Wanted - Presenters for the SIG-11 Computer Applications Show-and-Tell

Where: Computer Tech Lab at RESNA 2001, Reno, NV
When: TBA

SIG-11 will be conducting a Computer Applications Show-and-Tell at the RESNA conference. If you have a unique case, technique, or tool involving computer applications in assistive technology that you would like to present during the session, please contact John Goldthwaite john.goldthwaite@arch.gatech.edu. Topics may include adaptations made to computer devices or software, tips on the use of new computer hardware or software, little-known products, unusual combinations of different devices or programs, and unique ways to use computers as assistive technology. The presentations will be short and informal- 9 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for questions.

Participant Guidelines

The show-and-tell session provides opportunities for up to five participants to present unique cases, adaptations, tips, and techniques in a brief, informal manner. Topics for RESNA 2000 Computer Applications Show-and-Tell may include:

Unique adaptations for computers in assistive technology. Sample topics:

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 people have found valuable. Sample topics:

Ways to get better recognition with voice-input software

Little-known Windows 95/98/Millenium settings that may help assistive technology practitioners

Training or setup techniques for computer input devices.

Little-known products. Sample topics:

Hard-to-find mainstream commercial gadgets or software

Unusual combinations of different devices or programs. Sample topics:

Combinations of voice-input with voice-output software

Several input modes for one person.

Unique combinations of computer-access with AAC software and hardware

Unique ways to use computers as assistive technology. Sample topics:

Computerization of a task not normally performed on computer

Using computers as aids in learning for people with learning disabilities.

Although case studies involving a specific consumer are encouraged, presentations may also include stand-alone information that may be of interest to the audience. Presenters may also present more than one case or topic, provided that they stay within the time limits. Each participant will be allowed 9 minutes to present their information, followed by 5 minutes for questions and discussion. Time limits will be strictly enforced in order to maximize the amount of material presented. If audience members wish to learn the full details of a case or discuss them further, they will be encouraged to contact the presenter at a later time.

Participants should include the following in their presentation:

A brief background on the consumer (for case studies) and the scenario

A brief description of the decision-making process followed during the evaluation (for case studies)

An explanation of why a unique or creative approach was needed

Technical specifications

Outcomes

Participants are encouraged to use slides and videos to illustrate their topics. Participants will be required to submit a one or two paragraph summary of their presentation along with their contact information (name, phone #, email) to the session moderator prior to presenting. These summaries will be compiled and posted the RESNA web-site after the conference. No other materials or handouts are necessary.

Thanks,

John Goldthwaite
Research Scientist
Georgia Institute of Technology
Center for Rehabilitation Technology
490 10th St.
Atlanta, GA  30332-0156
404/894-0563
john.goldthwaite@arch.gatech.edu

I received the announcement for the SIG-11 Show-and-Tell and I will think about whether I have something to offer. I would encourage both possible submitters and John Goldthwaite (the person selecting submissions) to be conscious of the difference between the Show-and-Tell format and the actual paper platform presentations which RESNA has been trying to encourage. In short, the Show-and-Tell should not be a substitute venue for people who did not submit papers in time or did not want to go through the effort of writing a paper. In the past there have been some presentations that really belonged in a paper session (reports on research, etc.) and I hope that this format can be left for short information sharing, encouraging more people to participate.

Ray Grott
San Francisco State University
03/08/2001