RESNA 2027 is back at the New York Metro Abilities International Conference!

The call for submissions open September 1.

RESNA is partnering with Abilities International to bring the assistive technology community two days of education, research, innovation, and professional connection at the New York Metro Abilities International Accessibility Conference (April 29-30, 2027). 

RESNA 2027 will include sessions and workshops, a scientific paper platform session and posters, a student scientific paper platform session and posters, the Student Design Challenge, and the popular Developer’s Showcase. The conference is designed for clinicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, assistive technology professionals, researchers, educators, retailers, dealers, manufacturers, developers, and others working in the assistive technology and mobility fields.

The professional conference will be co-located with the established Abilities Expo, giving attendees an opportunity to explore products, connect with exhibitors, and experience assistive technology solutions firsthand.

RESNA is joining NCART, iNRRTS, the Clinician Task Force, ISS, and U.S. Rehab to offer IACET CEUs for eligible continuing education programming.

Accepted Submissions

• Workshops & Sessions (60 minutes)
• Scientific Papers
• Developers Showcase
•  Student Scientific Paper Competition
• Student Design Challenge

Important Deadlines

• Workshops & Sessions Submission Deadline: September 25, 2026
• Scientific Papers Submission Deadline: February 5, 2027
• Developer’s Showcase Submission Deadline: February 26, 2027
• Student Scientific Paper Competition Submission Deadline: January 22, 2027
•  Student Design Challenge Submission Deadline: January 22, 2027

Topics for Workshops and Sessions

The topic list below is offered to spark ideas, not to limit them. We are also interested in AT that is part of school-based practice, vocational rehab, accommodations in higher education, and other settings. Please note that since our partners will be offering a wide array of seating and mobility sessions, RESNA will focus on the other areas of assistive technology, including translating research into practice, what's new and on the horizon, and the power of interdisciplinary cooperation. 

AI        Artificial Intelligence

 e.g., use of AI in assistive technology; ethics of AI; how AI will impact AT

PLY     Play and Recreation in AT

e.g. technologies and innovations that specifically aid in the enjoyment of play and recreational activities

  NEW    Emerging Technology & Robotics

e.g. emerging technologies and innovations with the potential to improve the health, employment, community participation, and education of people with disabilities or aging.

Standard Topic Areas:

AAC    Augmentative & Alternative Communication. 

e.g. assessment and intervention strategies; language representation techniques; clinical/technical; AAC research and developments; funding issues; service delivery options, outcomes measurement.

ACT    Access of Technology

e.g. innovation in software and hardware; training strategies; integration of computer/computing technologies; alternative access; outcomes measurement.

AGE    Aging

 e.g. technologies, interventions, policy, etc. specifically related to supporting aging.

AV    Autonomous Vehicles

e.g., the promise of autonomous vehicles for people with disabilities; considerations, technologies, research and standards.

COG   Cognitive and Sensory Impairments

 e.g. cognitive disabilities; learning disabilities; developmental disabilities; cognitive rehabilitation and aids to memory; low vision/blindness; hearing impairment.

ETH    Ethics

 e.g., real world examples of RESNA’s Standards of Practice and Code of Conduct.

HMD   Home Modifications

e.g. technologies, modifications, accessibility, etc. specifically related to supporting living in the home; this can be for any age group.

INT      Technologies for Less Resourced Areas

 e.g. providing services or conducting research relative to Assistive Technology in low to middle income countries and other resource-limited environments.

JEA     Job & Environmental Accommodation – including Ergonomics

    e.g. access to employment, education, or built environments; ergonomics; farming and other rural interventions; EADL systems; universal design of products, places & systems; liability and legal issues associated with home access and workplace modifications. 

K12     K - 12 Practice

Efforts to improve access to quality AT services within the school setting. Tools, techniques, research, or applications which facilitate the promotion and improvement of assistive technology practice in the primary and secondary school setting.

OUT    Service Delivery, Outcomes, & Measurement

 e.g. service delivery programs and administration; remote service delivery; models, challenges, funding, and best practices; outcomes measurement tools, application, importance, and practice; measuring/quantifying function; documenting change in performance; testing validity and reliability of measurement instruments.

PP       Public Policy and Advocacy

e.g., legislation; credentialing and certification; advocacy for AT funding; access to services; nation-wide or model programs.   

PuT     Public Transportation

e.g, Accessible design and best practices in public transportation; mapping and guidance systems for independent movement; research.

SHO    Smart Home & Consumer Technologies

e.g, the use of consumer smart home technologies such as home automation, virtual assistants, IOT (Internet of Things) appliances and other technologies to adapt and assist people with disabilities in the home.

SM      Seating and Mobility – Including Complex Rehab Technology (CRT)

e.g., seating and wheelchair interventions; transportation issues; vehicle modifications; user training; wheelchair features and client/diagnosis matching; objective  tests; custom vs. off-the-shelf solutions; 24/7 postural support; documentation and outcome measures for funding approval, mobility issues over a lifespan.