Improving Lives With Assistive Technology
Stephen Hales is a sole trader occupational therapist based in Annerley. He is passionate about facilitating independence and enabling individuals to reach their potential. Stephen has significant experience working with more mature people with long-term conditions and complex needs.
What We Do
Stephen Hales Occupational Therapy works to acheive outcomes with Assistive Technology (AT), Home Modifications (HM), and passenger Vehicle Modifications (VM).
Stephen also provides Functional Capacity and Supported Independent Living Assessments, and other reports to support living in the community for people he has worked with on AT, HM and VM services - knowing the person and what they need to live well, is necessary to provide the best assessment and report.
Our Services
Assistive Technology (AT)
Stephen "found his people" when he began working exclusively with AT in the mid-1990s. He has expertise in advising on manual and powered mobility, seating, pressure care cushions and mattresses, shower and toilet AT, and lift and transfer solutions. He has experience with electronic AT for computer access, wheelchair control, and home automation for people at the highest level of paralysis. He will help you find the AT to suit your location, lifestyle and budget. He works for you to find the best AT solution and gather the necessary evidence to have it supported by your funding body.
Referrals
Stephen has worked with people whose funding is administered by the NDIS and other insurers, My Aged Care and privately funded individuals. He is not currently working with people whose funding is administered by Department of Veterans Affairs or the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Stephen is not a driver-trained OT so cannot accept referrals for driving assessments or specialty driving controls.
Home Modifications
Stephen enjoys designing wheelchair-accessible spaces and in-home care solutions. He understands the complexities of the building industry, working with trades, drafting services and certifiers, ensuring choices align perfectly with user needs, and to provide outcomes that meet standards and legal requirements. Combining assistive technology (AT) and home modification (HM) services offers optimal results. He prioritises working with wheelchair users, leveraging deep familiarity with their AT and access needs in the home. His experience is strongest in bathroom modifications; ramps, lifts, door automation and home access solutions.
Vehicle Modifications
In the mid to late 1990s, Stephen led projects modifying special-purpose vehicles with wheelchair loaders, sparking his interest in disability transport solutions. Collaborating with vehicle modifiers and AT providers, he's witnessed the evolution of wheelchair accessible vehicles. Safety is paramount; facilitating transfers to crash-tested vehicle seat, or being secured in a crash tested wheelchair and securement system. Transfers, postural support, skin care, airway protection and other needs are part of his risk-managed approach to tailor solutions to your budget, needs and preferences.
People and Professional Development
Stephen believes people with disability are invaluable teachers. His understanding of AT grows through hands-on trials, lived experience and kinaesthetic learning. Researching AT solutions with his peers and networks, having expert professional supervision, and staying up to date with policy, funding and the latest evidence, are critical to his success and relevance in the industry. Conferences, expos, webinars, workshops, special interest groups and the ARATA community of practice helps keep him in tune with the evolving world of AT.
Assessments and Reports
Stephen is experienced in Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) Assessments. He has assisted people to obtain funding for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and had ceiling hoists and other modifications completed in SDA residences. He has limited capacity for expert witness and medicolegal reports due to having so many people with complex disability on his books.
Why Choose Us
