Assistive technology: matching a solution to your goal
The influence of technology: a snapshot
By Lachlan McLeod · Originally published 15 June 2016
Bring the task you want to do, then compare possible solutions
Describe the activity and the barriers you encounter before committing to a device. Ask how a proposed solution will work in your home or workplace, whether a trial is possible, and what training and maintenance you would need. A demonstration does not show how reliably the system will work in your circumstances.
Discuss assessment and evidence with a suitable advisor. NDIA information on assistive-technology advisors explains the different roles. An occupational therapist may be relevant to assessing daily activities. Do not assume a standard phone or computer is funded because it can control equipment.
Original article and dated context
Technology is important for everyone. For people with disability this is especially true, because it gives individuals greater independence. It’s this fact that motivated Jeff Neal and David Kortholt. Having operated their own businesses assisting people with disabilities, they recently formed the company IndyTech. For both, it’s about further exploring the positive impacts that technology can have on people with disability.
“If we look at our lives these days, there is so much more of a role that technology plays. This makes it even more important and more useful for people with disabilities. With the right advice, equipment, hardware, software and training, people can develop independence and not be so reliant on others,” Jeff said.
“What you can do now with electronics and the new systems out there make it so much easier. The ability to actually control machinery and functions through modern technology and so on is far superior than it was 15 years ago,” David added.
After meeting through an occupational therapist, Jeff and David formed IndyTech to expand on the work they were already doing.
“We were both running a business but as we started to work together more, we decided it was easier for all – clients, funding bodies and ourselves – to have one company,” Jeff said.
From day one, they have been aware of the significant influence that innovative technologies can make.
“We worked with a quadriplegic who was told he would never drive. It was our job to get him in the driver seat of a Polaris. Two other people had tried to help without success. After we were finished he drove over 1000 kilometres in 10 days and we thought we can actually change people’s lives,” David said.
Jeff’s focus is often on the integration of technology such as iPads, Tablets, SmartPhones and Computers. By giving people with disability greater control of these devices he is able to improve their independence.
‘When looking at computers, one of the major aspects is voice recognition. It is more useful than many people with disability realise. It is not just dictation. These days voice recognition can be part of an overall environmental control solution allowing people to control their lights, TV, radio, bed, even their air conditioning.”
On the other hand, David focuses on modifications, designs and development of a variety of items and equipment for people with disability.
“At the moment I am working with a paraplegic, to assist him to drive his tractor. We are working towards him having the ability to transfer to the tractor seat with a 5 meter lifting remote controlled wheelchair. He can then drive down the paddock to do his day’s work.”
When they start working with people with disability, Jeff and David both agree the focus is on the individual.
“First and foremost what we do is ask what the person wants to do. It’s about giving people the freedom to identify what the best solutions are for their needs,” David began.
“When we start working with someone we do a thorough analysis of their home or workplace. We have to see the person, we have to talk to them. Most importantly, we listen. We need to find out what they can do and what they can’t. Once we have established that we can start to test and trial possibilities to progress forward with what is best for the person.”
“David and I are very different,” Jeff said. “My background is in education and technology and when combined with David’s, which is in engineering, it gives us a unique skill set. We can provide better outcomes than if either of us looked at the situation separately.”
However, assisting people with disability with their technology needs isn’t without its challenges. Familiar issues like getting funding and approval does hinder their work. But this doesn’t prevent Jeff and David from doing their job. They are both committed to enhancing the lives of people with disability through the use of technology.
“We always work with someone from beginning to end. We are registered with the NDIS in every state and we only finish when the person is happy and satisfied.”
And with technology continually evolving (being able to control devices with your mind is becoming a reality), the benefits of technology is immeasurable, particularly for people with disability.
_Lachlan McLeod _
For more information about IndyTech check out their listing on our website! Or visit their website of Facebook page.
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Document limits as clearly as the promising result
Explain the conditions in which the equipment was tested, its limitations and who is responsible for installation, training and follow-up. Avoid turning a single success story into a universal claim. Seek the right specialist input for machinery, vehicles or transfers rather than treating general technology experience as sufficient. Keep the participant involved in the comparison of options and costs. Current mid- and high-cost assistive-technology guidance is a funding reference, not a product safety certificate.
Questions readers ask
Does the original registration statement confirm present status?
No. Check current status for the service being delivered.
Does a successful modification prove it will suit someone else?
No. Suitability and safety require individual consideration.
Find advice for your everyday technology needs
Describe the tasks you want help with and find occupational therapy providers through Clickability. Ask about relevant assessment experience and follow-up.
