I think that any response generated to this should include the expected
growth of this field.  I read something a few months ago about BME being the
fastest growing engineering discipline.  I don't remember the source or
exact details but it included the rate at which it was expected to grow in
the next 10/20 years.  The percentages were pretty impressive.  Even the
number of universities that have added BME as an ABET accredited program has
increased dramatically in the last 10 years.  When I started college (1993)
there were a total of 13 colleges accredited for BME in the United States.
I couldn't fathom a guess as to the numbers now but know this had changed
drastically just between when I started undergrad and when I started grad
school.

Anyhow, those are my thoughts.
Jill


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jerry Weisman" <jweisman@vtc.edu>
To: <RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2005 11:57 AM
Subject: [RESNAre-psg] [Fwd: AIMBE Proposal]


>
> This should be of concern to the RE/RETs. If you have an opinion about
> it...let someone know...here..on the RESNA Listserve or contact someone
> on the BOD or Government Affairs Committee.
>
> Jerry
>
> Dear BED members,
> There are two important  items within this email:
> AIMBE Proposed Reorganization of the Engineering Directorate at NSF
> &  AIMBE's formal response
> =======================
> Dear Council of Societies Representatives:
>
> Re: Draft reorganization plan of the Engineering Directorate (ENG) within
> the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the proposed elimination of the
> Bioengineering and Environmental Systems (BES) Division.  Deadline for
> public comment: October 1, 2005.
>
> Over the past two weeks the AIMBE Board of Directors and the Advocacy
> Committee have analyzed and thoroughly discussed the proposed
> reorganization of the Engineering Directorate at NSF. On Friday September
> 23, 2005, AIMBE submitted its official statement regarding the Strategic
> Directions for Engineering Research, Innovation, and Education plan.
>
> There is still time for you to register your individual comments on the
> proposed plan. The address for you to do so by e-mail is
> engquality@nsf.gov. The person collecting these responses is Glenn Larsen,
> ENG Quality Management Chair.  Please pass along this information to your
> societies membership and leadership as well as act individually.
>
> The AIMBE official response included the following talking points, if you
> will:
>
> 1. The conceptual framework for the proposed reorganization of the
> Engineering Directorate is flawed by eliminating the bioengineering
> discipline from the Division titles. The discipline of bioengineering is
> drawing highly talented young people to universities all across the
> nation. The number of women entering this field of engineering is
> historically significant and bioengineering programs are struggling to
> accommodate the number of applicants.
>
> 2. Bioengineering is a well-established term among the nation's technical
> community. It includes biological and medical engineering and, to some
> minds, provides products of biotechnology. Bioengineering products,
> processes and devices enhance healthcare, stimulate the economy, provide
> jobs and ensure industry has a positive balance of payments. The more
> inclusive term of bioengineering should be retained over a change to
> biological engineering. The reorganization proposes the mergers of the
> Bioengineering and Environmental Systems (BES) division with the Chemical
> and Transport Systems (CTS) division to create a broader Chemical,
> Biological, Environmental and Transport Systems (CBET) division. The
> planned combined division, if a change is to be made, would be better
> described as the "Bioengineering, Chemical, Environmental and Transport
> Systems (BCET)".
>
> 3. Bioengineering is important to the nation's health and to the economy.
> Bioengineering students are the lifeblood and future of the bioengineering
> industry. Therefore it is essential that the discipline of bioengineering
> be highly visible within the structure of the National Science Foundation.
>
> 4. Sections of effort that have traditionally grown from computer,
> electrical and electronic engineering are being neglected in the list.
> Persons who read and publish in respected journals such as IEEE
> Transactions in Biomedical Engineering or in Imaging or the Journal of
> Biomechanics would not recognize this as a home for their efforts in
> "biomedical engineering."
>
> 5. An alphabetical listing of specialties in any system should be applied
> because this neutral stylistic form is a traditional sign that all
> elements are equal. The proposed division title would violate this
> tradition.
>
>
> Below is AIMBE's formal response.
> We urge you to let your voice be heard as soon as possible. You can send
> your comments directly by clicking here. Please copy the AIMBE office
> jrivkin@aimbe.org  in your comments to the Engineering Directorate.
>
> Thank you for your attention to this matter!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Pat Ford-Roegner, RN, MSW, FAAN
> Executive Director
> American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE)
> 1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
> Washington, DC 20006
> 202-496-9660
>
> =============================
> AIMBE Official Response Statement to the National Science Foundation’s
> Strategic Directions for Engineering Research, Innovation, and Education:
> Coordinating NSF Bioengineering Research, Innovation and Education
> Recommendation
>
> The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE)
> recommends that the National Science Foundation (NSF) use the planned
> period of strategic reorganization to establish a mechanism for
> coordinating bioengineering research, innovation and education throughout
> the Foundation and with other Federal
> Agencies. This will facilitate the implementation of NSF’s top research
> priority while providing the required visibility for this important
> emerging field.
>
> Background
> The medical and biological engineering community, represented by the
> American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) applauds
> the strategic plan of the NSF and the identification of “Biology in
> Engineering” as its top research priority.  AIMBE agrees that “research is
> needed to develop engineering
> principles that are based in biology.” It also recognizes that biology has
> become pervasive throughout engineering in general. It concurs with the
> statement in the Strategic Plan that “engineers from all
> disciplines have the opportunity to integrate and exploit biology in their
> respective disciplines.” These principles are shared by AIMBE and are
> reflected in the accomplishments of close to 1,000 scientists
> and engineers who have been recognized by AIMBE and elected to the AIMBE
> College of Fellows.
> However, AIMBE wishes to add that bioengineering is a unique emerging
> discipline with its educational objectives and research capabilities that
> differ from other engineering disciplines.  Bioengineering is currently
> attracting the brightest and best young women and men to careers in
> engineering. Inspired by the altruism
> of bioengineering, these students are our country’s finest. They enter
> study in bioengineering departments and programs and other engineering
> disciplines that provide opportunities for specialization in
> bioengineering. Discoveries and technologies developed by
>
> AIMBE Official Response Statement to the National Science Foundation’s
> Strategic Directions for
> Engineering Research, Innovation, and Education (continued):
> by bioengineers as well as engineers from other disciplines who integrate
> biology into their research activities will have tremendous potential
> application in biological sciences, medicine, healthcare, homeland
> security, quality of life, and other areas.  AIMBE is concerned with the
> implications to bioengineering of the proposed reorganization of the
> Engineering Directorate. It is troubling that bioengineering is the only
> identified discipline from the current organizational chart that does not
> appear in the new conceptual framework while every other
> discipline such as chemical, civil, mechanical, electrical and industrial,
> which automatically connote “engineering,” remain in the proposed new
> conceptual framework. The term biology by itself does not
> imply or encompass any engineering aspect of bioengineering. It believes
> that placing biology as part of
> Chemical, Environmental and Transport Systems and eliminating the term
> bioengineering will have a
> negative effect on the bioengineering academic and research community. It
> will diminish or completely
> eliminate the visibility of bioengineering and decrease the ability of the
> Engineering Directorate to
> implement its top research priority. Further, it narrows the definition of
> engineering in biology to a
> subset of (admittedly important) activities related to chemical
> engineering and does not include broader
> issues that have come from electrical engineering, mechanical engineering,
> computing and imaging
> science.  Universities take cues from the NSF for resource allocation and
> programmatic organization.
> Eliminating the visibility of bioengineering at NSF would lead to
> diminished emphasis and support for
> the discipline on many campuses that have yet to recruit the faculty
> needed to match the student interest
> in the field. Today, more than ever the NSF needs to demonstrate the
> importance of bioengineering to
> the cutting edge of science and engineering.  To facilitate the
> implementation of “Biology in Engineering,” AIMBE recommends that the NSF
> establish a mechanism for coordinating bioengineering across the NSF. To
> maintain the visibility of the field that NSF has established, it is
> suggested that the new coordinating unit include bioengineering in its
> title. Thus bioengineering could become one of the “cross-cutting” units
> shown in the top figure of page seven in the NSF report Conceptual
> Framework for Reorganization Overview and Rationale. The unit could
> include representatives from each engineering division, from other NSF
> Programs and Directorates and from other agencies interested in
> bioengineering research. It will coordinate new
> research, innovation and educational efforts between divisions and
> programs across NSF and with other
> Agencies. AIMBE believes that to meet this mandate the unit should report
> directly to the Assistant
> Director of Engineering and have authority for some portion of the
> engineering budget.
>
> Submitted September 22, 2005
>
> The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) was
> founded in 1991 to establish a clear and comprehensive identity for the
> field of medical and biological engineering - which is the bridge between
> the principles of engineering science and practice, and the problems and
> issues of biological and medical science and practice. Representing over
> 75,000 bioengineers, AIMBE serves and coordinates a broad constituency of
> medical and biological scientists and practitioners, scientific and
> engineering societies, academic departments and industries. AIMBE
> membership includes 1,000 peer reviewed Fellows, 19 scientific and
> professional societies through its Council of Societies, 88 universities
> through it’s Academic Council and 9 industrial corporations through its
> Industrial Council.
>
> This email was sent to you as being a member of ASME Technical Divisions.
If you wish not to recieve any emails from your division, please sent a
blank email to leave-asme_td01091st-5467909L@list.asme.org
> ----------------------------------------------------
> Email From:  ASME, 3 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

