Our Work with Standards Australia 

Shaping Safe, High-Quality Assistive Technology Standards 

Technical standards play a vital role in ensuring the safety, quality and effectiveness of assistive technology. ATSA works closely with Standards Australia to represent the interests of the assistive technology sector and the people who rely on assistive technology in their daily lives. 

Our involvement in standards development supports the creation of robust, fit-for-purpose standards that reflect contemporary practice, emerging technologies and the real-world contexts in which assistive technology is prescribed, supplied and used. 

Our objectives in standards work involves: 

• Promoting standards that support safety, quality and consumer confidence in assistive technology products and services. 

• Ensuring Australian standards align with international standards where appropriate, while reflecting local policy, regulatory and service delivery settings. 

• Supporting the participation of assistive technology suppliers and practitioners in standards development processes. 

Participation in Technical Committees 

ATSA participates in the ME-067 Assistive Technology technical committee and engages with other committees on standards impacting the provision of assistive technology. Through this work, we provide sector expertise on the practical implications of proposed standards, including feasibility, cost, implementation and impact on consumers and providers. 

We contribute to the review and development of standards across a range of assistive technology categories, including vehicle modifications, mobility, seating, and pressure care. Our role is to ensure that standards are evidence-based, proportionate and supportive of innovation, rather than creating unnecessary barriers to access or supply. 

Advocacy and Sector Input 

A core part of ATSA’s role is to act as a conduit between Standards Australia processes and the assistive technology sector. We seek input from ATSA members on draft standards, proposed changes and emerging issues and reflect this feedback in our contributions to standards development. 

We also work to raise awareness about the importance of standards, compliance obligations and upcoming changes that may affect suppliers, prescribers or service providers. 

Current Areas of Focus 

ATSA’s current standards-related work includes engagement on: 

• Review and update of existing assistive technology product standards to reflect contemporary practice. 

• Alignment between standards and regulatory or funding requirements, including interactions with the NDIS, aged care systems and state transport authorities. 

• Consideration of emerging technologies and innovation within standards frameworks. 

Get Involved 

ATSA members are encouraged to engage with our standards work by providing feedback, participating in consultations and sharing insights. We are also able to support our members who wish to propose a new standard or revision to an existing standard. 

For more information about ATSA’s work with Standards Australia please contact our Policy Officer, Karen Larsen-Truong at karen.truong@atsa.org.au.