title: Informing the Australian government on AT policies: ARATA's experiences.
abstract: This article describes the development and dissemination of an evidence-based Policy Statement and Background Papers by the Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA). An experienced project team was engaged to conduct literature reviews and member consultations, develop resources and implement a targeted advocacy strategy that included a policy launch and meetings with government officials. The Policy Statement and Background Papers have enabled ARATA to represent the views of Assistive Technology (AT) Practitioners in consultations around the National Disability Insurance Scheme and other AT-related inquiries. In ARATA's experience, developing a policy statement and disseminating it through a targeted advocacy strategy is an effective way for a not-for-profit professional organisation to influence government policy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AT practitioners must consider political factors in working towards effective policies to support their practice. To be effective at a systemic level, AT practitioners must develop political awareness and an understanding of the drivers of policy. This case study provides a blueprint for AT practitioners and organisations in tackling policy change.
authors.affiliation: Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA) , Silvan, Victoria , Australia .
authors.forename: Emma L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Friesen
authors.forename: Lloyd
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Layton
authors.forename: Gunela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Astbrink
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Summers
authors.forename: Desleigh
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Jonge
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D006801:Humans; D018868:Insurance, Disability / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000458:organization & administration*; D057766:Policy; D012656:Self-Help Devices
keywords: AT policy; Assistive technology; National Disability Insurance Scheme