Assistive Technology, Wheelchairs & Equipment Prescription
Supporting participation, independence and comfort
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) refers to any item, piece of equipment or product that helps a person perform activities more easily, safely or independently.
Assistive technology can range from simple everyday tools through to highly specialised mobility and seating equipment.
Examples include:
Mobility & Seating
- Wheelchairs (manual and powered)
- Specialised strollers
- Postural support seating
- Pressure care cushions
- Positioning equipment
Daily Living Equipment
- Adaptive cutlery and eating equipment
- Dressing aids
- Toileting equipment
- Bathing and showering equipment
- Grooming and hygiene supports
- Safety equipment
Vehicle & Travel Supports
- Adaptive car seats
- Specialised harnesses
- Vehicle positioning supports
- Travel safety equipment
Our Occupational Therapist is a registered and trained MACA clinician, enabling assessment and prescription of specialised car seats and vehicle restraint systems for children with additional needs.
Wheelchair and Specialised Seating Assessments
For some children, mobility equipment is essential in enabling participation in daily life. A wheelchair or specialised stroller is not simply a transport device. It can significantly impact comfort, posture, health, access to learning, social engagement, energy levels and independence.
Our therapists conduct comprehensive assessments to determine:
- Whether a wheelchair or specialised stroller is appropriate
- The most suitable equipment options
- Postural support requirements
- Pressure care needs
- Positioning and seating requirements
- Environmental access considerations
- Growth and future equipment needs
- Transport and vehicle requirements
- School and community accessibility needs
We consider how your child functions across all environments to ensure equipment supports meaningful participation, rather than just mobility.
When might my child benefit from equipment?
Equipment may be considered if your child:
- Tires easily when walking or moving around the community
- Has difficulty maintaining posture when seated
- Experiences pain or discomfort during daily activities
- Requires support to safely participate in school or community activities
- Has challenges completing self-care tasks independently
- Is outgrowing current equipment
- Requires specialised transport or vehicle restraints
- Has changing physical or functional needs
- Current mobility and transfer supports are no longer sustainable