Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Category: Conference News
Media Contact: Andrea Van Hook
execoffice@resna.org
(818) 606-0962
April 22, 2020, Washington, DC – RESNA Board President Mary Ellen Buning announced today that due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors has decided to cancel the RESNA conference, scheduled for July 7-10 at the Hyatt Regency in Arlington, Virginia.
In an e-mail message to members, Buning wrote, “As you can imagine, this decision was incredibly difficult. The RESNA Annual International Conference continually provides a vital forum for assistive technology professionals from a wide variety of disciplines to exchange ideas about the latest innovations and research helping people with disabilities lead independent, healthy lives. For many of us, attending the conference was our first experience of being a part of the RESNA global community. However, with the ongoing spread of COVID-19 across the world, we felt that for the health and safety of our attendees the best course of action was to cancel.”
Buning thanked Doug Gayton, the 2020 Conference Chair, and the conference committee for “…putting together an amazing program for our 40th anniversary, and all of our volunteers who were preparing to share their expertise and best practices with colleagues through conference workshops.” She added, “We are looking into ways we can provide the key components of RESNA 2020 virtually…(and) hope to be able to announce a virtual conference program and events in just a few weeks.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted virtually all aspects of daily life, including travel, educational services, public gatherings, and caused a myriad of travel restrictions and/or outright prohibitions. To help its members navigate the pandemic, RESNA offers a COVID-19 resources page on its website, updated almost daily. In addition, members and non-members alike can join RESNA’s on-line AT-Forum and post questions, seek support, and offer advice. The AT-Forum is a free service, and instructions for how to subscribe are on this webpage.
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