I am honoured to join you today for the launch of Monash’s Assistive Technology and Society Centre.
This Centre is at the forefront of technology that breaks down the barriers people with disability and older Australians can face in their lives, schooling and work.
Through creating new assistive technology, promoting adoption, and improving our understanding of the barriers people face to using technology, the Centre is doing important work to support Australians not just now, but help set them up for years and decades to come.
Including the Centre’s focus on community partnerships to ensure that its research and activities are geared to address real and pressing needs in the community that create a real and lasting impact.
Our Government is focused on supporting people with disability and older Australians to maintain choice and control in their lives, participate fully in their communities and enjoy equal opportunities.
Technology plays a key role in this.
We are committed to supporting innovative approaches that further our work to address discrimination and obstacles, and boost inclusion, accessibility and wellbeing.
Through Australia’s Disability Strategy, we are driving reform at all levels of government to improve inclusion for people with disability so they can fulfil their potential as equal members of their community.
Last week, we celebrated International Day of People with Disability: a time to not just recognise the achievements and contributions of people with disability, but also to open important conversations about how we can make our schools, workplaces, environments and communities more inclusive.
We know the importance of assistive technology in supporting people with disability to participate more fully and readily in their communities.
This includes embedding accessible and inclusive practices in the design and development of critical technologies.
We are also supporting self-reliance, independence and connection for all Australians as they age in their communities.
We recently extended the Be Connected program for a further 4 years, to 30 June 2028, to continue to improve the digital literacy of older Australians, providing access to free training and devices and helping them safely and confidently use technology and online platforms.
The Support at Home program, a key part of our Government’s landmark aged care reforms, includes a particular focus on using assistive technology to supporting people through ageing.
Its new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme will provide eligible participants with funding to access the products, equipment and home modifications they need to live independently at home for as long as possible.
The ways in which assistive technology can enrich the lives of people with disability and older Australians are diverse and constantly evolving.
As we explore and invest in initiatives to improve inclusion and accessibility, a deep understanding of the barriers, uses and applications of technology will be vital.
I welcome the Centre into this space and anticipate all you will do to advance our shared goal of empowering people with disability and older Australians to live their lives to the fullest.
Thank you.