I agree with Jill and Scott about rehab engineering and human factors being part
of biomedical engineering.

I have 2 questions for Jerry and Jim.
1) Why do you think NSF would propose elimination of the Bioengineering and
Environmental Systems (BES) Division? Lack of interest? Lack of activity?
2) What specifically does this mean to Rehabilitation Engineering Technologists?
Will it be harder to obtain grants? Will other organizations follow their lead?

Patti Bahr

jkolczynski@pridemobility.com 09/30/05 12:42 PM >>>
I have always viewed both rehabilitation engineering and human factors
engineering as a subset of biomedical engineering.  The rehabilitation
engineering program that I went through was a part of the biomedical engineering
department. Both my undergrad education (BME) and grad education (RE) included
human factors engineering classes.  Personally, I view biomedical engineering as
a branch of engineering that includes a variety of discliplines (mechanical,
electrical, industrial, computer science) as they relate to biological
principles.  Since human factors engineering encompasses the interfacing of
human and machine and to understand the human interface you need to understand
biological principles like anatomy and physiology, I feel that human factors
engineering is a subset of biomedical engineering.  For instance, understanding
biomechanics is very important in many areas of human factors engineering
research.  I see rehabilitation engineering as a subset of biomedical for many
of the same reasons.  Rehabilitation engineering, in my opinion, takes the
principles from biomedical engineering and human factors engineering and expands
on them to include how the body changes and is expected to change with a
disability.

