screen readers
Voice recognition
Translation services – signing, National Relay Service

15. Modify the task Cognitive: Simplify ‘chunk’
Provide instruction and training

16. Modify the task Physical: Energy conservation Ergonomics – efficiency
Flexible hours
Reduce unnecessary postures, force, repetition

17. Consideration……?
A person may not be deemed suitable for a task/activity simply because the right tools/AT are not available ….. Restricted choices, participation and experiences.

18. What is Assistive Technology?
Ask participants what they understand by “assistive technology”?
This can be verbal discussion from the group – or individual written responses
If written: ask participants to write a key word/phrase to describes Assistive Technology – what it is/what it does/what it helps people to do.
Write the word/phrase on a large post-it note.
Participants stick their notes together on a whiteboard or large sheet of card/paper. Display this in the room during training, and refer back to the key words as needed.
Image from creative commons

19. Look at Assistive Technology Solutions
Sensory:
High contrast software/hardware
Tactile markers
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Screen readers and magnifiers
Voice recognition
Vibration alerts
Omicron text to speech
Navigation aids
Alerting aids (vibrating watch, sound alert)

20. Look at Assistive Technology Solutions
Cognitive:
Video training/cueing
Symbol support for instruction/sequencing
OCR for labels/instructions

21. Look at Assistive Technology Solutions
Physical:
Task specific AT (computer access software, height adjustable desks)
Mobility options: power assist manual wheelchair, scooter

22. Sensory Assistive Technology Solutions
Bellman Alerting systems

23. Sensory Assistive Technology Solutions

24. Sensory Assistive Technology Solutions
The Braci App
The Braci App gives you the ability to record your environmental and home sounds to alert you in case of events which are important for you, like doorbells, telephone ringing, microwave beeping, thief alarm, intercom and smoke alarms. The Braci App uses your smart device's microphone to constantly listen to your environment when you activate "Detection Mode". The application functions by picking up sounds using the smart device's microphone and then notifying through on screen notifications, vibrations, and flashing lights on your smart device. Notification can also occur through a smart watch.

25. Sensory Assistive Technology Solutions
Bellmann & Symfon Domino (receiver and transmitter)

26. Sensory Assistive Technology Solutions
OrCam MyEye is a wearable device with a smart camera that clips onto a regular spectacle frame. It is designed to assist people that struggle to read, recognise faces or objects - particularly people who are blind or vision impaired.
3.00

27. Sensory Assistive Technology Solutions
JAWS for Windows Version 15 Standard single licence (Windows Home Edition only). JAWS is a powerful accessibility solution that reads information on your screen using synthesized speech. JAWS provides many useful commands that make it easier to use programs, edit documents, and read web pages.

28. Sensory Assistive Technology Solutions
Prodigi connect
The Prodigi Connect 12 is a portable digital CCTV magnifier with built in OCR. User can listen to captured text using headphones, while visually reading text on screen in page, column or line mode.The Prodigi Connect 12 has the ability to save and store photos and scanned books that can be easily accessed by the user. User can also use the device as an Android tablet to access the internet, Android apps and other computer access features on the device. A distance viewing model with an additional distance viewing camera is also available.

29. Sensory Assistive Technology Solutions
Miniguide Mobility aid
A small battery operated mobility aid that indicates the distance to the nearest object via an audio tone or vibration. It is a cylindrical oval shaped hard plastic case with a wrist strap

30. Cognitive Assistive Technology Solutions

31. Cognitive Assistive Technology Solutions
Vibralite watches
A vibrating wrist watch that can be set to vibrate as a wake up call or a reminder for medication or appointments. It has 12 daily alarm settings and two countdown timers. The clock face has large digits. Four types of wrist bands available

32. Cognitive Assistive Technology Solutions
Memrabel
A digital clock that displays the day, date, time in 12 hour format (am/pm) and year. It has four options for time display format and four different backgrounds with contrasting font colours. The MemRable 2 can be programmed with up to 20 alarms with accompanying audio-visual and video cues. At the alarm time the selected voice reminder plays and a chosen graphic/video appears onscreen. Alarms can be set for one off, daily, weekly monthly or yearly events and can be set to repeat as many times as necessary. The device comes with 100 pre-loaded audio, image and video files for events, you can also create your own or play directly from a USB or SD card. It has 8GB of internal storage. An infrared remote is included for set-up. The MemRable 2 is powered by 5V mains and comes with a UK to Australian adapter. It also has a long-life battery for clock and alarm settings.

33. Cognitive Assistive Technology Solutions
A portable, electronic reading aid in the shape of a pen. The aid can magnify text on a liquid crystal display and provide definitions for scanned text. The text can also be read aloud through built in speakers or through headphones. Not suitable for vision impairment.

34. Cognitive Assistive Technology Solutions
Texthelp Read and Write is a computer software program that is designed as a floating toolbar that assists with improving literacy and writing skills. It achieves this through multiple functions including text-to-speak, comprehensive dictionary, speech feedback, phonic spell checking and word prediction. Models are available for Windows or Mac operating systems. A mobile version is available on a USB for use on multiple computers.

35. Physical Assistive Technology Solutions
Dragon Naturally Speaking 13 is a speech recognition software program for Windows computers. Naturally Speaking is available in a range of editions varying in features and power offered. Naturally Speaking allows dictation and editing of text into its own word processing application and into other Windows applications. It also allows editing and voice control of a range of computer commands and of mouse functions. A Macintosh version, 'Dragon Dictate for Mac' is also available.

