Access equipment and assistive technology in public schools and preschools

Access equipment and assistive technology are available for students and children with disability at public preschools and schools.

Requesting equipment or assistive technology

Talk to your preschool or school to arrange the use of access equipment or assistive technology. They’ll help you work out what you need and complete the application process with Statewide Inclusive Education Services (SIES).

For assistive technology related to blindness or low vision, also contact the South Australian School and Services for Vision Impaired.

Access equipment

Access equipment helps children and students with physical disabilities to access the curriculum.

Access equipment available for loan includes:

  • portable wheelchair ramps (short term loan only for temporary measures)
  • toileting equipment such as portable over-toilet commodes and frames, toilet chairs, toilet supports, toilet step and rails
  • hoists and slings for lifting students
  • electronic change tables to assist lifting and handling
  • seating to meet postural and low-vision needs
  • corner chairs.

Access equipment on the SIES website has more information.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology gives students with disability greater independence and access to the curriculum on the same basis as their peers.

Assistive technology available for loan includes:

  • laptops
  • iPads
  • SIES-approved software and apps
  • alternative keyboards
  • alternative pointing devices
  • switches and switch interfaces.

Assistive technology on the SIES website has more information.

Trial loan of assistive technology

Educators and families can borrow assistive technology for trial and assessment purposes from SIES' Assistive Technology Loan Library.

Long-term provision of assistive technology

Following the trial and assessment, students with physical functional barriers to access the curriculum can use the identified assistive technology on a long-term basis.

The assistive technology is provided to the student while they're enrolled in a public school.

Audiological equipment

Audiological equipment is available for children and students who are deaf and/or hard of hearing or have auditory processing disorder.

Audiological equipment on the SIES website has more information.

Soundfield system

A soundfield system can be used to overcome background noise and improve the signal to noise ratio from the teacher to the deaf and/or hard of hearing child or young person.

A Teacher of the Deaf can arrange a short-term loan of a soundfield system from SIES for schools to trial and evaluate.

It's the school’s responsibility to purchase its own soundfield system after the trial period.


Contact

Statewide Inclusive Education Services (SIES)

Website: Statewide Inclusive Education Services
Phone: 8235 2871


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Page last updated 18 November 2025

Provided by:
Department for Education
URL:
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/disability-and-special-supports/access-equipment-and-assistive
Last Updated:
18/11/25
Printed on:
11/06/26
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