Anyhow, that is my two cents.
Jill
----- Original Message -----
   From: Draper, Scott
   To: RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Friday, September 30, 2005 12:57 PM
   Subject: RE: [RESNAre-psg] [Fwd: AIMBE Proposal]


   I agree.  I have been doing seating/mobility evaluation for several years now
and in the past couple of years, have become increasingly interested in Human
Factors Engineering through my work in general medical equipment safety in our
hospital.  As I began looking at HFE as applied to medication delivery, medical
equipment purchasing (usability testing, etc.) I have come to realize that
whenever we are looking at a human/machine interface, whether it's a wheelchair,
computer accessibility, home environment, or whatever, we need to consider HFE
issues.  Assistive technology abandonment is largely due to inadequate attention
to the "hidden" or "latent" systemic factors present.  We may find a wheelchair
that a person can operate but if we don't consider the whole picture, it may sit
in a closet.



   So, I see human factors as being highly relevant to rehabilitation
engineering/assistive technology in much the same way it's been shown to be
relevant to medical device safety and usage in general.  In fact, in renewing my
ATP, I expect my human factors courses/training to be relevant to my CEU
requirement.



   In my particularly situation, I received a Biomedical Engineering degree with
emphasis in rehab engineering.  ½ my time is spent in assistive tech application
(wheelchair/seating system evaluation, pressure mapping, patient room
accessibility with nurse call, television, etc.) and the other ½ if spent
supporting our Biomedical Engineering department as a Clinical Engineer, which
is the department I work out of.  I am a support service to not only our rehab
patients but all patients in our hospital who may need AT applications.  The
benefits of this is that I am able to apply general medical equipment concepts
to the rehab world.



   So, from my standpoint, I see Rehab Engineering being a subset of Biomedical
Engineering.  The confusion sometimes arises when we start looking at
Biotechnology, which can be anything from Biomed Engineering to the develop of a
new strain of seed corn.  That's where I think things get stretched a bit.



   However, I can see where someone who received a degree in Rehab Engineering
could consider this to be a discipline unto itself rather than a subset.  We are
all biased toward our own situation I think.



   Just some thoughts.

   Scott Draper, MSBE, ATP

   Biomedical-Rehabilitation Engineer

   Iowa Health System

   Des Moines, IA

   (515) 241-8351

   drapersa@ihs.org






------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   From: RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Jim Lenker
   Sent: Friday, September 30, 2005 11:40 AM
   To: RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com
   Subject: Re: [RESNAre-psg] [Fwd: AIMBE Proposal]



   Bioengineering is representative of our roots, but we have far more in common
with the everyday applied functional problems associated with sensory, motor,
and cognitive systems performance -- which are the principal concerns in the HF
world -- than we have in common with Bioengineers working on problems at the
cellular and organ level.  The HF world is very much concerned with
human-computer interaction, as well as basic communication, mobility, and
transportation.  Its relation to RE work is not limited to job accommodation and
accessibility.

   Jim


   Jerry Weisman wrote:



   I haven't seen it expressed explicitly.  However....as far as I'm
concerned...it would fit under the general Bioengineering rubric.  Of course you
can make the case that HF spans many more disciplines, i.e. transportation.   I
don't necessarily agree with you that rehab engineering does "fit" under
bioengineering.  Bioengineering is the primary root of rehab engineering. 
Certainly, in matters of job accommodation and accessibility, HF makes more
sense...but...I haven't seen that kind of emphasis in the NSF Engineering
Directorate.

   Jerry

   Jim Lenker wrote:



   Jerry et al.

   Where does human factors engineering fall in the new ENG structure?  (I assume
it exists somewhere, but perhaps not.).

   Wherever it lies, perhaps this might be a place for us to advocate for mention
of rehab engineering.  H.F. would be a much closer fit for us than the Bio,
Enviro, Chem, and Transport grouping.

   Jim



   Jerry Weisman wrote:






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Patricia Bahr wrote:

>I agree with Jill and Scott about rehab engineering and human factors being
part of biomedical engineering.
>
>I have 2 questions for Jerry and Jim.
>1) Why do you think NSF would propose elimination of the Bioengineering and
Environmental Systems (BES) Division? Lack of interest? Lack of activity?
>
>
I'm not sure...but...I'll try and find out!

>2) What specifically does this mean to Rehabilitation Engineering
Technologists? Will it be harder to obtain grants? Will other organizations
follow their lead?
>
>
For one thing...it means less exposure...which might ultimately mean
less funding...which would make it harder to get grants.

I got the written materials you sent. Thanks loads. I will check on the
AT solutions situation again this week.

Hey, RE/RET PSGers,

As per our discussion at the PSG meeting in June, I petitioned the PSB to
extend the grandfathering for those without engineering degrees to take the
RET.  The PSB approved it and the BOD just approved it (Thanks, Greg!).
Therefore, the time is now for those interested to step to the plate and
take the test.  It could only help your career, and for you single folks,
what a great way to impress the guys/gals at the clubs.  "Wow, are you
REALLY an RET??? That is sooooo awesome!  Would you like to dance?"

If you study, you will pass.

Paul

Paul Schwartz, MSIE, ATP, CPE
Technology Services Coordinator
Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
University of Wisconsin-Stout
221 10th Ave, 101 VRB
Menomonie, WI 54751

schwartzpa@uwstout.edu
voice 715-232-2378
fax 715-232-5008




2. Move to approve an extension of the grandfathering period for those
>without engineering degrees to take the RET exam from 12/31/2005 to
>12/31/2007.

Thanks for your help with that Paul & Greg!  For the record, taking the
RET does not improve your dancing skill - just your actual chances
dancing with someone rather than by yourself.


I think that we tabled a discussion at the PSG meeting regarding the
long-term plan for the Grandfathering clause.  Perhaps now is the time
to take this back up.

