The implementation of assistive technology, such as power wheelchairs, voice output devices, computer access options and environmental controls, can simply and significantly enhance the lives of students with disabilities. It can facilitate access to both curriculum-based and social aspects of the educational setting. When it all comes together, technology is exciting and satisfying for the user, however can appear to be an overwhelming challenge to manage in the classroom. Through a series of case studies, this presentation will highlight the rationale behind the technology prescription and its value in providing opportunities for the student to independently access the curriculum. It will also discuss some of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles encountered in the process of providing, implementing and supporting assistive technology solutions for students – funding, lack of local technical support, access for training, rapidly changing mainstream technology, difficulties “marrying” technology, ongoing repair and maintenance issues, lack of communications between stakeholders, differing agendas for supporters, frequent turnover of support staff. We hope this presentation will encourage you to embrace the technology that will ultimately assist students with disabilities to learn despite some of the challenges.

Maria White is a senior occupational therapist and Sue Ash is a senior speech pathologist. They have worked in their respective professions for over20 years, and share a passion for assistive technology, particularly seating, applied technology and Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC). Both have worked in the public sector and private practice. Maria has also contributed to Assistive Technology tutorials for occupational therapy students at Edith Cowan University and Sue has delivered AAC lectures to speech pathology students at Curtin University. Maria and Sue work at The Centre for Cerebral Palsy as part of theassistive technology team, where they have been providing support to therapists, clients, families and other stakeholders in selecting and implementing assistive technology for over 9 years.