CAOT - Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

TECH UPDATE

By Dianna Fong Lee

Sadly, there is no quick reference book written for clinicians who feel lost in the myriad of technological devices and jargon. Aside from surfing the web, hardworking and frustrated clinicians may want to update their knowledge base by attending conferences where assistive technology practitioners regularly meet. Attending a conference provides hands-on opportunities through instructional workshops, seminars and equipment exhibits. In addition, the opportunity to meet developers, clinicians and consumers often generates new ideas for the application of assistive technologies.
Here are a few conferences that you may want to consider attending…

Annual Conference for the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
Usually held in June, this conference rotates its location throughout the United States with an occasional stop in Canada. While it may sound exclusive for rehabilitation engineers, clinicians and academics with a strong interest in the clinical as well as research applications of assistive technology usually attend. The abundance of short scientific papers can be overwhelming for the novice clinician however, the interactive poster sessions and labs may be more informative.

Closing the Gap (CTG)
This three day conference typically attracts consumers, educators as well as clinicians and technical experts who are interested in computer technology for special education and rehabilitation. It is considered a good introductory conference to attend since it offers a little bit of everything. This conference hosts one of the most extensive exhibit halls and a variety of one and two hour presentations in addition to pre-conference workshops. It is always held in mid-October in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference
Held at the California State University Northridge (CSUN) Centre on Disabilities, one could not find a better location to be in March! This conference has a big emphasis on educational and vocational applications. It is a nicely paced conference and there is a good balance of research, clinical and technical papers for paediatric and adult populations. Clinicians seeking information for the sensory impaired (vision/hearing) will find many resources.

Fundamentals of Assistive Technology
This is a more recent venue that is more of a preparatory course for individuals who wish to become a certified assistive technology practitioner through RESNA. It covers the ABCs of assistive technology from assessment approaches to securing funds for devices. Equipment suppliers or vendors are often the biggest group of attendees.

If you are hesitant to launch funds into these specialized conferences consider attending the annual conference for the American Occupational Therapy Association or CAOT. Both conferences have offered a hands-on assistive technology show that features clinicians teaching clinicians without the pressure of vendors and other product suppliers. Just one more reason to attend your annual CAOT conference!

For further information on these conferences, check out these web sites

Resna: www.resna.org
CTG: www.closingthegap.com
CSUN: www.csun.edu/cod
AOTA: www.aota.org