Co-design the future of inclusive tech at Monash University
At the heart of the Monash Assistive Technology Team (MATT) is a passionate group of 50+ uni students. When it comes to student clubs, this team stands out for its extraordinary passion for inclusion. MATT’s projects have real-world impact, which makes being part of the club a truly unique opportunity to change lives for the better.
The team designs for all abilities, with projects spanning from inclusive gaming to tactile mapping. Monash is the perfect place for MATT to operate, supported by the university and industry partners. It’s in a great location with plenty of local facilities and nearby disability support services. They’ve even decked out a van they drive around to share their projects with the community!
MATT is working on all sorts of assistive tech projects! Here are five of our faves
- SWITCH: Everyone deserves to play! This project hacks Nintendo Switch controllers to create fun, accessible gaming experiences for kids with physical disabilities.
- MORE THAN WORDS: Using emojis, GIFs and music, this AI-powered tool helps neurodivergent people in intimate relationships to enhance their communication.
- LOSING PERSONAL ITEMS: Lost keys? This project tackles the challenge of helping neurodivergent users stay organised and independent.
- TACTILE DISPLAY: Braille and tactile displays help people who are blind or have low vision to access digital content, but they’re usually expensive. This project is all about refining a low-cost, open-source prototype.
- PROJECT REPRINT: Students are turning plastic waste into something useful with a clever redesign of a 3D filament extruder.
Head to the MATT website to find out more!
Meet Kendrick
When Kendrick Lee first moved from Malaysia to Australia, assistive tech wasn’t on his radar. But he’s found MATT is a great place to make a difference!
Kendrick has stepped up to be MATT’s project lead, managing and overseeing student projects like driving the educational van around Melbourne and its surrounds, and adapting Nintendo Switch controllers for children with disabilities.
Kendrick is studying a Bachelor of Information Technology, but he says you don’t need to be a tech student to get involved.
“MATT attracts students from multidisciplinary and multicultural backgrounds, regardless of whether they’re doing a STEM degree or not.”
Kendrick rates the extra practical experience that MATT has exposed him to beyond his studies, which he thinks will come in handy when he’s applying for jobs.
Meet Sharleen
Sharleen Hossain coordinates MATT’s Happy Mornings project, which is all about helping neurodiverse kids get their morning routines sorted with a handy app.
The project fits neatly with Sharleen’s studies – a double degree in design and information technology, majoring in games and immersive media.
The future of the Happy Mornings project is bright, with plans to include mini-game rewards for toothbrushing, cooking and showering, all linked to these morning routines. Plus, there will be
a chart for parents to track player progress.
The team is also working on converting the project into an iOS app for iPads, designing an in-game reward shop for character cosmetics, and enhancing the overall design with animations.
Being neurodiverse herself, Sharleen was drawn to MATT. “I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at two years old. I wanted to create technology that helps people like myself, or future versions of me,” she says.
What’s it like studying a Bachelor of Information Technology at Monash?
If you want to build your future in tech, you’re in the right place! The Monash Bachelor of Information Technology allows you to explore various technologies before choosing your specialty. As well as the option of exploring assistive tech, you can create compelling games, develop business recommendations, or sift through big data to find the best insights!
This originally appeared in Careers with STEM: Technology 2025, and was produced in partnership with Monash University.
