Following an extremely successful first workshop on Technology and
Disability in the Developing World in October 2009, the University of
Washington is pleased to announce the second workshop on Technology and
Disability in the Developing World on Friday, June 18, 2010. Our first workshop
brought together researchers and practitioners interested in technology and
disability in the developing world to share knowledge and start building
partnerships. The second workshop will focus on low-cost assistive technologies
(AT) appropriate for developing country environments. Aspects to consider in
addition to affordability when determining appropriateness of AT include
safety, durability, utility, maintenance, infrastructure limitations (e.g. lack
of electricity, lack of personnel trained in providing AT services), and
socio-cultural relevance. Top papers will also be identified for inclusion
a leading journal on technology and development.
The workshop will be a multi-disciplinary gathering with practitioners,
technologists, social scientists, and industry partners. We invite scholars
(students and faculty) and practitioners from all disciplines to submit
abstracts (1000 words max) addressing one or more of the following topic areas
by March 10th, 2010. Selected presenters will be notified by April 10th. On-line
submission form will be available February 5th.
Guidelines: All abstracts must be submitted in English. Total word
count, excluding author names, affiliations and titles, must be under 1000
words. Papers and poster abstracts should discuss relevant research and/or program
and policy experiences, have a strong evidence base, and include
recommendations for advancing low-cost AT for people with disabilities in
developing countries.
Review and selection: The advisory committee
will select a limited number of presentations and posters that best fit the
focus of the workshop: low-cost assistive technologies. Other criteria for
abstract selection include innovation and demonstrated and/or potential impact
on people with disabilities in developing countries. Reviewers will also aim to
identify a representative cross section of different disabilities (mobility,
visual, hearing, learning/cognitive), regions, and types of AT such as
augmentative or alternative communication, computer and cell-phone based AT
(hardware and software), prosthetics and orthotics, aids for vision impaired,
aids for hearing impaired, and wheelchairs/mobility aids.
Note: Due to limited funding, the majority of selected presenters will be responsible
for their own travel and related expenses.
Attending workshop: If you are not submitting an abstract but are interested
in attending this workshop, please fill out this brief
form. A limited number of slots will be available and selected attendees
will be responsible for their own travel and related expenses.
Becky Matter and Joyojeet Pal
Co-Chairs