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.
Alternative Paths to Market for Assistive Technology Devices
James A. Leahy, Co-PI, Project Admin Officer, RERC on Technology Transfer, Univ at Buffalo
This workshop will use case studies to provide attendees with alternative methods and strategies for commercializing new assistive technology devices. Case-based examples from the RERC on Technology Transfer's work with Assistive Technology and Fortune 500 companies will be used to illustrate the concepts discussed.
What is the Difference Between Accessibility and Usability?
Molly Follette Story, MS, Pres, Human Spectrum Design, LLC
Accessibility and usability are related concepts, but what is the difference between them? Are they essentially the same or fundamentally different? Are they distinct or do they overlap, and in what ways? In this session, panelists will briefly present their opinions and engage the audience in a discussion.
AAC + Evidence + CPT Codes
Carolyn Higdon, EdD, CCC-SLP, F.-ASHA , Assoc. Prof, Univ of Mississippi
This presentation is comprised of several case studies on individuals who rely on AAC. We will look at the case profiles and discuss the reliability and validity of the external and internal evidence along with the personal evidence used for assessment and intervention decisions. Issues of how ethics, confidentiality and privacy influenced clinical care will be incorporated into the discussion. In addition, the session will cover appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and (ICD-9&10) codes for each case. Team member roles in the AAC CPT Code process will be summarized with recommendations for future data collection and reasons for denials.
AAC Vocabulary for Educational Participation: Meeting the Challenge
Bruce R. Baker, L.H.D., Adjunct Assoc Prof, Univ of Pittsburgh and Annalee Anderson, M.S., CCC-SLP, Manager, Clinical Programs, Prentke Romich Co.
Endless programming of customized educational vocabulary not only requires extensive manpower, but may additionally result in an AAC device that has evolved into a compendium of pages of vocabulary with little application to communication. An alternative approach will be delineated that utilizes high frequency vocabulary for educational participation.
Accessing Voice Recognition Software: PC vs. MAC
Amanda Carr, ATP, OTR, and Julie McClure, MEd, OTR, both from Craig Hospital
Voice recognition software has come along way over the years and is breaking down many of the physical barriers of a computer. This session will cover Dragon NaturallySpeaking and I-Listen software programs, microphone options, accessories, proper computer set-ups, and helpful training tips.
Technology Accessibility: How IT Complements AT
David Baquis, Accessibility Specialist and Bruce Bailey, IT Specialist, both from the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
Participants will learn about potential accessibility barriers and solutions with respect to electronic and information technology and how public policies such as the Help America Vote Act, Rehabilitation Act (including Section 508), and the Telecommunications Act (including Section 255) are driving accessible technology design.
Computer Applications Show and Tell
Todd Schwanke, McBurney Disability Resource Center, Univ of Wisconsin-Madison
This popular session sponsored by SIG-11 will provide a forum for attendees to share and learn about adaptive techniques or tools involving computer applications in assistive technology. Topics will include adaptations to and tips on using computer devices or software, and little-known products or unique ways to use them.
Don Ross Invited Lecture: Leading the Way with Accommodations
Dinah F. B. Cohen, Director, CAP, Department of Defense
This session will describe the work of the Department of Defense Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) and best practices in increasing the employment of people with disabilities and wounded service members in the United States federal government.
Improving Job Opportunities for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Joaquin Sevilla, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Electrical and Electronic Dpt.; Reyes Berruezo, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Psychology and Pedagogy Dpt.; Francisco Fabo, Engineer, Tasubinsa; and Ion Esandi, Engineer, Tasubinsa
This workshop will present the recent technological advances introduced in a non-profit Spanish company that employs over 1,000 mentally disabled workers. Technological and process engineering adaptations that help the employees access complex tasks and increase productivity will be discussed.
Current Topics in Rehabilitation Engineering
Carmen P. DiGiovine, PhD, ATP, RET, Pres, 6 Degrees of Freedom, LLC and Patricia Bahr, MSE, ATP, RET, Supervisor of Mobile Outreach Clinic and Rehabilitation Engineer, Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare
Confusion exists as to the role of the Rehabilitation Engineer among consumers, funding agencies, and related professionals. The goal of this workshop is to generate a dialog on the Rehabilitation Engineer in Clinical Practice, funding opportunities, and the future of Rehabilitation Engineering as a profession.
New Avenues for Research Funding
Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
This session will include a discussion of grant opportunities that researchers and developers can explore.
