Technology for independent living: freedom machines

One in five Australians has a disability. Add to that the decline in sensory, intellectual and physical function our rapidly ageing population will experience, and you realise the need to develop so-called "assistive" technologies. Not only will these promote independence and wellbeing, sustaining these individuals in productive work and enjoyable leisure pursuits; they'll also significantly reduce care costs. So how do we make consumer products more accessible to people with disability? This lecture will be of great advantage to prospective users, developers eyeing the massive commercial potential, and operators of retirement housing.

Andrew Downing
Andrew has just joined UniSA after 15 years as professor of engineering at Flinders University. Biomedical engineering is his primary interest, with particular focus on rehabilitation engineering, technology for older people and developing "assistive" devices for people with disabilities. Andrew is co-founder of Seniors-On-Line, a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in introducing people over 50 to computing through a highly supportive learning environment. He is a board member of Novita Children's Services, which provides therapy and support services to over 1,000 children with disabilities and their families. In 2005, he was National President of Engineers Australia