The following mission statement for SIG-11 was recently developed: To facilitate education and information sharing between RESNA members who have an interest in computer applications to benefit people with disabilities.
This statement was released on the distribution list for comment. If you have any ideas for a mission statement or a definition of SIG-11 that would better represent what we are, please don't hesitate to submit them to me. The mission statement is posted on our website.
Plans for the Developer's Forum as well as elections for SIG-11 chair and vice chair should be underway by the time this issue of the newsletter is published. I will be looking for volunteers to call companies asking for their participation in the Developer's Forum. The Forum is tentatively scheduled for Sunday evening June 27th.
Once again it is time to elect a new chair and vice-chair for SIG-11. Both offices have a two-year term, beginning and ending in June at the annual conference. Election results will be posted on the distribution list as soon as they are available.
The SIG-11 Computer Applications Show & Tell Session is coming to RESNA ‘99! Last year, SIG-11 members indicated they wanted a forum to share unique computer-related cases, adaptations, tips, and techniques with their colleagues. This will be an opportunity for SIG-11 members and non-members to present useful information that may not be appropriate for a full paper. Sessions will be short and informal, in order to allow as many presenters as possible. Possible topics could include (but are not limited to):
Interesting case studies.
Unique adaptations for computers.
Computer hardware or software created from scratch for a consumer.
Creative setups for existing hardware or software to best fit a consumer's needs.
Tips and techniques that you have found valuable in evaluations or in working with a particular technology (e.g. ways to get better recognition with voice-input software, or little- known Windows 95/98 features).
Training or setup techniques for computer input devices.
Little-known products (e.g. hard-to-find mainstream commercial equipment or software that has been or could be useful for persons with disabilities).
Unusual combinations of different devices or programs.
Unique combinations of computer-access with AAC or other technologies.
Unique ways to use computers as assistive technology (e.g. computerization of a task not normally performed on computer).
Using computers as aids in learning for people with learning disabilities.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Yuichi Tamano for full guidelines at ytamano@bigfoot.com or 914/786-4808. Participants will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t wait!
Last, but not least, I would like to thank the following individuals who helped with the review process: Concurrent Session and Instructional Course Reviewers: Rich Simpson, Yuichi Tamano, Susan Fridie, Sue Lin, Sharon Ferrell, Todd Schwanke, John Goldthwaite, and Donn Hilker. Scientific Paper reviewers: Yuichi Tamano, Rich Simpson, Ray Grott, Ruth Mendelson, and Sharon Ferrell.
We are always looking for more volunteers. Let me know if you are interested in helping.
Patty Benzing
319/356-4657
patty-benzing@uiowa.edu