Unlocking Potential: The Power of Assistive Technology for Kids in Gympie and the Wide Bay.
- Janiata Malone
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 11
In today's fast-paced world, assistive technology (AT) is a game changer for many children with disabilities. The right tools provide essential support that enhances children’s abilities and improves their quality of life. Understanding how assistive technology can transform your child's experiences is crucial for unlocking their full potential.
Last week the Malone Therapy OT team participated in focused follow-up assistive technology training with Astris PME, an awesome equipment supplier we attended training with in Bundaberg earlier in the year. This allowed our team to deepen their knowledge of cutting-edge paediatric equipment solutions and how to best recommend and prescribe it.
This session placed a strong focus on assistive devices that support children’s transport, positioning, mobility, and self care—ensuring that our therapists are up to date and confident with the options available to our families. By enhancing their expertise through hands-on demonstrations and updated product information, the Malone Therapy team is equipped to recommend and prescribe the most suitable supports for families in Gympie.
Whether it’s selecting specialised wheelchairs for safe transport, adaptive seating for optimal positioning, mobility aids for greater independence, or self-care equipment for daily routines, this training with Astris PME ensures every child who comes to Malone Therapy will receive tailored, functional solutions that promote their growth, participation, and well-being.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology refers to a variety of tools, devices, and systems designed to improve the everyday functioning of individuals with disabilities. These tools can range from simple aids like pencil grips to high-tech solutions such as speech-generating devices and specialised software to equipment for positioning, mobility and activity participation like bathing or toileting.
Assistive technology, particularly positioning and mobility aids, can be truly life-changing for children. These devices help kids sit comfortably and move around with more ease, supporting better posture and allowing them to take part in daily activities, learning, and play. With the right equipment—like supportive chairs, walkers, or wheelchairs—children gain more independence, confidence, and opportunities to interact and explore their world. This not only makes routines more enjoyable and accessible for kids, but also gives families peace of mind knowing their child has the right support for safety and growth.
The Benefits of Assistive Technology for Infants & Toddlers
Assistive technology for babies and toddlers, such as disability-specific car seats, offers essential support for little ones with conditions like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy and Prader-Willi Syndrome. These specially designed seats provide extra stability and help maintain safe, comfortable positioning during travel.
For children whose muscle tone is affected, the right positioning in chairs, sleep systems and car seats makes a real difference—not only in keeping them secure, but also in supporting healthy posture, breathing, and development. Ensuring our little onese are well supported in equipment tailored to their needs helps them participate more fully in daily life and gives families greater peace of mind on every journey.
The Need for Assistive Technology
In Gympie and throughout Queensland, the need for assistive technology is clear. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a vital role, providing funding and resources that help families access crucial equipment. For example, families using the NDIS report a 40% improvement in their children's engagement with learning and life skills when assistive technology is utilised effectively.
Across Australia, about 4% of children and young people are identified as having a physical restriction—many of whom may need specialised equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, or adaptive seating. Among children with disability, a significant number require help with mobility or self-care, which often involves using the right assistive technology.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Assistive Technology
Assessment and Recommendation
If you come to Malone Therapy, an occupational therapist will conduct a detailed assessment to understand your child’s unique needs and strengths. Through this process, the therapist can determine if your child would benefit from equipment like a supportive wheelchair, positioning system, or specialised car seat. Depending on the findings, the OT may recommend a range of assistive devices—such as walkers, standing frames, or adaptive seating—to promote safe mobility, comfortable positioning, and greater independence throughout the day. These tailored recommendations help ensure each child receives the right support to participate fully in daily activities and reach their developmental goals.
Navigating the NDIS equipment prescription process can be challenging but is key to accessing assistive technology. We are very proud to be able to offer this service with a focus on supporting the needs of children. Ongoing professional development like this ensures that kids who come to Malone Therapy can be supported for both their therapy and their equipment needs.
Training and Support
Once assistive technology such as wheelchairs, walkers, or specialised seating is provided, occupational therapists offer hands-on training to help families use the equipment with confidence. Research shows that up to 80% of families report improved function and participation in daily activities when they receive professional guidance alongside equipment provision. Additionally, structured OT support is linked to a 25–40% increase in consistent and safe use of mobility and positioning devices, helping children achieve greater independence and comfort at home and in the community.
Empowering Children for a Brighter Future
Adding prescription of assistive technology to our therapy toolkit creates new opportunities for children in Gympie and across the Wide Bay region, supporting kids to engage in daily tasks more independently. With guidance from skilled occupational therapists, families can find and use the right equipment to suit their child's unique needs. By introducing tailored devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, or specialised seating, children are better able to participate in daily life and reach important milestones. For local families, embracing assistive technology means breaking down barriers and celebrating every step forward—reminding us that, with the right support, every child can reach their potential.
The ultimate goal is to empower children, equipping them to enjoy life and embrace a promising future. By integrating assistive technology into their lives, families in Gympie and the Wide Bay can overcome barriers and celebrate every achievement, big or small.
Every child deserves the opportunity to shine, and assistive technology is a key player in making that happen.
Janiata Malone x
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