A quick summary of the issue (jump in anyone to add to this):
A clause was added to the RET application procedure to allow those
without engineering degrees to set for the RET exam.  This became known
as the "grandfather clause" and would allow those who had been
practicing as a "rehab engineer" to sit for the exam.  Originally, the
grandfather clause was set to expire at the end of 2005.  The timeline
at that time suggested that would allow 5 years time for those to be
grandfathered in to sit for the exam.  As it turns out, the timeline
projection was not accurate, and folks only had 3 years to be
grandfathered in.  At the RESNA meeting, the RE&T PSG voted to ask the
board to extend the clause period to allow a 5 year window, as
originally planned.

Two main discussions ensued from this point:

1.)  The RET was intended to be used as a credential that would allow
those that held it to bill for their services to medicare and other 3rd
party insurers.  This intention has had a less-than-enthusiastic
response from the powers that determine billing practices.  Given that,
members of the PSG questioned whether there needed to be an end date on
the grandfather clause at all.  Or put another way, whether we wanted to
require an engineering degree to sit for the exam.

2.)  The younger members of the PSG (read: those recently finished with
their degree programs) pointed out another issue that they've been faced
with.  Eligibility requirements for both the ATP & RET exams require a
minimum of 2 years experience before an individual can sit for the exam.
As I remember correctly we determined that these individuals were "ATP's
in Waiting."  This was a less-than-ideal situation for job finding,
among other things.



At this point, I'd recommend two discussion threads here, one on the
Grandfathering clause, and one on the ATP in Waiting issue.  I invite
those who feel strongly about either issue to chime in at this time.



Thanks for your input and support!

Respectfully,

Maureen Linden,
Your Loyal PSG Servant



-----Original Message-----
From: RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Paul Schwartz
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 11:55 AM
To: RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [RESNAre-psg] Grandfathering extension

Hey, RE/RET PSGers,

As per our discussion at the PSG meeting in June, I petitioned the PSB
to extend the grandfathering for those without engineering degrees to
take the RET.  The PSB approved it and the BOD just approved it (Thanks,
Greg!).
Therefore, the time is now for those interested to step to the plate and
take the test.  It could only help your career, and for you single
folks, what a great way to impress the guys/gals at the clubs.  "Wow,
are you REALLY an RET??? That is sooooo awesome!  Would you like to
dance?"

If you study, you will pass.

Paul

Paul Schwartz, MSIE, ATP, CPE
Technology Services Coordinator
Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute University of Wisconsin-Stout
221 10th Ave, 101 VRB
Menomonie, WI 54751

schwartzpa@uwstout.edu
voice 715-232-2378
fax 715-232-5008




2. Move to approve an extension of the grandfathering period for those
>without engineering degrees to take the RET exam from 12/31/2005 to
>12/31/2007.





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ig=MZUjrmjr3TMEQ3xWm8m5CA>

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________________________________

Additional business from the PSG meeting that needed to be addressed on
the listserve:

We need nominations for a PSG Vice-Chair.  I am at the moment unclear
about the rules regarding on-line voting for officers and such, anyone
with experience in the area is more than welcome to contact me about
that!

In the meantime, I'd like to issue a call for nominations to the
position.  Essentially, the individual will be nominated to office for a
period of 4 years, 2 as Vice-Chair and 2 as Chair.  Please forward
nominations to the list, or to me directly.  Feel free to contact me
with questions, comments, or snide remarks.



Maureen Linden
Your Loyal PSG Servant

Maureen.linden@coa.gatech.edu
404-894-9087  (office)
404-894-9320  (fax)

Thanks Paul. I tried your suggestion with my husband, but he still wasn't
impressed enough to dance!


Patti Bahr, MSE, ATP, RET
Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare
550 County Rd. D, Suite 12
New Brighton, MN 55112
651 634 1911 (voice)
651 628 4484 (fax)

>>> schwartzpa@uwstout.edu 11/14/05 10:54 AM >>>
Hey, RE/RET PSGers,

As per our discussion at the PSG meeting in June, I petitioned the PSB to
extend the grandfathering for those without engineering degrees to take the
RET.  The PSB approved it and the BOD just approved it (Thanks, Greg!).
Therefore, the time is now for those interested to step to the plate and
take the test.  It could only help your career, and for you single folks,
what a great way to impress the guys/gals at the clubs.  "Wow, are you
REALLY an RET??? That is sooooo awesome!  Would you like to dance?"

If you study, you will pass.

Paul

Paul Schwartz, MSIE, ATP, CPE
Technology Services Coordinator
Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
University of Wisconsin-Stout
221 10th Ave, 101 VRB
Menomonie, WI 54751

schwartzpa@uwstout.edu
voice 715-232-2378
fax 715-232-5008




2. Move to approve an extension of the grandfathering period for those
>without engineering degrees to take the RET exam from 12/31/2005 to
>12/31/2007.






Yahoo! Groups Links

I get more dates this way.............



