At Forbes Care, we treasure the empowering journey our clients undertake through the careful guidance and expertise of our dedicated therapists. Today, we’re honoured to shine the spotlight on Hannah, a shining star in our paediatric occupational therapy team, whose commitment to integrating assistive technology (AT) in her practice is transforming lives.

Assistive Technology: Hannah’s Tools for Independence

Hannah believes in harnessing the power of assistive technology to enable children to navigate daily life with more comfort, safety, and independence. Through her work, Hannah has been pivotal in helping children:

• Increase their mobility and physical participation
• Socialise and communicate more effectively
• Engage in self-care and educational activities with greater ease
• Enjoy meaningful leisure activities and interact with peers
• Access and utilise diverse environments more comfortably

Innovative Tools Tailored to Unique Needs

From mobility aids like wheelchairs and walking frames to self-care tools such as adapted cutlery and elastic laces, Hannah's selection of AT is as varied as it is essential. She incorporates both foundational and cutting-edge solutions, including:

• Mobility/transfers: Strollers, hoists, and standing frames
• Self-care/school equipment: Electric adjustable beds, contrast placemats, and adapted clothing
• Communication: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices with wheelchair mounts and eye gaze technology
• Cognition: Apps and visual schedules
• Emotional/sensory regulation: Body socks, fidgets, and noise-filtering headphones
• Leisure: Modified bicycles and switch-adapted toys

Looking Ahead: Emerging Technologies

Hannah is also at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies, such as eye gaze systems for communication and the Rifton Pacer robotic gait trainer, to encourage children to interact more fully with their world.

Empowerment Through Funding

Understanding the financial burden that AT can bring, Hannah guides families through the funding maze, informing them about programs like Variety QLD and resources available via local libraries, ensuring that essential tools are within reach.

Hannah’s Advice for Families

When considering AT, Hannah encourages families to look beyond the present, considering the child's growth to ensure the longevity of the equipment. She recommends thorough trials across various contexts to ensure the AT meets the child's needs comprehensively and safely.

‍