Find Saminda Sundeepa Balasuriya on
Saminda is a Human Computer Interaction (HCI) researcher who is working in the accessibility space. His PhD research focused on co-designing technology and technology-based curriculums with people with intellectual disability and their support networks. Through his research he has worked to improve technology adoption and empower staff and service users to use emerging technologies like virtual reality, 3D printing and robots for learning and recreational purposes. Saminda has also studied how social robots can be used to support people with intellectual disability and how robots can be designed to optimise the support they provide. Before commencing his PhD, Saminda did a Master of IT (major in HCI) at QUT where he conducted research about how adults with intellectual disabilities access information using voice activated interfaces and how social robots can be used to encourage collaboration among adults with intellectual disability.