Media release

People with disability are now benefiting from new sensory wall display units that have been recently installed in sensory rooms at Achieve Australia’s Community and Lifestyle day programs at our hubs in Epping, Seven Hills and Casino. The powerful new technology uses vivid imagery, sound and light projections and detects touch gestures, similar to those used on smart-phones and tablets.

Achieve Australia’s Service Manager in Casino, Karen Moore-Evans, explains, “From the moment the system was turned on, participants were very excited about using the new technology in our sensory room. They were quick to grasp the idea that the screen would react to their touch and enjoyed activities like clearing leaves from the rainforest, turning butterflies into flowers and destroying meteors.”

“We can already see that this technology is helping to support participant interactions and to improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and concentration for the people we support,” Karen said.

The technology also helps to improve movement, balance and coordination for people with disability and aids in the development of communication and comprehension skills. In addition, sensory activities have been known to lower pain perception, decrease anxiety levels and encourage new stimuli and emotions for participants.

“By using advanced technology such as this, we can help to create better outcomes for people with disability where they can build new skills, interact with others and explore new possibilities in a safe environment,”  said Karen.

“The sensory systems will allow us to combine interactive learning techniques in the future to create a positive experience for each participant we support,” she said.

The new installation was possible thanks to funds raised at the 17th Annual Achieve Golf Day, which was held at the Monash Country Club on Thursday, 8 November 2018. Up to 100 supporters attended on the day as well as special guests Federal Member for Bennelong, John Alexander OAM MP and Chairman of the Achieve Australia Board, Richard Dinham.

This technology will enable Achieve Australia to continue making a difference to the lives of people with disability, and allow us to build innovative and personalised programs into the future.