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COUNTDOWN IS ON!

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Overview

Real Solutions for Real Life: AATC 2026

Join us at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in November!

The Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA) and the 2026 Conference Organising Committee are thrilled to invite you to the Australian Assistive Technology Conference (AATC2026).

Since the mid-90s, ARATA has been the national pulse for information exchange and collaboration in the AT sector. This year, we are bringing the community together once again at one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks for three days of innovation and connection.

  • Dates: November 11–13, 2026 (2-day conference + 1 day of pre-event workshops)
  • Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
  • Theme: Real Solutions for Real Life — Exploring everything from low-tech tools to cutting-edge home automation and the lived experience of AT users.

Our theme, Real Solutions for Real Life, recognises that from simple, bespoke tools to advanced robotics and manufacturing, the goal remains the same: providing practical solutions for everyday challenges. AATC2026 brings together the entire assistive technology ecosystem, connecting clinical experts, technical innovators, and policymakers with the AT users and support networks at the heart of the industry.

Be Part of the Solution

Showcase your latest research or innovations at AATC2026, the premier platform for the Australian AT community. We welcome submissions from all stakeholders, especially first-time presenters and those with lived experience. 

Organising Committee

Conference Convenor: Kim Vien

Exhibitor Convenor: Tilly Brook

Pre-Conference Workshop Convenor: Jenni Dabelstein

AT User Committee Members: Mark Hanson & Brandon Tomlin

AATC26 Committee Members: Petra Karlson, Rachael McDonald, Libby Callaway, Emma Fredrickson, Kate Pain, Kim Magee, Michele Verdonck, Michelle Anesbury, Yuho Okita, Susan Brooks.

Registration Now Open

Registration for the two-day conference can be completed via the portal below.

Please note Earlybird registrations end 30 August 2026.

Register Here

Pre-conference workshops are required to be registered separately.  To do so, please indicate your interest during conference registration, and you will be contacted with further details to complete your workshop booking.

Member registration rates are extended to GAATO (Global Alliance of AT Org) members – please enter your ID number during the registration process.

Financial Hardship Concession:
Available to individuals experiencing financial hardship who hold a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
Evidence is required (card number and/or image).
Please note: working part-time, casually, or being unemployed does not qualify for a concession.

If you are from a Low to Middle income country as listed here: ODA recipients: countries, territories, and international organisations | OECD 
Please select concession registration during the registration process and upload your proof of residency

*Student Registration Students must be currently enrolled in an educational institution (undergraduate or graduate level). Students must provide valid proof of student status (e.g., student ID card, enrolment verification, or a letter from the institution).

If you would like further information or wish to discuss your eligibility, please contact us at aatc@arata.org.au.      

If you are booking for a group of 2 or more, please contact the Conference Organisers, All Occasions Group at conference@aomevents.com. 

Abstract Submissions

The Call for Abstracts for the 2026 Australian Assistive Technology Conference is now closed.

The Conference is being held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), from 11 – 13 November 2026. The pre-conference workshop day will be held on the 11th with the conference days to follow on the 12th and 13th.

We welcome submissions from researchers, clinicians, assistive technology users, families, industry partners, students, community organisations and innovators.

First-time presenters and people with lived experience are strongly encouraged to submit. If you would like support with your submission, our committee is available to work with you to develop a presentation. You can email us with a draft proposal at aatc@arata.org.au and we will link you up with a mentor.

Accessibility Support

If you require support to prepare or submit your abstract, need materials in an alternate format, or would like to discuss accessible presentation options—including co-presenting – please contact aatc@arata.org.au. We are committed to making the submission and presentation process accessible for all contributors.

Abstract Submissions now closed. 

Abstract Submitting Authors will be notified of their outcome in mid-June 2026.

Conference Program Coming Soon!

The Conference is being held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), from 11 – 13 November 2026. The pre-conference workshop day will be held on the 11th with the conference days to follow on the 12th and 13th.

Meet Our Keynote Speakers

We are excited to welcome our 2026 speakers to present at the AATC Conference. 

Noah Callan

View Noah's Biography

Dr Emma M. Smith

View Emma' Biography

Interested in Sponsoring?

There will be a number of opportunities for organisational branding and recognition both in the lead up to and during the Conference.

For further information, please contact the sponsorship team via sponsorship@aomevents.com. 

Download Prospectus

Venue

The MCG is to Melbourne, what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, and the Opera House is to Sydney. An iconic landmark, renowned for its heritage and culture, and celebrated for its sporting greatness. We take your experience to new levels, redefining a quintessential Melbourne event. ‘Step into Greatness’ as we take you beyond the boundary with a myriad of possibilities to elevate your next business event at the MCG.

View our space here.

Accessibility and Inclusion at the MCG
The MCC, as ground managers of the MCG, is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors to the MCG. To view the accessibility information, please click here.

Getting to the MCG
More than three million people visit the MCG each year. There are a variety of ways to reach the famous stadium. Click here for parking information.

Aerial image of Melbourne Cricket Ground

Destination

Melbourne is Australia’s matchless capital of sport, culture, entertainment and style and is one of the world’s premier meeting and convention destinations. Whether you’re from halfway across the world or just a few hours away, visitors to the City of Melbourne are welcome. Learn more about Melbourne, discover what’s on by clicking here. For accessibility information, please click here or visit Travellers Aid. 

Noah Callan

Noah Callan is a distinguished disability and inclusion advocate, renowned for his impactful work in the realm of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities. Born in 1997 and living with athetoid cerebral palsy, Noah has risen above the challenges posed by his condition to become a key figure in promoting accessibility and inclusion.
Through his efforts, Noah Callan exemplifies the power of resilience and the importance of technology in breaking down barriers, enabling people with disabilities to have their voices heard and to contribute meaningfully to society. Innovation and inclusivity in the tech industry and beyond, towards a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.Noah Callan is a distinguished disability and inclusion advocate, renowned for his impactful work in the realm of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities. Born in 1997 and living with athetoid cerebral palsy, Noah has risen above the challenges posed by his condition to become a key figure in promoting accessibility and inclusion.
Through his efforts, Noah Callan exemplifies the power of resilience and the importance of technology in breaking down barriers, enabling people with disabilities to have their voices heard and to contribute meaningfully to society. Innovation and inclusivity in the tech industry and beyond, towards a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.

Dr Emma M. Smith

 Dr Emma M. Smith is an Occupational Therapist and Associate Professor of Digital Technology in Health in the School of Allied Health at the University of Limerick, Ireland. Her work focuses on assistive technology policy, digital health transformation, and health workforce optimisation, with a strong emphasis on equitable access to assistive products and technology-enabled care. Emma led the development of the ARISE policy framework and is lead author of the Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment (ATA-C) for Ireland, which informs national and European strategies for inclusive and resilient assistive technology systems. She also serves as a consultant to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe on workforce optimisation, digital transformation, and assistive technology. At the University of Limerick, she supports allied health programmes to embed digital health, data and AI capabilities, including through the Sustainable Healthcare with Digital Health Data Competence (SUSA) consortium and related national initiatives. Her clinical and research background spans wheelchair and seating provision, health policy and ethics, and disability-inclusive, rights-based approaches to technology across the life course. Emma is a RESNA Fellow, the Editor in Chief of the Assistive Technology Journal, and currently serves as a Board Director of the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland and the Association of Irish Powerchair Football.