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.
From Mind to Market: Differentiating Research, Development and & Commercialization Processes to Achieve Outcomes.
Joseph P. Lane, James A. Leahy, Stephen M. Bauer, and Vathsala Stone, all Co-Principal Investigators, RERC on Technology Transfer, Univ at Buffalo, SUNY
There is a great distance separating conceptual ideas from commercial products. A successful transition from mind to market requires an in-depth understanding of the participating sectors, their respective contributions and the key transitions between them. This workshop provides that understanding using actual case examples.
Using Cognitive Prosthetic Devices to Treat Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Service Members
Katina Sokol, MS, CCC/SLP and Melissa Oliver, MS, OTR/L, both from the McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, VA
Drawing on advancements in technology, service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq with mild TBI have been able to compensate to meet the challenges of their deficits and function independently. Speech and occupational therapists determine which cognitive prosthetic device is most appropriate and incorporate the devices into treatment.
AAC User Panel Discusses System Selection, Training, and Daily Use
Jennifer Lowe, B.A., Exec Dir, SHOUT; David Chapple, B.S., Board of Trustees, AAC Institute; and Kevin Williams, B.S., Software Developer
Engineers, special educators, and speech clinicians still dominate system development among communication aid manufacturers. This panel, composed of five augmented communicators, will discuss technology design, system selection, training, and daily use of speech-generating devices.
How Policy Affects AAC Service Delivery for Families and Professionals
Robin Hurd, Parent Support Liaison & Director of the AAC Institute; Claire Gealsman, parent of child who uses AAC; and Katya Hill, Assoc Prof, Univ of Pittsburgh
In this workshop, panelists will discuss important concerns in AAC service delivery and brainstorm with participants possible policy changes that can positively impact those concerns. Both professionals and parents will be represented on the panel, providing a diverse pool of ideas and concerns.
Individuals with ALS: Exploring AAC Assessment and Intervention
Mary Jean J. Dyczko, M.A., CCC/SLP, TSHH, ATP, AT Specialist, United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County
This session will define and introduce participants to the nature and progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and its impact on oral and written communication. Evaluation, traditional and specialized therapeutic interventions, psycho-social issues, technology options, and funding will be discussed.
Options for Accessing Telephones for People with Disabilities
Kevin Caves, ME, ATP, RET, AAC-RERC; Dave Hershberger, BSEE, Pres, Saltillo Corp; and Clayton Lewis, PhD, Prof and Scientist in Residence, Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities, Univ of Colorado
This session will discuss the commercial solutions available to people with a variety of disabilities for access to telephones, resources available for funding equipment and services, as well and research and development by the AAC-RERC, RERC on Cognitive Technologies, Wireless RERC, and Saltillo, Inc.
Feature Focus: Comparing Kurzweil, TextHELP, WordQ+Word+WordWeb and WYNN
Sherri Parkins B.A., M.A., Coordinator, Prof, and Kevin Reinhardt B.A., M.A. RRP, Coordinator, Prof, Counselor, both from the Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology
Clients who struggle to read and write can often benefit from the accommodations provided by programs like Kurzweil, TextHELP, WYNN or the less expensive combination of Microsoft Word+WordQ+WordWeb. This workshop will explore the differences between the interfaces and features of these programs.
Handheld Computers and SmartPhones: Great Tools for Learning and Living
Kathy Griffin, ATP, Prog Dir, UCP of Idaho and Ron Kocsis OTR/L, ATP, Gonzaga Univ
This session will explore free and inexpensive resources available to take advantage of the power of Handheld Computers (PDAs) and SmartPhones to further educational, professional and independent living goals.
Using CREFORM as an Agile System in Rehabilitation
Robert F. Erlandson, Ph.D, Director, Enabling Technologies Laboratory & Prof, Electrical & Computer Engineering Dept, College of Engineering, Wayne State Univ and David Bergeman, MBA, Senior Manager, CREFORM, Corp
CREFORM is an agile system which can be used to create customized assistive and enabling technologies that address problems with seating, positioning, mobility, workstations, and lifting, transferring, and transporting clients. Case examples will demonstrate the usefulness of this system.
Universal Design Show and Tell
Molly Follette Story, MS, Pres, Human Spectrum Design, LLC and James L. Mueller, MA, Principal, J.L. Mueller, Inc.
This session will provide an opportunity for RESNA members to present and discuss their favorite new universal designs as well as older ones with which other attendees may or may not be familiar. Session attendees will learn about the universal design concept and some of the exemplary ways in which it has been realized in concrete forms.
Job Accommodation & Ergonomics Show and Tell
Members of SIG 14
This popular interactive session will feature several interesting case studies including, tips, tools, equipment and other useful information. Service providers who deal with modifications to worksites and educational settings are the primary audience for this session.
