Workshops are 75-minute presentations on research, technology, and applications. In addition, several Platform Sessions are chosen from the higher-rated papers and/or are developed from a series of related papers. NOTE: This is the preliminary schedule for Workshops. Some sessions may be dropped or rescheduled. Please refer to the RESNA website for up-to-date information and schedule.
The Future of Smart Home Technology for the Cognitively Impaired
Tony Gentry, PhD OTR/L, Asst Prof, Dept. of Occupational Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth Univ; Cathy Bodine, PhD, CCC-SLP, Assoc Prof, Univ of Colorado at Denver; Jesus Favela, PhD, Prof, CICESE Research Center, Dept of Computer Science; Katherine Gianola, MD, Interim, ACOS/Education Chief of Health Informatics and Telehealth, Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center; Edmund Lo Presti, PhD, Pres, AT Sciences, LLC; and Alex Mihailidis, PhD, P.Eng, Asst Prof, Dept of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Univ of Toronto
This panel of experts will discuss advances in artificial intelligence and sensing, robotics, virtual reality, telehealth and community-extensible technologies that may soon change the face of homecare for the cognitively impaired. Ethical, social, and policy implications of these technologies will be considered.
Communicating with Eyes and Thought: High-Tech Eye Gaze Systems and Brain-Computer Interfaces for Communication
Alisa Brownlee, ATP, AT Specialist, ALS Association, National Office and Greater Philadelphia Chapter; Theresa M. Vaughan, Research Scientist, BCI Project Coordinator, Wadsworth Center, New York State Dept of Health; and Debra Zeitlin M.A., CCC, ATP, Director/Center For Rehabilitation Technology, Helen Hayes Hospital
This workshop will explore communication systems for those who have been diagnosed with locked-in syndrome, advanced progressive neuromuscular diseases, or who are non-verbal and living on ventilators, with a focus on electronic eye-gaze systems and newer brain-computer interface devices that can be used by these people in their homes.
AAC Assistive Technology Research Potholes: Avoiding Hazards in the Road
Katya Hill, PhD, Assoc Prof, Univ of Pittsburgh and Edmund LoPresti, PhD, Pres, AT Sciences
This workshop will review method issues associated with using AAC AT products, collaborating with AAC AT manufacturers, and the potholes that can contribute to the appearance of a conflict of interest or bias in the study. Strategies to strengthen the scientific rigor and reduce the appearance of any conflict or bias will be presented.
Home Modifications that Do Not Require Home Modifications
Antoinette Verdone, MSBME, ATP, AT Specialist, The ALS Association, Greater New York Chapter
This workshop will discuss home accommodation/modification specific to those with temporary and/or changing needs. This presentation will mainly focus on a survey of products that are especially designed to provide access to the home without any or very little structural modifications.
The US Access Board: Frontier Issues in Guidelines Development
Lois L. Thibault, Coordinator of Research; Marsha Mazz, Coordinator of Technical Assistance; Tim Creagan Senior Accessibility Coordinator for Information Technology-all from the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
A panel of staff from the Access Board will engage attendees in discussing emerging issues in communications, transportation, and building and facility design, highlight key information needs, and outline research proposals to deal with them, drawing on the expertise of the AT community.
From Proving Ground to Mainstream - Applying AT Knowledge in Universal Design Practice
Edward Steinfeld, Dir, IDEA Center, RERC on Universal Design and the Built Environment, Univ at Buffalo; Steven Bauer and James Leahy Co-Dirs, RERC on Technology Transfer, Center on Assistive Technology, Univ at Buffalo
This workshop will examine some of the precedents for mainstream adoption of AT concepts and highlight the growing interest in universal design as an opportunity for AT practitioners. Methods for applying AT knowledge through universal design and lessons learned from recent practice will be illustrated.
Simple Solutions: Accommodations and Technology on a Shoestring
Sue Redepenning OTR/L, CBIS, Supervisor of AT and Jen Mundl,MS CBIS ATP, Lead AT Expert, both of the Courage Center, Golden Valley, MN
Participants will learn about products, software, and techniques for a variety of disabilities, age groups, and technologies that can be accessed on a shoestring budget. They will be provided with tips on locating items for individuals and lab that are functional and affordable.