--- In RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com, "Patricia Bahr" <pbahr@g...>
wrote:
>
> Thanks Paul. I tried your suggestion with my husband, but he still
wasn't impressed enough to dance!
>
>
> Patti Bahr, MSE, ATP, RET
> Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare
> 550 County Rd. D, Suite 12
> New Brighton, MN 55112
> 651 634 1911 (voice)
> 651 628 4484 (fax)
>
> >>> schwartzpa@u... 11/14/05 10:54 AM >>>
> Hey, RE/RET PSGers,
>
> As per our discussion at the PSG meeting in June, I petitioned the
PSB to
> extend the grandfathering for those without engineering degrees to
take the
> RET.  The PSB approved it and the BOD just approved it (Thanks,
Greg!).
> Therefore, the time is now for those interested to step to the
plate and
> take the test.  It could only help your career, and for you single
folks,
> what a great way to impress the guys/gals at the clubs.  "Wow, are
you
> REALLY an RET??? That is sooooo awesome!  Would you like to dance?"
>
> If you study, you will pass.
>
> Paul
>
> Paul Schwartz, MSIE, ATP, CPE
> Technology Services Coordinator
> Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
> University of Wisconsin-Stout
> 221 10th Ave, 101 VRB
> Menomonie, WI 54751
>
> schwartzpa@u...
> voice 715-232-2378
> fax 715-232-5008
>
>
>
>
> 2. Move to approve an extension of the grandfathering period for
those
> >without engineering degrees to take the RET exam from 12/31/2005
to
> >12/31/2007.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>

Apologies for possible multiple postings
-------------------------------------------------------




                      9th ERCIM WORKSHOP
                 "USER INTERFACES FOR ALL"

      Maritime Hotel, Königswinter (Bonn), Germany
                   27 - 28 September 2006

       Special Theme "Universal Access in Ambient Intelligence Environments"

                http://www.ui4all.gr/workshop2006/


                        Call for Papers

=================================================


Overview
---------

The 9th ERCIM Workshop "User Interfaces for All" builds upon the results
of the eight previous Workshops held in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, 30-31
October 1995; Prague, Czech Republic, 7-8 November 1996; Obernai,
France, 3-4 November 1997; Stockholm, Sweden, 19-21 October 1998;
Dagstuhl, Germany, 28 November - 1 December 1999; Florence, Italy,
25-26 October 2000; Paris (Chantilly), France, 23-25 October, 2002;
and Vienna, Austria, 28-29 June 2004.

In the tradition of its predecessors, this Workshop aims to consolidate
recent work, and to stimulate further discussion, on the state of the art in
the field of User Interfaces for All, and its increasing range of
applications in the emerging Information Society. The emphasis of this
year's event is on "Universal Access in Ambient Intelligence Environments",
and contributions are invited on a broad range of topics that advance the
understanding of, and contribute towards, Universal Access in Ambient
Intelligence. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, future and
emerging technologies, novel computing paradigms, computer-mediated virtual
spaces, architectures and tools, interaction platforms, interaction
metaphors, experimental or empirical studies, etc.



Solicited contributions
-----------------------

The 9th ERCIM Workshop "User Interfaces for All" aims to solicit:

- full papers (between 16 and 20 pages), reporting original completed
    research    and development activities relevant to User Interfaces for
    all and to the Special Theme of this call (Universal Access in Ambient
    Intelligence Environments).

- poster presentations (two-page abstract).



Publications
------------

The Workshop Proceedings will be published by Springer on paper and
electronically. Poster abstracts will be collected and published in an
FhG-FIT Technical Report.
Paper and poster presentation at the Workshop and paper publication in the
Proceedings are conditional on registration of one author to the Workshop.
The authors of the best papers will be invited to submit an extended version
to the Springer international journal "Universal Access in the Information
Society"
(http://www.springeronline.com/journal/10209/about).



Keynote Speakers
----------------


- Prof. Dr. Dr. Norbert Streitz, FhG-IPSI, Germany
- Prof. Dr. Alois Ferscha, Institut für Pervasive Computing, Johannes Kepler
    Universität Linz, Austria



Important Dates
---------------

- 5 May 2006
   Deadline for electronic submission of full papers and poster abstract

- 15 June 2006
   Conditional notification of acceptance (confirmation will be given
    upon registration)

- 25 July 2006
   Workshop registration

- 31 July 2006
   Deadline for electronic submission of camera-ready submissions



Submission
----------

Submissions should be sent by e-mail to the address submissions@ui4all.gr.
Submissions in PDF or in Microsoft Word (PC or Macintosh) format should
include a short abstract (200 words) and comply with the following format:
A4 paper format, 1 column, with 1 inch margins, Times New Roman 12 point
font, single spacing.



Workshop Venue
----------

Maritim Hotel Königswinter
Rheinallee 3
DE- 53639 Königswinter
Germany
Phone:  + 49 2223 70 70
Fax: + 49 2223 70 78 11
Web: http://www.tagungshotel.com/hotel_EN_1024676866.htm



Registration fees
-----------------

190 Euros (includes Conference Proceedings, 4 coffee breaks, 2 lunches, 1
'gala' dinner)



Contact Details
---------------

Programme Chair:
Dr. Michael Pieper
FhG-FIT, Germany
e-mail: michael.pieper@fit.fraunhofer.de


Workshop Chair:
Prof. Constantine Stephanidis
FORTH-ICS, Greece
e-mail: cs@ics.forth.gr

All,


One of RESNA's self-identified goals, as evidenced by the circulated
draft of the 2006-2008 Long Range Plan, is to be identified as the
primary credentialing program for the Assistive Technology and
Rehabilitation Engineering fields.  Several objectives of this goal
center on maintenance &  development of the credentialling tests,
expansion of the target populations for the tests, and continued
education of the membership.

With the RET credential in place, the RE&T PSG hopes to focus on these
objectives in their activities during the coming years.  As a
launch-point for member education, the PSG would like to establish a
practice exam for the RET Credential.  Several PSG members have come
forward to work on this goal, and some questions for the exam have been
developed.

While a group exists to continue working on this goal, additional
assistance is needed in the project.

