Computer & tablet access
Alternative mouse & keyboard devices, speech recognition & eye gaze, mounting & positioning equipment, and gaming controllers.
Occupational therapy · Assistive technology
Occupational therapists specialising in
electronic assistive technology
We help people with disability reach their goals for independence and participation.
What we do
Technology that fits your life
As occupational therapists, we take a holistic, client-centred, evidence-based approach to electronic technology solutions — so the system fits your goals, not the other way around.
Communication
Mobile & landline phone access, video calling & emergency call systems, speech generating devices, and language, reading & writing supports.
Environmental control & home automation
Accessible technology for controlling TV, music, lights, air conditioning, fans, heaters, windows, blinds, intercoms and doors.
Occupational therapy
A holistic, client-centred, evidence-based approach to electronic technology solutions that ensures you meet your goals.
How we help
Our services
From first assessment through to installation, training and ongoing support — select a heading to read more.
Assistive technology
Assessments and advice
We provide assessments and advice to help you explore and select electronic assistive technology. Services are provided in your home, care facility, workplace or education setting.
Equipment trials
LifeAccess gives you the opportunity to trial equipment. A real-world experience helps you match product features with your needs and goals. Equipment trials support funding applications and are required by some funding bodies.
Funding applications
Once it is clear what assistive technology solution will best meet your goals, we can prepare and manage funding applications for the technology, set-up, training and support service costs. We have extensive experience working with iCare, LifetimeCare, JobAccess, insurers, Medicare, private health insurance, not-for-profits, self-managed funding frameworks and the NDIS.
Setup and installation
When your assistive technology arrives, we assist you with the installation, set up and customisation needed to best meet your needs and goals.
Functional skills training
The use of electronic assistive technology often comes with a learning phase. We can help you get the most out of your new technology system by providing any education and skills training that might be needed.
Broader support
General occupational therapy
In addition to the specialised area of electronic assistive technology, we can work with you to address your general occupational therapy needs, including personal care and mobility equipment, and functional skills training.
Project management
Implementing some complex systems, such as home automation, requires coordination between multiple parties — builders, motorised door installers, electricians, and automation technicians. We can manage the project so that you get the result that meets your needs.
Technical support
All technology systems require a plan for maintenance and technical support. LifeAccess coordinates and provides responsive onsite and remote support.
Research
LifeAccess evaluates the latest products and undertakes research projects in the field.
Referral process
We visit you at home, your care facility, work or school.
To discuss a referral, email info@lifeaccess.com.au or call (02) 9011 6272.
Who you'll work with
Our team
Gemma McDonald
Gemma has 20 years' experience specialising in electronic and digital assistive technology solutions that support people's independence and participation through communication, environmental control, recreation and creative technologies. She works with people who experience physical, cognitive, psycho-social and sensory difficulties. Gemma teaches at the University of Sydney and University of Canberra and has provided national training in the field.
David Simpson
David has extensive experience supporting people with complex neurological conditions, including spinal cord injury, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy. He is passionate about using electronic assistive technology to empower individuals to live more independently and participate more fully in everyday life. David can also work with you on general OT matters, such as personal care and mobility equipment, and functional skills training — ensuring you receive a holistic service where the pieces all fit together.