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What is the Assistive Technology Service?
The Assistive Technology Service supports Clients to access information from the world around them when they are no longer able to use or rely on their vision. Our Assistive Technology Specialists work with Clients to use non-visual means such as hearing and touch to continue accessing print, digital and multimedia information, which people may use for various purposes such as leisure pursuits, social connection, education or to support everyday activities.
What kind of skills can I learn from an Assistive Technology Specialist?
Your Assistive Technology Specialist will help you gain skills in using different types of non-visual technology.
Some commons skills include:
- Using screen readers: phone, tablet and computer-based screen readers
- Accessing in-built non-visual accessibility features of phone, tablets and computers
- Using OCR devices, software and solutions
- Training in Braille devices including braille embossers, displays and notetakers.
- Use of virtual assistants.
How will an Assistive Technology Specialist support me?
- Gathering information about your low vision or blindness
- Discussing your previous experiences with using Assistive Technology
- Spending time to help you discover and work towards your goals related to accessing information using technology
- Providing information about the different types of speech and Braille based Assistive Technologies available and how they may support you to achieve your goal
- Connecting you with suppliers to trial Assistive Technology as required
- Demonstrating how in-built accessibility features of many mainstream products can be used to enhance your independence
- Helping you to identify and learn about funding options that might be available to support you to access equipment or other required services
- Assist you in learning to use your chosen Assistive Technology to complete your desired activity.
Our Assistive Technology Specialists will provide assistance over the phone or using video-conferencing technologies. In some situations, services may be provided in one of our Guide Dogs offices, at home or in the community.
Who can Access Assistive Technology Services?
Currently, our Assistive Technology Services are only available to adults. Children often require Assistive Technology primarily to support access to information in the school environment or related to their school work. Currently, various school supports exist to meet these requests.
What is the Assistive Technology Help Desk?
The Assistive Technology Help Desk is part of our Assistive Technology service.
The Assistive Technology Help Desk is available to people accessing our services who currently live within NSW or ACT.
The AT Help Desk is facilitated by our Assistive Technology Specialists to provide an avenue for quick, timely support when you need it.
The AT Help Desk can help you to:
- Identify what Assistive Technology is available
- Troubleshoot basic issues that arise with your Assistive Technology device
- Apply your existing skills to new tasks
- Connect to other services or community supports who can also provide assistance to you
For further information about the AT Help Desk, including hours and days of operation, please contact: 1800 484 333.
What funding can I use to access Assistive Technology Services?
Through the generous support from our community, the Assistive Technology Help Desk is available at no cost to clients.
We understand that clients who need services may not be eligible to receive government funding. If you have low vision or blindness and you do not have access to external funding, we will support you to achieve their goals using funding provided by generous donations from the community.
How do I find out more?
We welcome referrals and enquiries from individuals, families, health professionals and community organisations.
To find further information about our Assistive Technology Service, you can:
Enquire about this service
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