Please contact me (directly or through the list)  to provide input into
the development of the practic exam

Maureen Linden
404-894-9087
Maureen.linden@coa.gatech.edu

Apologies for possible multiple postings
----------------------------------------


                      9th ERCIM WORKSHOP
                 "USER INTERFACES FOR ALL"

      Maritime Hotel, Königswinter (Bonn), Germany
                   27 - 28 September 2006

       Special Theme "Universal Access in Ambient Intelligence Environments"

                http://www.ui4all.gr/workshop2006/

                         Final Call for Papers

     Extended deadline for paper submission: 12 May 2006


=================================================


Overview
---------

The 9th ERCIM Workshop "User Interfaces for All" builds upon the results
of the eight previous Workshops held in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, 30-31
October 1995; Prague, Czech Republic, 7-8 November 1996; Obernai,
France, 3-4 November 1997; Stockholm, Sweden, 19-21 October 1998;
Dagstuhl, Germany, 28 November - 1 December 1999; Florence, Italy,
25-26 October 2000; Paris (Chantilly), France, 23-25 October, 2002;
and Vienna, Austria, 28-29 June 2004.

In the tradition of its predecessors, this Workshop aims to consolidate
recent work, and to stimulate further discussion, on the state of the art in
the field of User Interfaces for All, and its increasing range of
applications in the emerging Information Society. The emphasis of this
year's event is on "Universal Access in Ambient Intelligence Environments",
and contributions are invited on a broad range of topics that advance the
understanding of, and contribute towards, Universal Access in Ambient
Intelligence. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, future and
emerging technologies, novel computing paradigms, computer-mediated virtual
spaces, architectures and tools, interaction platforms, interaction
metaphors, experimental or empirical studies, etc.



Solicited contributions
-----------------------

The 9th ERCIM Workshop "User Interfaces for All" aims to solicit:

- full papers (between 16 and 20 pages), reporting original completed
    research    and development activities relevant to User Interfaces for
    all and to the Special Theme of this call (Universal Access in Ambient
    Intelligence Environments).

- poster presentations (two-page abstract).



Publications
------------

The Workshop Proceedings will be published by Springer on paper and
electronically. Poster abstracts will be collected and published in an
FhG-FIT Technical Report.
Paper and poster presentation at the Workshop and paper publication in the
Proceedings are conditional on registration of one author to the Workshop.
The authors of the best papers will be invited to submit an extended version
to the Springer international journal "Universal Access in the Information
Society"
(http://www.springeronline.com/journal/10209/about).



Keynote Speakers
----------------

- Prof. Dr. Dr. Norbert Streitz, FhG-IPSI, Germany
- Prof. Dr. Alois Ferscha, Institut für Pervasive Computing, Johannes Kepler
    Universität Linz, Austria



Important Dates
---------------

- 12 May 2006
   Deadline for electronic submission of full papers and poster abstract

- 15 June 2006
   Conditional notification of acceptance (confirmation will be given
    upon registration)

- 25 July 2006
   Workshop registration

- 31 July 2006
   Deadline for electronic submission of camera-ready submissions



Submission
----------

Submissions should be sent by e-mail to the address submissions@ui4all.gr.
Submissions in PDF or in Microsoft Word (PC or Macintosh) format should
include a short abstract (200 words) and comply with the following format:
A4 paper format, 1 column, with 1 inch margins, Times New Roman 12 point
font, single spacing.



Workshop Venue
----------

Maritim Hotel Königswinter
Rheinallee 3
DE- 53639 Königswinter
Germany
Phone:  + 49 2223 70 70
Fax: + 49 2223 70 78 11
Web: http://www.tagungshotel.com/hotel_EN_1024676866.htm



Registration fees
-----------------

190 Euros (includes Conference Proceedings, 4 coffee breaks, 2 lunches, 1
'gala' dinner)



Contact Details
---------------

Programme Chair:
Dr. Michael Pieper
FhG-FIT, Germany
e-mail: michael.pieper@fit.fraunhofer.de


Workshop Chair:
Prof. Constantine Stephanidis
FORTH-ICS, Greece
e-mail: cs@ics.forth.gr

All,

Mark your calendars and plan to attend the RE&T PSG meeting at the
Annual conference.  The meeting will be held from 4:45 to 5:45 on
Saturday, June 24th.


A draft agenda for this meeting is attached.

Please note that Item #1 is Mission Critical.  We will not be leaving
the Greenbriar room until a Vice Chair has been elected.  To avoid
making this a long night for everyone, please submit nominations for a
PSG Vice Chair to the list now!  Paul Schwartz will expecially thank you
for this as Saturday is Dance Night - and event he would loathe to miss!


Please email me if you have other items that you wish to have added to
the agenda!

See you all in 2 weeks.


Maureen Linden

Maureen,

Regarding the last Salary Survey, a portion of the Survey
can be done online via the RE-PSG website. As RE-PSG webmaster,
I would be willing to be implement something like we did in 2003.

See:
http://www.resna.org/ProfessOrg/SIGs/SIGSites/PSGSites/PSG04/
scroll down to "Salary Survey 2003"

Dave Jaffe

Dave,

Thanks for the information and volunteering for implementation!
We'll see if we can drum up some additional folks to help out at the
meeting.

Maureen

-----Original Message-----
From: RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of David L. Jaffe
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 2:51 PM
To: RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [RESNAre-psg] PSG Meeting at Conference

Maureen,

Regarding the last Salary Survey, a portion of the Survey can be done
online via the RE-PSG website. As RE-PSG webmaster, I would be willing
to be implement something like we did in 2003.

