Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Category: General
In honor of longtime RESNA member Denis K. Anson, friends and colleagues are establishing an endowed award: the Denis K. Anson Innovation Award. Spearheaded by past RESNA Presidents Gregg Vanderheiden and Roger Smith, the award will be presented annually to the Audience Favorite winner of the Developers Showcase. RESNA is now accepting contributions toward the endowment – with all contributions being matched one to one up to $10,000.
Denis passed away on November 25 after a four-year battle with cancer. Despite being in constant pain, he continued his profession contributions as well as his “Santa” duties with his characteristic full jolly smile. That determination—to keep contributing, teaching, and sharing—was characteristic of Denis throughout his life and career.
For many years, RESNA conference attendees knew Denis as the “Tech Lab” guy. Each year at the annual conference, he set up computer labs equipped with the latest software for computer access, AAC, and cognitive disabilities. These hands-on labs allowed scores of members to explore new and emerging assistive technology tools, compare solutions, and discuss best practices with one another—and directly with Denis. For many, the Tech Lab was a highlight of the conference and an invaluable learning opportunity.
Denis was also a deeply committed RESNA volunteer. He served as an active board member and SIG leader and was inducted into the Hall of Fellows in 2003, the same year as his good friend and past RESNA President Glenn Hedman. From that point on, whenever they saw each other at the RESNA Conference, they greeted one another with a joyful and unmistakable, “Hello, Fellow!” 
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Denis was remembered for his warmth, humor, and generosity of spirit. He bore more than a passing resemblance to Santa Claus, and both during the holidays (in costume) and throughout the year (when children would spot him and ask their parents if that was Santa Claus) he delighted in handing out “Santa business cards” to children much to their wonder and delight. He would gently remind them to be good—or he’d notice. Parents especially appreciated the moment, and Denis clearly enjoyed spreading a little magic wherever he went. 
At the core of Denis’s work was a deeply held belief: that the most effective way to improve the lives of people with disabilities was to ensure that clinicians and ATPs had access to accurate, practical, and timely information about computer technology. He believed computer-based tools represented one of the most powerful resources available to the field. As a result, his focus increasingly turned toward education—helping clinicians understand the availability, application, and value of assistive technologies.
To support this goal, Denis founded a newsletter, The OT’s Computer, which explored clinical applications of computers in direct client treatment, clinical support, and practice management. The publication grew to serve more than 100 facilities and included subscribers from around the world. Denis also presented extensively at local, regional, national, and international conferences, and he considered his invitation to present in Cairo, Egypt, a particular honor.
The Denis K. Anson Innovation Award reflects these values and this legacy. By recognizing innovation that resonates most strongly with the RESNA community, the award celebrates the practical, clinician-centered creativity Denis championed throughout his career. It honors not only his technical expertise, but also his belief in sharing knowledge, fostering curiosity, and supporting the people who turn technology into meaningful impact. Contributions to the Award fund are fully tax deductible and will be matched – doubling all contributions. Click here to make a donation.
Through this award, Denis’s spirit of generosity, innovation, and education will continue to inspire future developers, clinicians, and assistive technology professionals for years to come.