AT Provision by the VA: A Model for Policy and Practice
Kendra Betz, MSPT, ATP, SCI Clinical Specialist; Frederick Downs, Jr., Chief Officer, Office of Prosthetics & Clinical Logistics; and Neal Eckrich, Prosthetics Program Manager, all from the Veterans Health Administration
This workshop will discuss the range of AT provided by the VA with a focus on cutting edge adaptive technologies that promote optimal physical and cognitive function. Several interdisciplinary programs will be described as models for promoting consistent access to adaptive equipment and associated services. Processes for pursing equipment through the VA will be reviewed.
Emerging Technologies - Tools for the Future
Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
Assistive Technology often incorporates scientific and engineering advancements made in areas that are not immediately associated with disability. During a double-session workshop, a select group of invited speakers will offer a glimpse at cutting-edge work by current technology pioneers.
Promoting Healthier, More Physically Active Lifestyles for People with Disabilities
William J. Schiller, Ph. D., Clinical Asst Prof and Assoc Dir, RERC Rectech, and James H. Rimmer, Ph.D, Prof and Dir, RERC Rectech, both from the Univ of Illinois at Chicago
This workshop will review the relevant research literature and present a conceptual approach to promoting healthier, more active lifestyles for people with disabilities and the increasing importance of active recreation and leisure time in contemporary life.
Developing Assistive Technology Competencies to Enhance Clinical Practice
Daniel P. Knowland, OTR/L, Mayo Clinic; Edward Hitchcock, OTR/L, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago; Donna Kelly, MA, OTR, Dir of OT, Children's Specialized Hospital; James Lenker, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, Asst Prof, Dept of Rehabilitation Science, Univ at Buffalo; Sue Redepenning, OTR/L, CDRS, Supervisor of AT, Courage Center; Doug Rakoski, MA, OTR/L, CART / Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center; Roger Smith, PhD, OT, FAOTA, Prof and Dir, Rehabilitation Research Design & Disability (R2D2) Center, Univ of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
The development of advanced AT practitioners is vital for the health of our field. In this session, five clinical case studies will describe the process of developing AT practitioner competencies. Participants will leave with a detailed outline for designing AT practitioner training that utilizes outcome measures that support clinical practice.
Assistive Technology Programs Funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration
Jeremy Buzzell, Program Specialist and Rob Groenendaal, Program Specialist, both from Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Dept of Education
Participants will learn about several AT-related programs funded by RSA, including the Assistive Technology Act, alternative financing programs, telework programs, and AT reuse projects. Data and other information about how these programs improve access to, acquisition of, and knowledge about AT for consumers and professionals will be shared, as well as how these programs may be accessed by and of benefit to conference participants.
Clinical Guidelines for Wheeled Mobility and Seating
Jessica Pedersen MBA, OTR/L, ATP, Admin Dir, AT Programs, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago; Carmen P. DiGiovine, PhD ATP RET, Pres, 6 Degrees of Freedom, LLC; and Mary Shea, MA, OTR, ATP, Clinical Manager, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
This panel discussion will outline the needs for clinical guidelines for wheeled mobility and seating on recommendation, fit, safety and training. It will also address advantages and concerns with different models, develop a framework for standards of practice, determine future goals, and set a timeline for completion.
Pediatric Power Mobility Training - A "How To" Workshop
Amy Meyer, PT, ATP, Pediatric and Standing Specialist, Permobil, Inc. and Lauren Rosen, PT, MPT, ATP, Motion Analysis Center Program Coordinator, St Joseph's Children's Hospital
Although the evidence suggests early pediatric power mobility is beneficial, therapists often do not know where to begin or how to carry out power mobility training. Through the use of case studies and research, attendees will gain practical strategies to assist in the assessment for and implementation of a pediatric power mobility training program.
Clinical Considerations in the Prescription of Seating and Positioning and Power Base Selection for Individuals with Progressive Neurologic Disorders
Lois Brown, MPT, ATP, Clinical Education Manager, Pride Mobility/Quantum Rehab
Evidenced based practice will be used to describe seating and positioning recommendations and power base selection for patients with a progressive neurological disease. Complex problem solving and evaluation skills will be utilized to evaluate their affect on the fit and function of the chair in the individual's environment.
Focus on Reimbursement for Seating in the USA
Mary Shea MA, OTR/L, ATP, Clinical Manager, Wheelchair Clinic, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Jessica Pedersen MBA, OTR/L, ATP, Admin Dir, AT Programs, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
This workshop will focus on current reimbursement regulations affecting wheelchair and seating system prescription and funding. The Medicare codes will be reviewed along with the guidelines and current trends with reimbursement.