See:
http://www.resna.org/ProfessOrg/SIGs/SIGSites/PSGSites/PSG04/
<http://www.resna.org/ProfessOrg/SIGs/SIGSites/PSGSites/PSG04/>
scroll down to "Salary Survey 2003"

Dave Jaffe

Maureen,

happy to help out with future Salary Surveys

see you next week

Dave

Hey,

I sucessfully used the 2003 salary survey to help argue for a 20%
raise in pay this past year.

Dave


--- In RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com, "David L. Jaffe" <jaffe@...>
wrote:
>
> Maureen,
>
> happy to help out with future Salary Surveys
>
> see you next week
>
> Dave
>

Oh verra nice!

Good feedback for doing another one.
Maybe we can get you more of a raise for 2007

M

-----Original Message-----
From: RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of beetlegeuse6
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 6:03 AM
To: RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [RESNAre-psg] Re: PSG Meeting at Conference


Hey,

I sucessfully used the 2003 salary survey to help argue for a 20% raise
in pay this past year.

Dave

--- In RESNAre-psg@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:RESNAre-psg%40yahoogroups.com> , "David L. Jaffe" <jaffe@...>
wrote:
>
> Maureen,
>
> happy to help out with future Salary Surveys
>
> see you next week
>
> Dave
>

I have not posted in awhile.

I FINALLY have a video clip of One Hand QWERTY typing.

Not to be confused with One Hand Dvorak, or Half QWERTY.

One Hand QWERTY uses a normal keyboard, and is much faster than the
other two.

See the clip at http://www.aboutonehandtyping.com/video.html

Hope we can get some dialog going about one-handed typing options.

- Lilly Walters' About One Hand Typing
phone 909-398-1228;  fax 408-228-8752
http://www.aboutonehandtyping.com
http://www.onehandedkeyboard.com

HCI International 2007

        12th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

                                      jointly with

- Symposium on Human Interface (Japan) 2007
- 7th International Conference on Engineering Psychology and
    Cognitive Ergonomics
- 4th International Conference on Universal Access in Human-
    Computer Interaction
- 2nd International Conference on Virtual Reality
- 2nd International Conference on Usability and Internationalization
- 2nd International Conference on Online Communities and Social Computing
- 3rd International Conference on Augmented Cognition
- 1st International Conference on Digital Human Modeling

                                  22-27 July 2007
                                 Beijing, P.R. China

                              http://www.hcii2007.org



=====================================================


----------------
Call for Papers
----------------

The HCI International 2007 jointly with the affiliated Conferences invite
you to Beijing to participate in, and contribute to, the international forum
for the dissemination and exchange of up-to-date scientific information on
theoretical, generic and applied areas of HCI.

With the addition of the 1st International Conference on Digital Human
Modeling, HCI International 2007 incorporates 10 Conferences / thematic
areas, expecting to attract over 2,000 participants from all over the world.
The programme will feature an opening session with a keynote address, more
than 250 parallel sessions, exhibition and poster area and pre-conference
tutorials. For more information about the topics listed under each thematic
area, please visit the Conference website.

The Conference Proceedings will be published both in CD-ROM and a
multi-volume book edition by Springer, Lecture Notes in Computer Science
series (LNCS, http://www.springer.com/lncs).

----------------------------
Proposals for Participation
----------------------------

All submitted abstracts will be peer-reviewed by three independent
referees from the International Program Boards. All submissions
will be handled through the Conference Management System (CMS,
https://www.hcii2007.org/).


Parallel Paper Presentations:
An abstract of 800 words should be submitted through the CMS and
should include a statement of the objective and significance of
the proposed presentation, a description of methods, and a discussion
of results. Please indicate the Program Board to which your
submission should be sent for review.

Poster Sessions:
These sessions will accommodate the presentation of late-breaking
scientific and professional news or work in progress. An abstract
of 300 words should be submitted through the CMS and should include
the essence of the planned presentation.

Tutorials:
More than 20 half-day and full-day Tutorials will be offered at
introductory, intermediate and advanced levels covering the entire
spectrum of the topics of the Conference. An abstract of 300 words
should be submitted though the CMS and include the objective, content,
target audience, a biographical sketch of the presenter(s) and A/V
requirements. Please indicate whether the proposed Tutorial is for
a half-day or a full-day.


----------------------------------------------
Summary of Submission Requirements & Deadlines
----------------------------------------------

Paper Presentations

Abstract Length: 800 words
Deadline for Abstract Receipt: 30 October 2006
Notification of Review Outcome: 15 December 2006
Deadline for Receipt of Accepted Proposal: 16 February 2007

Posters

Abstract Length: 300 words
Deadline for Abstract Receipt: 12 March 2007
Notification of Review Outcome: 30 March 2007
Deadline for Receipt of Accepted Proposal: 30 April 2007

Tutorials

Abstract Length: 300 words
Deadline for Abstract Receipt: 30 October 2006
Notification of Review Outcome: 15 December 2006
Deadline for Receipt of Accepted Proposal: 30 April 2007



-------------------
Conference contacts
-------------------

General Chair
Constantine Stephanidis
University of Crete and FORTH-ICS, Greece
Email: cs@ics.forth.gr

Scientific Advisor
Gavriel Salvendy
Purdue University, USA and Tsinghua University, P.R. China

Conference Administration
Email: administration@hcii2007.org

Program Administration
Email: program@hcii2007.org

Student Volunteer Administration
Email: sv@hcii2007.org

Communications Chair and Editor of HCI International News
Abbas Moallem
Email: news@hcii2007.org

Organizational Board, P.R. China
Chair: Patrick Rau
Tsinghua University, P.R. China
Department of Industrial Engineering
Email: rpl@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn

The RESNA Board of Directors has recently decided to host and manage all of
the Professional Specialty Groups' (PSG) listservs, including the Yahoo
RESNAre-psg group you have requested to join. The current Yahoo listserv is
being phased out and closed.

