Assistive Technology Australia (ATA) is hosting a series of events in Canberra from April 20 -23 as people with disability, seniors and carers continue their calls for a permanent ATA presence in the region.
“Assistive technology (AT) is vital for the thousands of our older residents and people with a disability in our community,” Assistive Technology Australia CEO, Robyn Chapman said.
“At our pop-up clinic in February we received overwhelming feedback from Canberra residents and those in surrounding areas expressing their relief that they could access our impartial and independent advice to support their needs. Attendees travelled from as far away as Cootamundra and we know a permanent ATA presence is in demand.”
With the closure of the ATA ACT Independent Living Centre some years ago Canberra residents and people in surrounding regions have made repeated calls for access to independent AT advice closer to home, Chapman said.
“Our pop-up clinics, held in partnership with the University of Canberra, allow people across the region to have some access to improved support for their AT needs. But we know this is not enough and this is why we’re working with the community to identify their needs and work out ways to be in Canberra for the long-term.
ATA’s events for people with disability, carers, seniors, services providers and other members of the community include:
- Pop-Up Clinic: Tuesday, 20 April, 9am to 4pm, UC Health Hub.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Users Town Hall: Tuesday, 20 April, 10am to 12pm, Belconnen Community Centre.
- Making my Bathroom Safer seminar: Wednesday, 21 April, 9.30 to 10.30am, UC Health Hub. (For people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.)
- Assistive Technology in Aged Care information session: Thursday, 22 April, 9.30 to 11am. Griffin Centre (For service providers.)
- Legislative Assembly Pop-Up ATA Showcase: Friday, 23 April. (Invitation only event hosted by Shadow Minister for Seniors, Nicole Lawder).
For details and bookings go to: act@at-aust.org or PH: 02 9912 5800.