Acknowledgements endorsements Background methodology executive Summary 11 Recommendations 22 Article — general obligations 38

Case Study

“As a pensioner, I am totally unable to afford to pay for any and all appropriate mobility aids and other assistive technology. I must rely on the Program of Appliances for Disabled People scheme, which has often been a frustrating process, involving long waiting lists and lack of information.”³⁸²

365. 
     Affordability is the ultimate barrier to equitable access to assistive aids and devices to facilitate personal mobility.³⁸³
     

Case Study

“Aids and devices are a luxury which we have to pay for out of our own pocket and are so expensive we just don’t bother, for example I need a hearing aid [but] because the cost is beyond us poor disabled people I have had to let it go”.³⁸⁴

366. 
     People who cannot access appropriate and affordable assistive technologies or devices find it increasingly difficult or impossible to secure employment, seek education and participate in society generally.³⁸⁵
     
367. 
     There is a high level of dissatisfaction with assistive device programs in all States and Territories, with problems ranging from severe delivery delays, poor service, inappropriate mobility aids, overly complicated subsidy arrangements and a poor standard of available equipment and programs.³⁸⁶
     
368. 
     There are reports of extensive waiting times under all Australian government-funded and provided aid and equipment programs.³⁸⁷ People often wait months or years for the allocation of their device, many of whom are children and have either outgrown the device by the time they receive them or can only use it for a very short period of time before having to apply for an alternative device.³⁸⁸ The extensive delays force many people to continue using their assistive devices well beyond their official use by date because they are unable to afford a new device.³⁸⁹
     

Case Study

A student diagnosed with cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, intellectual disability and scoliosis was assessed by their school occupational therapist for a new seating system due to the growth of the child. It was stated in the original application made to the State Government funded program that due to future growth there would need to be continual adjustments to accommodate changes in this child’s seating position. Although the seating system has been approved, the item has been placed on a waiting list for an indefinite period.