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Being informed and building knowledge is one of the greatest tools. Knowing how things work and the benefits of that knowledge you’ll acquire here is invaluable. This page has a list of fact sheets to help explain assistive technology and everything relating to it. Whether you require tips or want to increase your knowledge on the AT equipment, communication devices, wheelchair , walking aids, office ergonomics equipment or other aids for everyday living, LifeTec has complied a range of fact sheets for your convenience.
Use these resources to make more informed decisions with impartial advice. Our health professionals are continually adding to and updating these fact sheets. If there are areas that you’d like to see covered or need more information on, please email us.
Do you want to be able to come and go more independently? Do you have difficulty operating a key or using your door handle or opening your door? There are many devices that can help make it easier to open doors and control entry to your property. Learn more about these options by downloading this fact sheet!
Do you want to be able to transfer from your bed safely and easily or without assistance? Do you want to make the task of turning over in bed or moving up or down the bed easier? Getting in and out of your bed can become more difficult over time due to illness, injury or a due to any condition which results in a change in muscle strength, balance or joint range of movement. There are a range of aids available on the market which can help to compensate for changes in function, and increase independence in bed mobility and/or bed transfers. These include electric beds and over bed self-help bed poles.
Do you have pain or discomfort when sitting in your wheelchair or seat? Do you spend long periods sitting in the same position? Pressure cushions can assist in preventing the development of pressure areas and aid comfort. Pressure cushions alone will not remove the risk of developing pressure areas. They should be used in conjunction with other pressure management strategies, including regular position changes and good skin care.
A pressure injury is an injury to an area of skin or the soft tissue underneath. These nearly always develop in places where there are bones right under the skin. Pressure injuries may also be called bedsores, pressure sores, or pressure ulcers. The injury can occur on the surface of the skin, or it can be very deep. Pressure ulcers are easy to prevent but difficult to treat. Download this fact sheet for more information!
Speech-generating devices are devices that speak a message out loud when you choose it by using symbols, pictures or by writing it. There are many systems or devices with different software and features. It is recommended you trial at least two different options with a Speech Pathologist before choosing the best option for your needs. ‘Dedicated’ devices are built solely for communication. Download this fact sheet for more information!
Do you, or someone you know: Wish it was easier to get your message across? Want a reliable way to communicate anywhere? Low-tech AAC aids are non-electronic communication systems. These can include communication books, visual schedules, and other symbol or text boards. They can be used with other communication aids, or on their own. There are many low-tech communication systems that help people communicate more effectively. Download this fact sheet for more information!
Speech-generating devices are devices that speak a message out loud when you choose it by using symbols, pictures or by writing it. There are various softwares (i.e. programs or apps) with different features available. It’s recommended you trial at least two different options with a Speech Pathologist before choosing the best device for your needs. ‘Mainstream’ devices are available for anyone to buy and are not made solely for AAC. This includes tablets with Windows, Android and iOS (iPad). Communication apps or software can be added to these devices to create a ‘mainstream speech generating device’. These can be tailored to your needs.
Do you wish items of your pantry could be read out to you? Would you like to be able to independently control YOUR TV channels? Or check your own body temperature when you are sick? There are various devices that can magnify text/images for you, read text aloud to you and alert you for an event. Download this fact sheet for more information!
Do you, or someone you know have a reduced volume of speech? Have trouble being understood due to a voice volume disorder? There are a variety of options when it comes to voice amplification. Different voice amplifiers vary in the features they offer. It is best to trial a range of options to determine which voice amplification option is the most suitable for you. Voice amplification may assist people with vocal cord injuries, people with low voice volume due to degenerative conditions, or anyone who needs to use a high-volume voice for long periods of time. They can compensate for lower volume and reduce the need for someone to strain their voice to be heard. This may help to reduce vocal fatigue (a tired voice) and promote better vocal hygiene (looking after your voice and keeping it healthy).
Do you have difficulty reading the newspaper or reading a menu at a restaurant? Do you have difficulty reading your mail or completing documents and forms? Living with low vision can often prevent us from everyday reading tasks or exclude people from engaging in recreational activities that rely a good level of vision. There is however a range of low vision magnification aids on the market to make everyday living easier for people with low vision. Download this fact sheet for more information!
Do you wish your phone was easier to see or use? Do you want to use your mobile phone to stay in touch when you are out and about? Do you use your phone for work, family or to stay socially connected to your friends? Various telephones and smart phone options are available for people with vision loss and offer features that are easier to use. Download this fact sheet for more information!
Do you have trouble using a computer or mobile device? Are the standard mouse, keyboard or touch screen options not working for you? There are many other ways you can access a computer or mobile device, from built-in accessibility settings to special mouse and keyboard alternatives. Download this fact sheet for more information!
Do you wish your keyboard was easier to use? Do you want to write things for yourself rather than asking someone to do this for you? Alternative keyboards, software and accessibility settings can help make this possible! These alternative keyboard options can reduce fatigue and pain, make typing easier or faster, and assist with visual or physical impairments.
Do you want to be able to use the mouse yourself, rather than relying on help from others? Alternative mice, software, and accessibility settings can help make this possible! These alternative mouse options may help to reduce fatigue and pain, increase accuracy, or make computer navigation easier for people with injury or disabilities.
Monitored emergency call systems (ECS) provide 24/7 access to assistance through a call centre. All supplier monitored ECS should include: Ongoing monitoring service with two way voice contact through a high-quality speaker phone.
A non-monitored emergency call system is an automated telephone (Autodialler) connected to the telephone network (via landline or mobile network).
Would you like to improve your fitness and get out and about on a bike? Would you like your child to have the confidence and freedom to ride a bike or trike? Do you know you can get specialised bikes and cycles to make riding possible? Check out the options available in this fact sheet!
