Creating an assistive technology workforce for and by people with disability: Assistive Technology Mentoring in Australia

Thematic Area of product / prototype / service: 
Personnel: Employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the broad AT system in Australia
Company (if applicable): 
Assistive Technology Australia
Description of the product/Prototype/service: 
Assistive Technology Australia has developed and is delivering a course, within the Australian national qualifications framework, that prepares people with disabilities to work in various roles within the broad AT delivery system. The course is a 17 competency based course, 16 of which are focussed on AT, at the Certificate IV level. The certificate IV is available only to people with disabilities and their carers. Notably, AT Mentors are now able to advise on AT products up to the value of $15,000 AUD, within the Australian disability system, the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Although still in the early phases of implementation, employment rates of graduates is very high. The graduates have recently developed a self-regulating association supporting the development of this profession. Students and graduates of the course are currently from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Ruwanda. The 16 AT focussed individual competencies are also applicable for others. AT Australia is currently training medical professionals and allied health professionals in these 16 AT related competencies in Vietnam. The focus of this presentation will be the full Certificate IV , for people with disabilities.
Level of innovation: 
High level of innovation; people with disabilities delivering services to their peers, remains innovative.
Speaker(s): 
Robyn Chapman, CEO, Assistive Technology Australia Normally this presentation would be given by a person with a disability but it is not possible. Videos will be used as part of the presentation.