Abilities Expo
Check their web site for dates and locations across the country.

http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/IAEBrandManager/v42/index.cvn

Abilities Expo includes a trade show of products and services for independent and assisted living. It also offers free consumer and professional workshops. This is a great place for consumers and professionals to test and compare a variety of products for individuals with disabilities. Products include modified vans, wheelchairs, scooters, walking aids, computers, and much more.


Closing the Gap
24^th annual conference
Preconference: October 17-18, 2006
Conference: October 19-21, 2006
Bloomington, MN

http://www.closingthegap.com/conf/index.lasso

Topics will cover a broad spectrum of technology as it is being applied to all disabilities and age groups in education, rehabilitation, vocation, and independent living.


CSUN
California State University, Northridge Center on Disabilities
21st Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference
March 20-25, 2006
Los Angeles, CA

http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/index.htm

This is an international conference that addresses technologies across all ages; disabilities; levels of education and training; employment; and independent living.


Making Connections with AT: Aug Com 2006
Sponsored by T/TAC at Virginia Tech
June 22 – 23, 2006
Blacksburg, VA

http://www.ttac.vt.edu or

email gsgustaf@vt.edu

This annual conference for parents, teachers, and therapists includes a keynote speaker, training sessions, hands-on workshops, and vendors.


TASH, 2006 Conference
Living the Vision Together: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond
November 8-11, 2006
Baltimore, Maryland

http://www.tash.org/2006tash/index.htm

This conference welcomes parents, consumers, and all professionals. Although it is not an assistive technology conference, it is a valuable resource for individuals with severe disabilities and those who work with them. Included are workshops and discussion groups that address how policy, research and practice converge to produce the full inclusion and active participation of individuals with disabilities in school, community, and employment settings.

DID YOU KNOW?

The AbleNet, Inc. ,website offers The Wiz, a search engine that offers assistive technology integration ideas. Their easy-to-use menu system allows parents and professionals to look for new ideas based on grade level, activity theme, skill, and/or particular product.

Check it out at http://www.ablenetinc.com/wiz.asp


Parents and professionals in Virginia can download the free Assistive Technology in the Student's Individualized Education Program: A Handbook for Parents and School Personnel at http://www.vats.org/athandbook.htm

This handbook is designed for parents and school personnel in Virginia who live or work with students with disabilities who may benefit from assistive technology (AT). It is intended to provide a broad base of information on the rights of children as they relate to the use of AT in the educational setting.

FEATURED WEBSITE(S)

http://www.fctd.info/ FCTD: Family Center on Technology and Disability.
Check out their AT success stories http://www.fctd.info/success_stories.php, archived newsletters, a search engine to identify specific resources, on-line discussions, legal information regarding assistive technology

NEWSLETTERS & FORUMS

The AssistiveWare® Newsletter
http://www.assistiveware.com/newsletter.php

This is a free newsletter for users, by users that explores the frontiers of assistive technology. It is written, edited, and designed by Mac OS X users who cannot use a keyboard and/or mouse.


Closing the Gap Forums
http://www.closingthegap.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

These free discussion boards explore the many ways that technology is being used to enhance the lives of people with special needs. Anyone interested is invited to post questions, post comments, or just browse.


The Power of Vision
AbleNet, Inc.
http://www.ablenetinc.com/emailLists.asp

Respected teachers contribute their insights and ideas through this free newsletter that is available on the AbleNet, Inc. website or by e-mail.