Research in Wheeled Mobility: an Interim Report
Lois L. Thibault, Coordinator of Research, U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; Rory Cooper, Prof, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Univ of Pittsburgh; and Edward Steinfeld, Dir, IDEA Center, RERC on Universal Design and the Built Environment, Univ at Buffalo
Significant research initiatives of the US Access Board are expected to affect the regulatory and built environment for wheelchair users. Principal investigators will discuss their research on wheelchair/scooter clear floor space, reach, and maneuvering space; transfers; and slope effects on manual wheelchair travel.
The Evidence Base for Universal Design Practice
Edward Steinfeld, Dir, IDEA Center, SUNY/Buffalo; Jon Sanford, Co-Dir, RERC on Workplace Accommodations, Georgia Institute of Technology; Geoff Fernie, VP for Research, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute; and Jordana Maisel, Dir of Policy Analysis and Community Outreach, IDEA Center, SUNY/Buffalo
An overview of the evidence base for universal design of the built environment will be presented. Facilitated discussion will engage participants in identifying additional relevant knowledge within the fields of rehabilitation science and the need for information, development, training, and dissemination activities in this field.
Update on Wheelchair Transportation Safety for Prescribers: The Wheelchair, the Seating and the Secondary Postural Supports
Patricia Karg, MSMBE, Research Instructor, RERC on Wheelchair Transportation Safety, Univ of Pittsburgh and Mary Ellen Buning, PhD, OTR, ATP, Asst Prof, RERC on Wheelchair Transportation Safety
This presentation will bring attendees up to date with the basics of wheelchair tiedowns and occupant restraint systems, the features of a WC19 compliant wheelchair, and the document, 'Guidelines for Use of Secondary Postural Support Devices by Wheelchair Users During Transportation in Motor Vehicles."
Wheelchairs and Public Transportation: What Works and What Doesn't
Joseph R. Zaworski, Senior Researcher, National Center for Accessible Transportation, Oregon State Univ
Many wheelchair users shun travel by air or bus because their chair is subject to damage as it is being transported. This workshop, sponsored by wheelchair manufacturers and airlines, will explain the source of those hazards and demonstrate what is needed for a wheelchair to travel safely.
The UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities - How RESNA can Support International Mandates
Jon Pearlman, Research Health Scientist, Asst Prof, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System & Univ of Pittsburgh; Jamie Noon, AT Coordinator, Developmental Disabilities Support Division, Utah Dept. of Health; and Kim Adams, Asst Prof/Research Affiliate, Univ of Alberta/Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
This workshop will introduce participants to the UN Convention mandates, juxtaposed with actual conditions in developing regions with respect to available AT devices and provision techniques. We will then discuss ways to apply tools commonly used by RESNA members to help developing countries meet the UN mandates.
Wheelchair Falls: What Are the Risk Factors and Can They Be Prevented?
Shirley Fitzgerald, PhD, Research Scientist, Patient Safety Center of Inquiry; James A. Haley Tampa VA; and R. Lee Kirby, MD, Prof, Dalhousie Univ, Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre
This workshop will present findings from a prospective research study that tracked individuals with SCI and their resultant falls and fall-related injuries. Discussion will include how these findings are useful for the development of risk assessment tools as well as the application of preventative measures, such as wheelchair skills training.
The Challenge of Choosing the Proper Seat Depth for Fit and Function
Susan Cwiertnia, PT, MS, Clinical Education Specialist, VARILITE
This presentation will discuss the importance of choosing the proper effective seat depth for a manual wheelchair and how it affects posture, pressure distribution, and many functional activities. Standardized terminology, measurement techniques, and specific client needs will be discussed along with case studies.
The RESNA Position Paper on Pediatric Powered Mobility: What it Contains, How to Use it, and What Else Do We Need?
Lauren Rosen PT, MPT, ATP, Motion Analysis Center Program Coordinator, St Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa; Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP, Access to Independence, Inc.; Jan Furumasu, PT, ATP. Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center; and Andrina Sabet, PT, ATP, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation
RESNA Position Papers are designed to guide practice and assist funding by providing evidenced based research and clinical expertise. In this session, the process for developing a position paper will be discussed with an emphasis on the Pediatric Powered Mobility Position Paper and other current and proposed papers.
Educators Show and Tell
James R. Stachowiak, MSE, ATP (PSG-07 Chair), Iowa Center for Assistive Technology Education and Research, Univ of Iowa and Frank D. Puckett, PhD, ATP, Assoc Prof, Dept of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, Southern Univ
This show and tell session will provide an opportunity for individuals to share unique and successful AT training and teaching methods for various populations. Participants will have the opportunity to both share their experiences and interact with the presenters in a show and tell setting.
