Assistive technology provision in Australia: Needs and priorities

Abstract

Important discussion, such as that provided by Winchcombe in ‘Making disabilty equipment ordinary: Choice, control and the retail model' (Vol 15(3), 2008, p.115) on the provision of assistive technologies for disabled people brings about a range of ideas, options and hopes for a better future. However, as demonstrated by the example of Australia, the core challenge with this issue is the simple fact that governments often do not commit the money needed to meet the ‘needs’ and often valid ‘wants’ of disabled people.