Queenslanders living with a disability will be able to use smart technology from state government funding into commissioned research.

The Queensland Government will provide $83000 to nine contractors after being invited to submit an expression of interest.

Acting Disability Services Minister Craig Wallace said the government is now commissioning further research into integrating smart assistive technology into disability and care services.

These will include computer access aids, environmental controls, or sensory aids such as text-to-speech software or hearing-related technology.

The research will explore current uses of smart assistive technology, the outcomes of five demonstration projects, international trends and best practice.

Mr Wallace said the state government is already exploring opportunities in this field through the Home and Community Care Program with five demonstration projects currently underway.

“For example, one project in Beaudesert is using internet-based allied health communication through online meetings, web and video conferencing,” Mr Wallace said.

Methodology in making this technology mainstream was the topic of an industry roundtable, hosted by Disability Services Queensland.

Mr Wallace said the challenges and issues need to be understood to plan the usage of assistive technologies.

According to the Queensland Government, ‘assistive technology’ refers to a product, equipment or device helping people with disabilities do the things they could not otherwise do.