Projects
MATS Projects
We have a track record of working with a wide variety of disability communities, including blind and low vision, Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing, intellectual and developmental disability, and neurodiverse communities.
Communication & Access to Information
Exploring different modes of communication that better facilitate access to information for people with disabilities.
Transforming Auslan Education in Australia
This project aims to develop innovative and enduring resources for Auslan teaching. Australia has an acute skills shortage in sign language teaching.
Auslan Beginner Textbook
This textbook was developed by a team of Deaf and hearing researchers at Monash University. The textbook is targeted at adult beginner learners of Auslan enrolled at the Certificate II level.
Deafblind Communication
This project partners with Able Australia and the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters to better understand the communication strategies used by Australian deafblind sign language users.
Signbank and the Auslan Corpus
Monash University has recently taken custody of Signbank (the authoritative dictionary of Auslan) and the Auslan Corpus (a collection of linguistically annotated video recordings of deaf signers of Auslan). We are modernising, linking and expanding the two resources.
HEAlthcaRe needs of the Deaf (HEARD)
Monash University has partnered with the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf and the Malaysian Association of Sign Language Interpreters to address challenges faced by Deaf individuals when accessing healthcare in Malaysia, where the provision of sign language interpreters is not a legislated requirement for healthcare consultations.
3D Printed Maps to Support Orientation and Mobility
This project works with community partners to create 3D printed tactile maps that are intuitive to read by touch, while exploring their advantages and developing design best practices.
Harnessing AI-Enabled Smart Glasses for People with Cerebral Visual Impairment
This project addresses this gap by exploring how AI-enabled smart glasses can assist people with CVI to better understand their environments.
Generation of fingerspelling in Australian Sign Language
The project will create the first Australian Sign Language fingerspelling generator to allow learners to view fingerspelled words signed naturally by an avatar.
Inclusive Education, STEM engagement & Employment
Enabling people with disabilities to reach their full potential through inclusive education and employment and lifting participation in STEM.
Inclusive Makervan
The Makervan was created in collaboration with Wallara, a multisite Disability Support Organisation (DSO), who deliver a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program of support to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
TapeBlocks: Accessible creative electronics for people with disabilities
TapeBlocks is a low-cost, low-fidelity toolkit intended to be accessible for people with intellectual disabilities while promoting creativity and engagement.
Making Mathematics Accessible to Blind Students
This project aims to overcome current barriers to collaboration and access to graphics and calculation that face BLV students studying mathematics by creating the world’s first accessible multimodal digital mathematics workbook.
Monash Assistive Technology Team
The Monash Assistive Tech Team (MATT) is a student led and run team, using technology to forge strong interpersonal connections and promote social welfare.
Advancing Integrated Employment Opportunities of People with Disabilities through VR-enhanced Training
This project aims to develop an inclusive Virtual Reality (VR) paradigm to offer PwD diverse vocational opportunities.
Advancing Accessibility and Productivity for Blind Users with AI
This project explores how generative AI can empower blind users to interact with productivity applications more efficiently and effectively, enabling them to fully participate and thrive in professional, academic, and personal environments.
Universal Design for Learning: A Blended Professional Learning Program for Victorian Educators
The Monash Assistive Tech Team (MATT) is a student led and run team, using technology to forge strong interpersonal connections and promote social welfare.
AI-based assistive technologies
Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to serve as an assistive technology.
Advancing Accessibility and Productivity for Blind Users with AI
This project explores how generative AI can empower blind users to interact with productivity applications more efficiently and effectively, enabling them to fully participate and thrive in professional, academic, and personal environments.
Harnessing AI-Enabled Smart Glasses for People with Cerebral Visual Impairment
This project addresses this gap by exploring how AI-enabled smart glasses can assist people with CVI to better understand their environments.
Creating Multimodal Interactive 3D Printed Models with People who are Blind or have Low Vision
This project explores how AI-enabled smart glasses can help people with CVI better navigate their surroundings and live more independently.
Generation of fingerspelling in Australian Sign Language
The project will create the first Australian Sign Language fingerspelling generator to allow learners to view fingerspelled words signed naturally by an avatar.
Creativity & Cultural Experiences
There is more to life than education and employment.
Creating Accessible Cultural Experiences
This project seeks to improve experiences within cultural institutions such as libraries, galleries and museums for people with a disability, by applying human-centred design principles to the creation of accessible, inclusive technology-supported journeys.
Werribee Park Mansion Multisensory Map and Model
Using 3D printing and laser cutting, this project created a multisensory, accessible map and model of Werribee Park and Mansion to enhance visitor understanding.
Novel Gestural Technologies for Musicians with Physical Disability
This project aims to address the under-representation of people with disability in the Australian music industry by developing innovative, accessible gestural instruments.
Developing Accessible Playgrounds for Children with Vision Impairment
Co-designed with the BLV community, this project creates more accessible and inclusive playgrounds for children who are blind or have low vision.
Inclusive Healthcare
Using emerging technology in the health sector to better accommodate the needs of people with disabilities, resulting in better health outcomes.
Co-designing Digital Mental Health Interventions with the Deaf People in Bangladesh
This project addresses the urgent mental health needs of deaf individuals in developing countries, particularly in Bangladesh.
Improving Healthcare Access for Deaf Malaysians
The Deaf In Touch Everywhere (DITE) app, developed by the HEARD project at Monash Malaysia, aims to enhance healthcare access for Deaf Malaysians, a community of over 42,000 individuals.
Bridging the Gap in Therapy with Rehabilitation Robots
This project aims to close this evidence-practice gap through the co-design of social robots that encourage and support patients in their recovery journey.
HEAlthcaRe needs of the Deaf (HEARD)
Monash University has partnered with the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf and the Malaysian Association of Sign Language Interpreters to address challenges faced by Deaf individuals when accessing healthcare in Malaysia, where the provision of sign language interpreters is not a legislated requirement for healthcare consultations.
STEM Play in Hospital at the Starlight Room
This research project aims to evidence how Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) can be used to facilitate active play in the Starlight rooms at a children’s hospital.