Expanding access to assistive technology in rural NSW: AT-wRAP launches

Access to assistive technology can be life-changing for individuals living with traumatic brain injury (TBI), helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life. However, for those in rural and regional areas, access to these critical services has been limited. The icare funded Assistive Technology Rural Access Project (AT-wRAP) is set to change that. This $1.55 million, 3-year capability-building initiative, launched in December 2024, uses a hub and spoke model to improve access to assistive technology for people living with TBI across eight regional NSW locations.

Led by the University of Sydney in partnership with Charles Sturt University, Monash University, and the Assistive Technology Hub at the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical research, AT-wRAP has three key components:

• Training - upskilling rural allied health professionals through workshops and clinics
• Linkages - connecting clinicians with technology suppliers via showcase events
• Network development - establishing a sustainable rural assistive technology network

The project will deliver personalised assistive technology packages to 40 people living with TBI, host eight training workshops, and run 16 technology showcases across the regions of Mid-North Coast, New England, Northern NSW, Hunter, Illawarra, Southern NSW, South-West NSW, and Mid-Western NSW. Currently in the planning stage for both implementation and evaluation, the project will next see the rollout of training workshops and assistive technology clinics from July 2025.

“We know that access to assistive technology can be life-changing, but for many people in regional NSW, that access hasn’t always been within reach. AT-wRAP is about changing that. By building local capability and supporting rural clinicians, we’re not just delivering equipment, we’re creating stronger, more connected communities where people with traumatic brain injury can live with greater independence and dignity.”

It’s more than just tech - it’s about training clinicians, empowering communities, and supporting people living with TBI to live more independently. This strategic model ensures that rural and regional healthcare professionals, service providers, allied health students and people living with TBI receive access to the latest assistive technology solutions - wherever they are. 

Building on a strong foundation

AT-wRAP expands on the success of the Assistive Technology Hub, a specialist service delivered by the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research. While the Hub focused on developing metropolitan-based expertise, AT-wRAP takes that knowledge further, extending services into the regions through a hub-and-spoke model. This will create a sustainable network of regional ‘spokes’ to expand assistive technology services beyond metropolitan areas to communities that have historically struggled to access assistive technology.

Curious about where AT-wRAP began? This short video introduces the Assistive Technology Hub and its work laying the foundation for this new rural initiative.

Empowering rural providers

AT-wRAP goes beyond providing technology - it empowers rural clinicians and service providers by equipping them with the skills needed to assess, prescribe, and implement assistive technology solutions independently. Key initiatives include:

• Training workshops and clinics to upskill allied health professionals
• Technology showcases to connect clinicians with assistive technology suppliers
• The creation of a Brain Injury Rural Assistive Technology Network bringing together local providers and academic partners
• Resources for allied health students, supporting assistive technology integration into clinical training

Clinicians across NSW Health Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programs (BIRPs), hospitals, private and community rehab services, and NDIS providers are expected to benefit—particularly occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, neuropsychologists, and social workers.

Real-world impact

AT-wRAP offers direct benefits to 40 people living with TBI in rural areas who will receive customised assistive technology packages. Each package includes:

• Personalised assessment and prescription of assistive technology
• Customisation to ensure the technology fits individual needs
• Essential "wrap around" supports - including training, education, troubleshooting, and ongoing review - which research shows are critical for successful assistive technology adoption
• Ongoing implementation support to guarantee successful integration into daily life

Participants will be identified by clinicians involved in the training and assistive technology clinics. With a specific focus on ageing with TBI, the project aims for at least 50% of participants to be over 40 years of age. Indirect benefits will reach many more through better-trained providers, stronger local networks, and improved access to information and technology.

Supporting First Nations communities

The project includes a First Nations assistive technology access pilot, designed to explore how assistive technology solutions can best serve people living with TBI living in rural Aboriginal communities. This component will involve collaborative work with First Nations communities to co-design culturally appropriate approaches to assistive technology prescription and delivery.

The project represents a shift toward smarter, more inclusive care - bringing vital technology and support to people where they live. The hub-and-spoke model could serve as a blueprint for nationwide service expansion, addressing two of the biggest challenges in rural healthcare: accessibility and sustainability.

If you're a clinician, provider organisation, or allied health student in one of the eight regions, keep an eye out for opportunities to engage as the project rolls out in 2025.