A new listserv has been created for the Rehabilitation Engineers &
Technologists PSG and all current RESNA members who have indicated they were
interested in this new listserv have been automatically subscribed to it.

Also, all RESNA members who have subscribed to the Yahoo listserv will be
added to the new listserv.

This new listserv will serve RESNA members exclusively. If you would like to
join RESNA, please go to
http://www.resna.org/ProfessOrg/Join%20RESNA/join.php .

This new listserv will serve RESNA members exclusively.

An effort will be made to archive all the messages from the Yahoo listserv.

If you would like to join RESNA or if have any questions about the new
listserv, please contact Marybeth Leongini in the RESNA office.
mleongini@resna.org
703/524-6686

Dave Jaffe
RESNA RE&T-PSG webmaster and Yahoo RESNAre-psg listserv moderator

Apologies for possible multiple postings
----------------------------------------


                              HCI International 2007

        12th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

                                      jointly with

- Symposium on Human Interface (Japan) 2007
- 7th International Conference on Engineering Psychology and
    Cognitive Ergonomics
- 4th International Conference on Universal Access in Human-
    Computer Interaction
- 2nd International Conference on Virtual Reality
- 2nd International Conference on Usability and Internationalization
- 2nd International Conference on Online Communities and Social Computing
- 3rd International Conference on Augmented Cognition
- 1st International Conference on Digital Human Modeling

                                  22-27 July 2007
                                 Beijing, P.R. China

                              http://www.hcii2007.org



=====================================================

-------------------------------------
Call for Papers - Deadline Extension
-------------------------------------



Due to multiple requests from prospective authors, the deadline for paper
submissions is extended from 30 October to 15 November 2006.


HCI International 2007, jointly with the affiliated Conferences, invite you
to Beijing to participate in, and contribute to, the most worldwide renowned
international forum for the dissemination and exchange of up-to-date
scientific information on theoretical, generic and applied areas of HCI.

HCI International 2007 incorporates 10 Conferences / Thematic Areas,
expecting to attract around 2,000 participants from all over the world. The
programme will feature pre-conference tutorials, an opening session with a
keynote address, more than 200 parallel sessions, poster presentations, an
exhibition including demonstrations by industrial companies, panel sessions
involving important stakeholders from Asia and China, and a closing plenary
panel session with the participation of major international Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) industries. HCI International 2007 promises
to be an unforgettable cluster of high quality international scientific
events, and an ideal occasion to come to contact with the most rapidly
evolving ICT market in the world.

For more information about the topics listed under each Conference /
Thematic Area, please visit the website of HCI International 2007.

The Conference Proceedings will be published by Springer in a multi-volume
book edition in the Lecture Notes in Computer Science series. They will be
available on-line through the LNCS Digital Library (LNCS,
http://www.springer.com/lncs), readily accessible by most libraries around
the world. The Proceedings will also be published in CD/DVD, and will be
provided to the Conference participants in the registration bags.

----------------------------
Proposals for Participation
----------------------------

All submitted abstracts will be peer-reviewed by three independent referees
from the International Program Boards. All submissions will be handled
through the Conference Management System (CMS).

https://www.hcii2007.org/


Parallel Paper Presentations:
An extended abstract of 800 words should be submitted through the CMS and
should include a statement of the objective and significance of the proposed
presentation, a description of methods, and a discussion of results. Please
indicate the Program Board to which your submission should be sent for
review.

Poster Sessions:
These sessions will accommodate the presentation of late-breaking scientific
and professional news or work in progress. An abstract of 300 words should
be submitted through the CMS and should include the essence of the planned
presentation.

Tutorials:
More than 20 half-day and full-day Tutorials will be offered at
introductory, intermediate and advanced levels covering the entire spectrum
of the topics of the Conference. An abstract of 300 words should be
submitted though the CMS and include the objective, content, target
audience, a biographical sketch of  the presenter(s) and A/V requirements.
Please indicate whether the proposed Tutorial is for a half-day or a
full-day.

----------------------------------------------------
Summary of Submission Requirements & Deadlines
----------------------------------------------------

Paper Presentations
Extended Abstract Length: 800 words
Deadline for Extended Abstract Receipt: 15 November 2006
Notification of Review Outcome: 15 December 2006
Deadline for Receipt of Accepted Proposal: 16 February 2007

Posters
Abstract Length: 300 words
Deadline for Abstract Receipt: 12 March 2007
Notification of Review Outcome: 30 March 2007
Deadline for Receipt of Accepted Proposal: 30 April 2007

Tutorials
Abstract Length: 300 words
Deadline for Abstract Receipt: 15 November 2006
Notification of Review Outcome: 15 December 2006
Deadline for Receipt of Accepted Proposal: 30 April 2007

-------------------
Conference contacts
-------------------

General Chair
Constantine Stephanidis
University of Crete and FORTH-ICS, Greece
Email: cs@ics.forth.gr

Gavriel Salvendy
Purdue University, USA and Tsinghua University, P.R. China

Organizational Board, P.R. China
Chair: Patrick Rau
Tsinghua University, P.R. China
Department of Industrial Engineering
Email: rpl@mail.tsinghua.edu.cnScientific Advisor

Conference Administration
Email: administration@hcii2007.org

Program Administration
Email: program@hcii2007.org

Student Volunteer Administration
Email: sv@hcii2007.org

Communications Chair and Editor of HCI International News
Abbas Moallem
Email: news@hcii2007.org