Specialised equipment is often critical in assisting people with disabilities to achieve independence in their own home, at school, at work and in the community. The technology unit assists people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities to increase independence and enhance their quality of life by helping to select appropriate technology to meet their needs.
The team includes a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and a speech pathologist, who combine their expertise in technology with specialist therapy skills. They work collaboratively with each client, their families, professionals and others involved in their care, and provide information to all community members.
Our technology unit advises on:
- Seating and mobility
- Means of accessing technological equipment, for example special needs software, switches, environmental control
- Augmentative and alternative communication
We also offer a range of services including:
- Information - providing information about technological innovations in seating and mobility, accessing computers (hardware and software) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies. This service is available to anyone requiring information, depending on available resources.
- Education - providing professional development and training to all CPL staff. Presentations to outside organisations may be negotiated.
- Equipment - offering a range of technological equipment for trialling by therapists and clients, to determine suitability for their clients.
- Consultation - offering consultations regarding seating and mobility, accessing computers, and augmentative communication devices, with clients and their primary therapy team.
People who are actively involved in a CPL program may access the consultancy service as part of their CPL program with their primary therapist/s.
Other people may also access the professional consultancy for a fee. In these cases, the client’s primary therapist/s should contact the Technology Unit for a Client Profile Form. Appointments will be made once the Technology Unit receives all information.
All of the services provided by the Technology Unit share the common goal of promoting the achievements and the inclusion of people with disabilities in their community.