tzippy@dasys1.UUCP (Tzipporah BenAvraham) (12/08/88)
Assistive device conference A video teleconference designed to highlight the newest technical achievements which enhance computer usage for the disabled and handicapped populations of America is scheduled for April, 1989. Communication aids and devices to assist special needs individuals will be the focus of the event. The teleconference will include a panel discussion and video segments about selected aids and devices designed to make computer use easier and more efficient for disabled persons. Public television stations are being encouraged to participate in the teleconference by using their broadcast facilities to receive the teleconference and then share it with their local community. The stations may either invite representatives to their studios for a live viewing of the teleconference, or they may rebroadcast the entire event to local school districts and homes. Rehabilitation agencies, regional adaptive device center, and state departments of education will also be invited to view the teleconference. Stations may additionally plan demonstrations of the devices following the teleconference through the cooperation of national distributors, local dealers, and computer hardware vendors. Finally, follow-up training, support and preview activities for school special education staff, rehabilitation agencies and other community organizations and individuals could be another contribution of the local stations. The Software Communications Service (SCS of the Central Educational Network, Chicago) and Education TURNKEY Systems, Inc. (Falls Church, VA) have set April 27, 1989 as the date to jointly conduct the national teleconference. The possibility of this joint effort is in great part the result of the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, signed into law this past August, and the subsequent funding under a US Dept of Educ/ Office of Special Education Programs Grant, which was received during October, 1988. For additional information, please contact Brian Callahan of SCS/CEN via CompuServe(73407,201) or 312-390-8700 -- Tzipporah BenAvraham Big Electric Cat Public UNIX ..!cmcl2!phri!dasys1!tzippy