MISSION OVERVIEW
This Easter, Coast Tech Labs is deploying to the University of Queensland (St Lucia campus) for immersive Augmented Reality (AR) engineering design workshops designed exclusively for neurodivergent (ASD/ADHD) youth and young adults. Operating in a highly supported environment, this is a hybrid capacity-building program bridging the physical and digital worlds to improve executive functioning. Using LiDAR on iPad Pros, participants will scan parts of the beautiful Great Court and surrounds, import those 3D objects into their selected professional game engines (Unreal Engine, Unity, Blender, Spline), use Blockbench for custom designs, and build and mod their own Minecraft-themed augmented reality experiences.
THE SQUADS
Strictly capped at 16 participants to maintain a safe, highly regulated environment.
Staffed by a Lead Software Engineer and experienced support workers (1:4 to 1:5 ratio) specializing in complex support needs (including ASD Levels 2 & 3).
REGULATION & EXECUTIVE FUNCTION
Coast Tech Labs aims to build participants’ executive function through high-interest technology-driven experiences. We interweave specific cyber-physical activities (e.g. AR Asset Hunting, Spatial Navigation Challenges, and The Bio-Metric Supply Drop) to help participants practice physical regulation and manage their sensory load. We also apply techniques to sustain focus during complex engineering and design builds and reduce overwhelm.
LOGISTICS, DATES & FUNDING
To prevent autistic burnout and allow for deep processing, our programs run on a staggered schedule. This program is designed to help participants achieve specific NDIS goals related to technical skill development, social communication, and community engagement.
- Daily Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Extended Lab for social/sensory decompression) | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Core Engineering Sprint).
- Seniors Squad (Ages 18-30): Wednesday 08 & Friday 10 April 2026 | Fee: $1,155.00 (2-day)
- Mandatory Intake Process ($210): Includes a 1-hour online strategy session over Google Meet to determine group readiness and squad role, plus a personalized Transferrable Technical Learning Roadmap.
- NDIS Alignment: May be eligible for funding via Self-Managed or Plan-Managed NDIS plans under Capacity Building (09 – Increased Social & Community Participation / 10 – Finding and Keeping a Job / 15 – Improved Daily Living) or Core (04 – Assistance with Social, Economic & Community Participation). Private funding is also accepted.
- The UQ site for the Great Court is here: https://campuses.uq.edu.au/st-lucia/great-court
Info about the Andrew Liveris Building (Chemical Engineering) where we will host the technology part in a ground-level tutorial room is here: https://chemeng.uq.edu.au/liveris-building - An e-book about the Great Court carvings and sculptures Carving a history:
a guide to the Great Court is available for free download (.pdf, 3.3 MB) here: https://marketing-communication.uq.edu.au/carving-a-history
THE LOADOUT
- Hardware: Laptop & Charger (Windows/Mac/Linux). Mouse & headphones.
- Medication: Must be handed in upon arrival in its original packaging with the pharmacy label attached.
- Other: Packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle.
HOW TO JOIN
Spots are highly competitive. To secure a place in a squad and book your Intake Session, please contact:
Joel Biddle
Founder & Lead Software Engineer
Coast Tech Labs
