Millions of older Australians with a disability are being forced to go without life-changing assistive technology as the government fails to address a funding gap that could change their lives.
Vision Australia is among a number of peak bodies and consumer advocates calling for improved access to assistive technology for the many older people with disability who are excluded from the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Assistive technology includes ramps to enable someone to enter and exit their home, book page turners, walking frames, prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs, voice dictation software and electric communication devices. These solutions can be fully funded under the NDIS. For those who are not eligible for the scheme, however, the situation is very different.
The issue was not addressed in the latest federal budget announcement, despite the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety including access to assistive technology as a key part of four separate recommendations.
Chris Edwards, Vision Australia manager of government relations and advocacy said it was extremely disappointing the budget did not address the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
“Assistive technology is often what allows people who are blind or have low vision to live active, safe and independent lives. The NDIS provides its participants with support to access vital equipment, but people who aren’t eligible for the scheme must be supported as well,” Chris said.
“Something like a magnifier can make a significant difference to the quality of life of people who are blind or have low vision and we can’t understand why they should be denied support to access that sort of equipment because they don’t meet NDIS eligibility requirements.”
Caption: Magnifiers and similar devices are vital to supporting people who are blind or have low vision to remain independent.
From using magnifiers to read bills and medication labels, to talking microwaves that help with the simple task of preparing food, many who are forced to go without have their wellbeing hugely compromised.
The Royal Commission recommendations highlighted that the government should implement an assistive technology category within the aged care program to promote a level of independence in daily living tasks and reduce risks to living safely at home.
It also made point that those living with a disability should receive equitable daily living supports regardless of their age and that these people should not be required to contribute to the costs of these supports.
A campaign, made up of a number of Australia’s top disability organisations, has recently been established called Assistive Technology for All (ATFA) to try and fight for justice.
The alliance plans to ramp up advocacy efforts to rally the government on how it intends to implement these recommendations on assistive technology.
The Council on the Aging (COTA) Victoria is the main organisation spearheading the campaign with hopes that the alliance will create that extra push in advocating for the cause.
Other members in the alliance include Polio Australia, MS Australia, Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, Australian Association of Gerontology and Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, among others.
To deny people the ability to access vital equipment can be extremely detrimental to their independence, health and wellbeing,” ATFA Campaign Coordinator, Lauren Henley, said.
“We’re talking about equipment and technology that enhances every aspect of peoples’ lives. Equipment that allows them to complete daily tasks that many people would take for granted, equipment that allows people to remain connected with friends, family and the wider community.”
Vision Australia and ATFA are all calling on the Government collectively to address this funding gap that effects the lives of millions of Australians every single day.
Further media enquiries: Phil McCarroll, Vision Australia media relations manager: 0416 632 253