Why We Started AccessNow360
AccessNow360 was founded by specialist AAC and assistive technology practitioners with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, research, and international policy. We exist because we believe more can be done — for individuals, for families, and for the systems that support them.
We have seen firsthand what is possible when AAC and assistive technology are implemented well. We have also seen what happens when they are not — and research confirms it. AAC and AT abandonment remains high, not because the technology fails, but because the specialist support needed to embed it meaningfully into daily life is not always available.
That is the gap AccessNow360 was built to close:
- Specialist AAC and AT assessment in Malta tailored to individual needs, sensory profiles, and daily life
- Evidence-based coaching and training for families, schools, and organisations
- Sensory-informed support that increases engagement and long-term success
- Structured access method support for individuals with complex needs including cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, and intellectual disabilities
- Literacy support for AAC users with complex disabilities
- Local expertise in Malta combined with international reach through Erasmus+, UNICEF, and UNESCO
As the world moves rapidly toward new digital frontiers, we are committed to ensuring that individuals with complex needs are not left behind. We integrate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital inclusion tools, into our work — always guided by evidence, and always centred on the person.
We bring the knowledge, the experience, and the long-term commitment to support participation, independence, and meaningful inclusion across all settings.
What Drives Everything We Do
At AccessNow360, our mission is simple: to ensure that every individual — regardless of disability, background, or geography — has access to the communication support, assistive technology, and literacy opportunities they need to thrive.
We believe that:
- Communication is a basic human right
- Every child has the right to be taught to read and write
- Every person deserves the support to participate meaningfully in education, community, and civic life
We stay at the forefront of innovation, integrating artificial intelligence and digital inclusion tools into our practice — ensuring that individuals with complex communication and learning needs are never left behind as technology evolves.
Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) — we work locally in Malta and internationally through EU-funded projects, Erasmus+ initiatives, and partnerships with UNICEF, UNESCO, and the World Health Organization.
Our work is never just about technology. It is about people — their potential, their voice, and their right to be fully included in the world around them.
Our Areas of Specialist Focus
Person and Family Centred Assessment
We provide detailed AAC and AT assessments that go beyond the technology, matching recommendations carefully to the skills, needs, sensory profile, and daily life of the individual and their family.
Sustainable AT and AAC Support
We work alongside individuals, families, and schools to ensure that assistive technology and AAC become meaningful, functional parts of everyday life. Our focus is on supporting participation across settings and activities, from home to school to community, so that communication tools are used confidently and consistently where it matters most.
AAC and Digital Technologies in Education
We support schools to embed AAC and digital technologies meaningfully into the classroom, enabling students with complex communication needs to access the curriculum, participate in learning, and communicate effectively for education.
Sensory Informed AT and AAC Assessment and Support
Sensory processing differences can significantly impact how a person engages with AT and AAC. We bring specialist occupational therapy expertise to identify these needs and design sensory informed support plans that increase engagement, comfort, and success.
Literacy for AAC Users
Every child has the right to be taught to read and write. We are dedicated to improving access to high quality, effective literacy education for children with significant disabilities, advocating for this within school and community settings.
Access Method Training
The journey to high-tech communication requires preparation. We design structured training programmes for access methods including eye gaze, switch scanning, and low-tech tools such as E-Tran frames, building the confidence and competence needed before high-tech recommendations are made.
The People Behind AccessNow360
Sharon is an expert in Assistive Technology and AAC, a warranted teacher, occupational therapist, and inclusive education consultant with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, research, and policy. She supports individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals to implement practical, evidence-based solutions that enhance communication, independence, and participation in everyday life and education.
Her work integrates occupational therapy with a strong focus on sensory processing and its impact on AT and AAC assessment and implementation. Sharon lectures at the University of Malta and the Malta Leadership Institute, has led national and international initiatives with UNICEF and Erasmus+, and serves as Associate Editor for Assistive Technology. She is also an expert for UNESCO IITE.
Dr May Agius is an internationally recognised expert in AAC and Assistive Technology, a speech-language therapist, researcher, and inclusive education consultant with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, research, and policy. Her work bridges clinical expertise with research and innovation, with a strong focus on embedding AAC and assistive technology meaningfully within daily routines and educational contexts.
May holds a PhD focused on AAC interventions for autistic children and lectures at the University of Malta and the Malta Leadership Institute. She works as a consultant with UNICEF and UNESCO on digital inclusion, AT, and AI in education, and is a member of the World Health Organization Technical Advisory Group on Assistive Technology. She represents Malta within the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe.
We Would Love to Hear From You
Whether you are a family looking for support, a school seeking guidance, or an organisation interested in consultancy or training, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch and let us start the conversation.
Or email us directly at info@accessnow360.com