Washington Update
Nell Bailey, Interim Executive Director, RESNA
National and federal news and highlights impacting AT, rehabilitation engineering, and research about individuals with disabilities will be discussed.
Jobsite, Ergonomic & Environmental Accommodation: Works In Progress
Ronny Gaal, PE, ATP, RET, Rehab Engineer, RET Project, San Francisco State Univ
This moderated open forum will provide a unique opportunity to work with fellow conference attendees on current, unsolved jobsite, ergonomics and environmental accommodation problems, while also providing a valuable opportunity to meet other people with similar or complementary specialties.
Effective Techniques for Promoting Universal Design in Industry
James Mueller, Project Dir, Wireless RERC and Vicki Haberman, Research Assoc, Wireless RERC
This workshop will present a program for promoting universal design among key personnel from wireless manufacturers and service providers. The strategy includes making a powerful business case for universal design and providing hands-on exercises to identify usability issues of wireless technologies.
Assistive Technology for Sports and Recreation
Kendra Betz, MSPT, ATP, SCI Clinical Specialist, Veterans Health Administration
This session will highlight the knowledge and skills that AT professionals can apply to the specific context of sports and recreation. Case examples and equipment demonstration will illustrate successful technology interventions. Key features of mainstream and adaptive technologies will be reviewed.
Power Wheelchair System Customization
Jacqueline Macauley PT Clinical Education Specialist, Sunrise Medical
This presentation will discuss the options available for custom tailoring a power wheelchair system to optimize functional performance and independence. It will highlight new wheelchair electronics programming capabilities and infrared technology. Special emphasis will be placed on clinical justification and practical applications.
Wheelchair Mounting Systems
Sally Dykeman OTR/L ATP, Good Samaritan Rehab; Jill Harburn OT ATP and Doug Gayton ATP both with G. F. Strong Rehab
This presentation will highlight lessons learned through experience mounting augmentative communication devices and other EADLs onto wheelchairs. The workshop will feature the Mounting Assessment Kit (MAK) which is the result of a joint initiative between Communication Assistance for Young Adults (CAYA) and the Assistive Technology & Seating Service (ATSS) at G. F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre. The MAK was developed for the benefit of our clients to ensure the safety, security, and continued use of essential and expensive augmentative communication (AAC) technology.
Opportunities and Threats to Clinical Application of Telerehabilitation: An Interdisciplinary Discussion
Richard M. Schein, Graduate Student Researcher, Univ of Pittsburgh; Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, Instructor, Univ of Pittsburgh; Kendra Betz, MSPT, ATP, Clinician, VA Puget Sound Health Care System; Andi Saptono, MS, Graduate Student Researcher, Univ of Pittsburgh; and Andrea Fairman, MOT, OTR/L, Graduate Student, Univ of Pittsburgh
This session will review and discuss strategies that different service providers have used to implement telerehabilitation services, including opportunities and threats for the provision of this type of service delivery model. Specific issues will include payment, logistics, clinical protocols, acceptance, and licensure.
An Introduction to the SitKit Wheelchair Fitting System
Mark Richter, PhD, ATP, RET; Dir of Research and Development, MAX Mobility and Teresa Plummer, MSOT, OTR, ATP, Instructor, Belmont Univ
This workshop will demonstrate new tools and techniques designed to improve the accuracy, repeatability, and effectiveness of wheelchair fitting evaluations. One of the SitKit designers and a research clinician will demonstrate this instrument and discuss its intended clinical uses.
The Ups, Downs and Arounds of Tilt-in-Space
Jane Fontein, OT, Clinical Specialist, PDG and Stephanie Tanguay, OTR, ATP/S, Clinical Education Specialist, Motion Concepts
Representatives from two manufacturers will discuss the creation of manual and power custom tilt mobility systems from conception to delivery. Clinical case studies will be used to illustrate the process and generate ideas to address unique circumstances. Strategies utilized to secure funding for custom tilt systems will also be discussed.
The Proof of the Pudding: Ensuring Program Quality and Value through Evaluation
Vathsala Iyengar Stone, Co-PI, RERC on Technology Transfer, Univ at Buffalo
This workshop will discuss Program Evaluation concepts and their application to project management. The needs of academics, manufacturers, clinicians and entrepreneurs to ensure quality and demonstrate performance of their projects will be addressed, along with critical implications for planning, implementation and evaluation.