36. Physical Assistive Technology Solutions
A wireless air mouse that has an inbuilt gyroscope to determine its orientation in space. Once calibrated the mouse may be placed in any position to control the onscreen curser. The direction and speed of movements can be customised during calibration. These settings are stored in the internal memory of the device allowing for portability. The device is connected to a receiver via a wireless radio link which is plugged in to the USB port of the computer. It is compatible with accessories including a puff switch, head band mount, eye wear kit and baseball cap

37. Physical Assistive Technology Solutions
Height adjustable desks and work areas

38. Physical Assistive Technology Solutions
SmartDrive MX2 Wheelchair Power Conversion
A power assist device that can be attached to a manual wheelchair to provide additional propulsion. The single unit power pack is controlled via a wireless Bluetooth bracelet which is worn by the user. The battery is built in to the single unit making it compact to fit to rigid and folding manual wheelchairs. An attendant control button is available as an accessory.

39. Physical Assistive Technology Solutions
Levo Combi Stand Up Wheelchair
A battery powered mid wheel drive wheelchair with a powered stand up mechanism to 85 degrees. The chair can be driven from sitting and standing. An optional powered reclining backrest enables lying to standing. Powered seat lift and tilt in space is optional. Available in two adult sizes (Combi) with three seat widths and one child size (Combi Jr) with three seat widths. A range of options is available. The chair is custom made.

40. Physical Assistive Technology Solutions
Lodgesons Spinner knob with R200 Keypad Controls
The R200 system allows people with restricted mobility to operate the secondary functions of a car safely with one hand. Pressing a button activates the required function e.g. horn, indicators, lights etc. It is suitable for most vehicle types. Three models and optional accessories are available.

41. Physical Assistive Technology Solutions
The Trackchair is a powered all-terrain wheelchair suitable for adults and children. The chair operates by a revolving track system instead of wheels to allow mobility over harsh uneven terrain such as sand, mud and snow.

42. Physical Assistive Technology Solutions

43. Reflection: Is there more that you can be doing to support your consumers to optimise their opportunities for training and employment??

44. Funding for workplace changes
Sometimes, changes need to be made in the workplace for people with disability to perform a particular job. The Australian Government provides funding through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) that is designed to cover the costs of making workplace changes. This can include buying equipment and accessing services for people with disability.
The EAF can cover more than just physical changes to your workplace. Other items often covered under the EAF include communications technology, Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreting, disability awareness training, and specialist support for people with mental health conditions or learning disorders.
Some caps apply to particular items under the EAF as follows:
Physical workplace adjustments and building modifications are capped at $30,000
Auslan Level 1 interpreting is to help people who are deaf or have hearing impairment perform work-related activities: it is capped at $6,000 per year
Auslan Level 2 interpreting is for job interviews and related activities, completion of tests and information sessions: it is uncapped
Auslan Level 3 interpreting is to help co-workers receive training to communicate with employees who are deaf or have hearing impairment: it is capped at $855
Disability awareness training for the workplace is capped at $1,500 per year and is restricted to organisations who employ people with disability.

45. CAEATI
CAEATI: excluded items that are for exclusive use at work (paid employment) or in school age educational settings.
(Adult learning and volunteer environments are excluded from this criteria)
The Fund may reimburse the cost of work related modifications and services including, but not limited to:
The cost of modifications to the physical work environment
Modifications to work vehicles
Adaptive equipment for the workplace
Training required to learn how to use any equipment funded in the workplace
Information and communication devices
Auslan interpreting for interviews, workplace interpreting or co-worker Auslan training
Specialist workplace services for employees with specific learning disorders and mental health conditions
Disability awareness training
Deafness awareness training
Mental health awareness training

46. AT DATABASE AND RESOURCES
ACTIVITY
iPads to be distributed one/group. Presenter to step everyone through resources on the LIFETEC WEBSITE

47. AT SERVICES What do AT SERVICES do? www.lifetec.org.au 1300 885 886
What is a dedicated AT service? LifeTec … is a social enterprise that exists to enable people and their communities to achieve their goals through the correct application of assistive technology. Funded/free services, and Private services.
Clients and families can contact these services DIRECTLY to seek support
Interactive Display Centres -– describe the service and purpose
Free Information Helpline
Professional Education and Training
Allied Health Consultations: Private consultations in occupational therapy, speech pathology and home modifications
Online & Statewide
What do AT SERVICES do?

48. Dedicated health professionals
Getting the right AT can be complex and confusing. LifeTec is a dedicated provider of assistive technology and home design services and has over 35 years of experience in working with people to realise their goals using assistive technologies (AT) and design solutions.

49. AT updates Videos Fact sheets Upcoming events Resources via website
Participants can open the LifeTec website on the iPads

50. Telehealth Access AT services using iPads, computer or mobile device.
Describe LifeTec Skype services. Even if you’re unable to visit us, we can still see you. With the tablet, computer or mobile device you can still access our services.

51. 1300 885 886 mail@lifetec.org.au lifetec.Brisbane www.lifetec.org.au
ACTIVITY
Think of one of the devices or technologies you’ve seen today – or one that might benefit one of your clients.
Use one of the Information resources to find out more about the AT options available….
Range of Options
Features and Functions
Usability
Look
Cost
(participants can use the ILC database, LifeTec website videos, fact sheets, Skype, , etc - to seek information about a device that interests them)