RESNA and SIG-11 (Computer Applications) invite you to attend the Eighth Annual Developers Forum!!
The purpose of the Developers Forum is to provide an informal opportunity for product developers, researchers and manufacturers to get together with clinicians, RESNA attendees and end users to discuss new technology, provide feedback on existing technology, and formulate ideas for new products. The Forum focuses on products in the areas of computer software/hardware, augmentative communication and environmental control. This is an excellent opportunity for us to provide input into the development process. Developers need to know from clinicians and consumers what features and characteristics are important in a device. This is your chance to let them know!! All RESNA conference attendees are welcome!
Following is a list of the companies/organizations who will be participating in this year`s event along with the products they plan to demonstrate:
Bloorview MacMillan Children's Centre - A new product called WordQ writing aids software will be demonstrated. WordQ software combines word prediction and text-to-speech tools to provide writing support that is tightly integrated with popular word processing applications.
Boost Technology - The revolutionary new Boost Tracer is a computer head pointer that accurately converts head movement into computer cursor motion. Tracer uses new technology - a patented, small, reliable and durable gyroscope to sense your movements. The gyroscope communicates wirelessly with the computer via an FCC Certified RF (radio frequency) connection, which solves all of the problems of the IR (Infrared) connection used by other head pointing devices. The Boost Tracer is "plug and play", requires no external power, is compatible with any computer running any OS with any type of mouse port (including any AAC device that accepts mouse input), and retails for $795.
Enkidu Research, Inc. - Enkidu developers will be demonstrating V2.0 of the Portable IMPACT Palmtop, Handheld, and Tablet AAC devices. We will highlight two new add-on packages for the Tablet, show new time-saving page editing features, and discussing upcoming enhancements. In addition, we will demonstrate new hardware accessories such as the Palmtop Body Armor.
The Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center - promotes widespread use of accessible and useable electronic and information technology in the home, school, and workplace. It also promotes the benefits of universal design to technology manufacturers, product designers and engineers, technical writers, marketers, distributors, and purchasers of information technology. The project is a collaboration of educators, researchers, and leaders in policy, industry, and disability implementing strategies for information dissemination, training, and technical assistance on the interpretation and impact of Section 255 of the Telecommunication Act and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Center works closely with lead federal regulatory agencies (the Federal Communications Commission, the Access Board, the Department of Justice, and the General Services Administration) to advance understanding and knowledge utilization of approaches to the requirements of Sections 255 and 508 through training and technical assistance activities.
Madentec Limited - Madentec enables extraordinary people to do ordinary things by providing 100% hands-free access to the computer, and voice control of their home. Products include Tracker 2000 (head pointer mouse replacement), ScreenDoors 2000 (predictive on-screen keyboard), and Nemo (portable EADL). Visit our web site for all the latest.
Minomech Enterprises - is dedicated to providing the products, knowledge and resources to help people with special needs participate in, and enjoy the modem computing and telecommunication revolution. We invite you to join us at the RESNA Developers` Forum where we will be demonstrating the VOX-IO concept in simple, flexible, PC based X-10 environmental control. We want to hear your input on client needs and functions you would like to see.
NaturalPoint - NaturalPoint will be exhibiting the trackIR cursor control system. This device is intended to allow hands-free control of a computer cursor, specifically for people with disabilities. The tracklR is a new device on the market and we`re very interested in user feedback for continual improvement of our device.
Patrick Griffen Software - R&D efforts into video game and hands free speed-reading software. Current products include Marble Solitaire and Rapid Reader. Marble Solitaire is a Chinese checkers version of solitaire where you jump marbles on a board trying to get rid of all of the marbles but one. It can be played using the mouse, the keyboard, or with a single switch. Rapid Reader is a speed-reading program that scrolls text at a adjustable rate, the font characteristics and background color are adjustable as well.
RERC on Wheeled Mobility, University of Pittsburgh - Joystick to Mouse Adapter An adapter has been developed to convert proportional joystick position into mouse emulation. This can then be used for both computer access and AAC control. Three modes of operation include position control, velocity control, and hybrid. With position control, the position of the pointer on the computer display is determined by the position of the joystick. In velocity control the speed and direction of the pointer are determined by the position of the joystick. An evaluation of these three modes and the traditional switch input method is under way using a target acquisition test (resulting in bits per second) and the WiViK screen keyboard driving a typing tutor program (resulting in words per minute).
TRACE Research and Development Center - demonstration and discussion of recent research areas, which may include the latest developments in EZ Access, applied in a cross disability access voting machine, tools to enhance web page accessibility and protocols for augmentative communication devices.
Unique Logic + Technology, Inc. - Unique Logic + Technology will be demonstrating the latest version of Play Attention, an interactive learning system to increase attention of the user. Users can actually control the educational computer video exercises by mind alone. We`re interested in feedback from users on the applications of this device.