A new technology giving injured Victorians greater independence has been brought to Australia for the first time, through the collaboration of key Geelong organisations.
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips said the Touch Accessible Platform Interactive Technology (TAP-it) would help people severely injured after a transport accident.
“TAP-it will give them the ability to access the internet, watch television and even read, without needing carer support,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
Barwon Health’s occupational therapists and Geelong education resource centre, The Brainary, received a $23,000 grant from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to help bring the technology to Australia for the first time.
TAC client Ann-Maree Hoskin demonstrated the technology to achieve her goal of Skyping with her daughter overseas.
“The TAP-it platform provides the ground-breaking technology for Ann to use a computer without a carer’s assistance, for simple tasks like making a private phone call,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“Left with quadriplegia after a car accident seven years ago, this technology is set to make a significant difference to Ann’s independence.”
TAP-it is an interactive learning station with advanced technologies for use of people with varying rehabilitation needs.
It can be controlled via a headset or through an app that allows eye control.
TAP-it is one of five different innovative projects arising from Deakin University collaboration with occupational therapists to investigate new rehabilitation technologies.
“This collaboration cements Geelong’s position as a research hub, with several technologies being brought to Australia for the first time through this partnership,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
