Top 5 Assistive Technology FAQs
Want to learn more about Assistive Technology? Then we’re pleased to introduce you to Jayden, our Clinical Practice Advisor for Assistive Technology!
At National 360, Clinical Practice Advisors are subject matter experts in one or more areas of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, or Positive Behaviour Support. As an Occupational Therapist with an extensive knowledge in Assistive Technology, Jayden is our go-to therapist for all things Assistive Technology (AT).
To share some of his insights and answer common Frequently Asked Questions about AT, Jayden has compiled and answered his top 5 Assistive Technology FAQs below.
If you have more questions after reading our Assistive Technology FAQs, continue scrolling down to the bottom of this article to find contact details so you can get in touch with our team to assist with all your AT enquiries.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) are all types of equipment and technology that are designed to (occasionally unintended) work to make a person’s engagement in their lives that bit easier, more accessible and/or more approachable. These items are designed to work with your unique ways of living, after years of testing and designing. Whilst the AT field can seem large and overwhelming, each item serves a specific purpose for a specific set of situations. This is why it’s really important to involve professionals around AT items for your everyday living.
Common AT items can be equipment such as wheelchairs, beds, mobility devices and bathroom equipment, however, AT can be any piece of equipment or technology that works with you to empower and engage activities of daily living, including communication tools, kitchen equipment, modifications to a vehicle, planning tools, specialised leisure and sports equipment, safety alerts and much more.
What is the process for an Assistive Technology Assessment?
Prescribing therapists work with you to gather the essential information about you, your life, and your environment to help select the correct AT item for you. This item should work with your everyday functional needs to assist you to leading your best life. Your therapist will compile all of this information to help build an AT plan. This includes trialling the equipment usually in the environment you’ll probably use it in, for you to develop an idea of what does and doesn’t work for your situation. Your therapist will ensure that all parties agree that you’ve got the best recommendation for your situation now, and into the future.
Your therapist, despite funding body processes, still needs to go through vital documentation and reporting processes mandated by their registration. This can take sometimes a bit more time than anticipated, but is to ensure all the finer details about your AT have been covered. It’s really important in this stage for all parties to talk to each other, to make sure we’re all on the same page to advocate for the best AT for the way you live and your goals.
How do I know if my NDIS plan has allocated funds for Assistive Technology?
There are specific categories for funding various AT items based on risks and costs. Prescribing Therapists, and often your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator, will be able to have a look through your plan and help unpack some of the ins and outs of NDIS funding categories. Sometimes how your plan looks can dictate what processes your therapist needs to go through to assist you in an evidence-based process.
My therapist has said they’re doing work in the background – What does this include for my Assistive Technology?
The application and recommendation process for Assistive Technology requires a lot of work in the background. With all of the information gathered in the assessment process, your therapist is working away at a report that helps advocate evidence-based solutions for you to various funding bodies that support AT recommendations. Sometimes it can be a little while from when you hear from your therapist. If you’re wondering where things are up to, feel free to check in with your therapist.
What makes National 360 therapists a great choice for my Assistive Technology process?
National 360 therapists have a nation-leading support and education team built within the organisation to support therapists through the AT process. Whilst we appreciate all therapists have their strengths and areas to develop, our therapists raise the bar by seeking out the support from the Clinical Excellent Team at National 360, to grow and develop their skills, and provide consultation support through new, wonderful, and creative AT situations.
Contact National 360 for your Assistive Technology needs!
We hope Jayden’s insights were helpful to learn more about Assistive Technology.
If you have more questions about AT, or any of our other allied health services, including Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, and Behaviour Support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. Our Customer Service team can answer all your questions and put you in touch with therapists in your area.
Contact us by using the details below:
- info@national360.com.au
- 1300 340 440
- Fill out our Enquiry Form here
- Complete a Referral Form here