Do you sometimes have difficulty transferring from a day or dining chair? Are you looking for a more supportive or comfortable seat and backrest? Would you like to be able to elevate your legs easily while sitting in a chair? Selecting the right chair can lead to an increase in independence and safety and allow the user to engage in activities that are meaningful to them. Download this fact sheet for more information!
Do you have pain or discomfort when sitting in your wheelchair or seat? Do you spend long periods sitting in the same position? Pressure cushions can assist in preventing the development of pressure areas and aid comfort. Pressure cushions alone will not remove the risk of developing pressure areas. They should be used in conjunction with other pressure management strategies, including regular position changes and good skin care.
A pressure injury is an injury to an area of skin or the soft tissue underneath. These nearly always develop in places where there are bones right under the skin. Pressure injuries may also be called bedsores, pressure sores, or pressure ulcers. The injury can occur on the surface of the skin, or it can be very deep. Pressure ulcers are easy to prevent but difficult to treat. Download this fact sheet for more information!
Do you want to make sure you are supported and stable in your wheelchair when moving about? Do you find your wheelchair uncomfortable to use, or find it hard to take part in daily life when you don’t have the right support? You can choose specialised seating options to keep you comfortable and pain-free, provide the support needed to make tasks easier and to prevent or limit changes to muscles, joints or posture. Download this fact sheet for more information!
Scheduling and prompting apps can assist individuals to remember tasks or assist individuals in the process of completing tasks by providing situation specific prompts.
There is a large volume of wellness and health apps available. Whilst these may not provide high accuracy, they can help people engage and motivate them to improve health behaviors. It is important to be aware that the purpose of these apps are to promote awareness and encourage healthy behaviour, and not manage any specific health condition. If you have a specific health condition you should discuss this with your medical health professional.
LifeTec has identified the following list of apps that may be helpful for wheelchair users.
Safety Monitoring Apps can send alerts via text message, email and/or allow carers to monitor location using a map. Alerts can be user activated or activated by movement associated with inactivity, falls or seizures. Some tracking apps allow digital fences (geo-fence) or destination notification to be created which can activate alerts when the wearer steps outside the designated area or reaches a specific location. For details on what features are available see LifeTec’s Factsheet Location Tracking Devices.
Would you like to find out more about walkers? Do you require extra support or safety and stability when walking? There are different types of walkers and a number of names used for walkers – these include hopper frame, rollator, wheelie-walker, and Zimmer frame. It is important that the correct walker is selected to suit each person’s goals, ability and requirements. The advice of a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist is valuable in selecting the most appropriate walker, and for advice on the correct adjustment and use.
Do you want to get around your home, workplace or community? Are you finding it hard to walk long distances or use a walking stick or walking frame? Do you want a mobility option that is easy to use and suits your environment? Download this fact sheet for more information about wheeled mobility devices. Speak to your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist for more information.
Do you want to get around easily at home or in your community? Are you looking for mobility options to access the places you want to go? Do you want to be able to move about independently, quickly or safely? Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are designed to be used by a range of people with impaired mobility. Mobility scooters are designed to be used outdoors for longer distances. Power drive wheelchairs can be used both indoors and outdoors, depending on the model. Speak to your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to discuss what you want to achieve with a powered wheelchair or scooter.
Do you want to get around the home, workplace or community? Do you want something that’s lighter and more portable than a scooter or power wheelchair? Do you want a mobility option that can be used without power? There are a lot of choices when it comes to wheelchairs. Strollers are not quite as versatile but still have a range of features. Speak to your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist for more information.
Do you want to be able to adjust your position regularly while you work at a workstation and use your computer? Do you want to reduce the risk of long term injury to your upper limbs, neck or back? A workstation that has been set up correctly with the right equipment can lead to safe and efficient computer use. Deciding on the right equipment or accessories should consider several factors. These include the physical dimensions of the user, pre-existing injuries or medical conditions, the current workstation equipment, and your intended work tasks. Input from a health professional or occupational therapist is often required to ensure a good fit between the workstation and the person.
Medication aids are designed to assist a person to take their medication effectively and easily. There are a number of medication organisers and pill reminders that can be used in a variety of environments such as private homes, hospitals, nursing homes, at school, in the community and in the workplace. Compliance with medication taking is important to ensure that medication prescribed by your pharmacist or doctor is taken at the correct time with the correct dose. Medication aids can assist people who forget to take their medication on a regular basis or due to cognitive impairment. Selection of medication aids can depend on a number of factors including the persons’ preference, size of the aid, how often medication is taken, portability, price and functional features. Remember to always dispose of any unwanted or out-of-date medications, and store medications in a locked cabinet when not in use.
Top ten tips when designing a bathroom for over 50’s.
Top ten tips when designing a home compiled by our home modification coordinator.
For those individuals experiencing standard door or key locks, there are many alternatives solutions available to complete the unlocking and locking task.
For those individuals experiencing standard door or key locks, there are many alternatives solutions available to complete the unlocking and locking task.
Not sure what funding is available to you? Have questions on the type of services we can provide? Start your journey with us by sending us an enquiry today!
Assistive Technology (AT) is an umbrella term for any piece of equipment, software program or system that provides practical solutions to everyday life activities.
Not sure what are the funding options that are available to you? We explain both the NDIS and My Aged Care funding scheme here.
Take a look at the product database by the Independent Living Centre (ILC) to discover the wide range of assistive technologies that are available to you.
LifeTec is a leading provider of AT professional education and training on assistive technology for health professionals, community care workers, organisations, workplaces and individuals that have an interest.
Visit our FAQ page to find out about assistive technology solutions, home modification, independent living services & more.
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