ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY UNIT & SKILL DEVELOPMENT FACILITY
FOR CANBERRANS WITH DISABILITIES

Hartley Lifecare is working towards building an Assistive Technology assessment and skills development training facility as part of our new administration building, making available Assistive Technology services to a group of Australia’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable citizens, people with disabilities.

In Canberra there are 24,100 people reporting they have a disability requiring assistance; 13,000 people who have a profound or severe activity limitation; and only 28% of people living with a disability in the ACT are employed. (Statistics provided by FaHCSIA)

People with a disability are often told that they will never experience a "normal life". Living a "normal life" means many things, things those without a disability take for granted, the ability to function independently, communicate freely with others and, if desired, to gain meaningful employment.

Thankfully, through advances in technology, people with a disability can realise these aspects of a normal life. Access to this technology however, is a challenge.

It is a commitment of Hartley Lifecare’s to uphold our mission to encourage those living with a disability to attend activities, to gain employment and to create opportunities for themselves so that they will lead normal lives and have the ability to aspire to life dreams just like everyone else in the community.

Hartley Lifecare’s Assistive Technology Program, generously funded by the Accenture Foundation and now in its 5th year, continues to provide a flexible and accessible assessment and training program with the use of technology to help improve life chances. The program is run as a mobile service helping to make a huge impact for people with disabilities helping children and adults gain greater independence, integrate socially, access the community, education and the workplace, communicate with others, and, to establish control within their environment directly through the use of technology.

We continue to work in partnership with Ability Technology who provide their expertise, dedication and flexibility to help us with the assessments and training for clients accessing Assistive Technology equipment.

We are seeking supporters and donations toward meeting our $300,000 target, needed to build the new facility. Help to make a profound difference in the lives of many Canberran’s living with disability, by making a donation or purchasing a golden brick valued at $100.

Golden bricks:

In appreciation of your donation your name will placed on a plaque in the main entrance of the facility. Please click on ‘Make a Donation’ and ensure you click on the Building tab in the drop down box and complete your name details.  You will receive a tax deductible receipt within 24 hrs. Golden bricks are $100 each you may purchase more than one brick. Please call 62824411 for further information.

The Snow Foundation is delighted to support the building of an Assistive Technology Unit and Training facility for Hartley Lifecare.  Already Hartley Lifecare have been delivering the Assistive Technology program for some years and the impact the program has had for many people with a disability is profound, dramatically improving their independence, contribution and quality of life.  Small tasks such as turning on the TV or lights can be overcome simply by providing the person with a disability certain technology without relying on the support of a full time carer.

We thank Hartley Lifecare for taking this initiative forward and making it happen for Canberra’s most disadvantaged.

Georgina Byron
Chief Executive Officer
The Snow Foundation