robertj@tekgen.bv.tek.com (Robert Jaquiss) (02/26/89)
Compute Able Network, a Portland, Oregon based organi- zation which provides computer systems and training for dis- abled clients which are adapted to specific individual needs, has announced their third annual conference, COMPUTE ABLE `89: New Dimensions in Technical Accessibility, to be held in Portland on March 28-30, 1989. SPECIAL GUEST KEY- NOTE ADDRESS BY ANATOLY RAKITOV. Professor Rakitov is a full professor of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow. He is a member of the Presidium of the Board of the Philosophi- cal Society of the USSR and chief editor of the review series "The Methodology of the Modern Science & Technology." Professor Rakitov will speak on "Genuine Humanism and Modern Technology: A Social Perspective". Professor Rakitov is blind, having lost his sight at age 21, and is hard of hear- ing. "I am what you might call a disabled person," Anatoly says, "but I don't consider myself one. Most people think that a handicapped person must be unhappy. I am a happy man because I live a normal life." Professor Rakitov is the chairman of Pomosch, an organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the disabled in the Soviet Union. Pomosch in cooperation with the Foundation for Social Invention (USSR), has entered into an agreement with Compute Able Network to establish a national rehabilitation facility (The Ability Center) in Moscow. Compute Able Network is inviting a number of organizations to participate in this endeavor and has also been accepted as the exclusive supplier of computers, peripheral hardware, software, adaptive devices, and train- ing for this project. This unique conference will deal with the global issues in improved access to technology by per- sons with disabilities, new and expanding technological innovations will be explored in computer hardware, software and peripherals especially designed to increase produc- tivity. Vendors from computer and adaptive device manufac- turers will be displaying their products in an exhibit hall adjacent to the meeting room areas and will be available to answer questions. The conference will include speakers well known in the special education, physical and rehabilitation medicine areas. The conference will be of interest to anyone working with technology access for the disabled. Speakers will include Jay Brill, The Heath Resource Center; Susan A. Brummel, Computer Specialist of the General Service Adminis- tration; Jane Berliss, Trace Research & Development Center; David Jaffe, Research Biomedical Engineer of the Veterans Administration; Rachel Wobschall, Governor's Initiative on Technology for People with Disabilities, Minnesota; Darola Hockley, Computing Services, University of Missouri - Colum- bia, and others. The conference will have major sessions, special interest group sessions and exhibitions. For more information please contact: (503) 645-0009 (503) 644-0620 (FAX) Special Net: Compute.able