NIDRR Presents: Current and Future Trends in Information Communication Technologies (ICT) for People with Disabilities: How RESNA is Helping to Lead the Way
Alex Mihailidis, PhD, PEng.
University of Toronto and Toronto Rehab Institute
April 17th, 2013: 11:00am- 12:30 pm (ET)
Room 4090 Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC
Or
Attend by Teleconference (See Directions and Call-In Information Below)
RSVP: Please respond to Margaret Campbell at Margaret.Campbell@ed.gov or call 202-245-7290.
Presenter Bio: Alex Mihailidis, PhD, PEng, is the Barbara G. Stymiest Research Chair in Rehabilitation Technology at the University of Toronto and Toronto Rehab Institute. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (U of T) and in the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (U of T), with a cross appointment in the Department of Computer Science (U of T). Dr. Mihailidis conducted research in the field of pervasive computing and intelligent systems in health for the past 15 years, publishing over 150 journal papers, conference papers, and abstracts. His specific focus is on the development of intelligent home systems for elder care and wellness, technology for children with autism, and adaptive tools for nurses and clinical applications. He currently holds several major research grants from internationally recognized funding agencies to support this work (including both the Canadian and American Alzheimer Associations, NSERC, and the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)). Dr. Mihailidis has co-edited two books: one entitled “Pervasive computing in healthcare”, and the other “Technology and Aging”, which resulted from him being the chair for the 2nd International Conference on Technology and Aging. Dr. Mihailidis is also very active in the rehabilitation engineering profession, currently as the President for RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America).
Presentation Abstract: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can play a significant role in supporting people with disabilities, and current and future older adults. There are currently a variety of different cutting-edge research programs focused on the successful development and use of ICT to improve outcomes and quality of life for these users. This presentation will highlight current trends in ICT through the examples of innovative projects that are being completed, including projects related to smart home systems for older adults, robotics for children with disabilities, and new advances in communication technologies. This presentation will also discuss the future directions and potential areas of growth within ICT, including key research questions that need to be answered in order to advance this field. Finally, the presentation will conclude with a discussion of how the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (i.e., RESNA)), the premiere professional organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities through increasing access to technology solutions, is helping to support and lead in this area through advances in ICT standards and policy development.
Call-In Information: If you wish to participate remotely, please RSVP to Dr. Margaret Campbell at Margaret.Campbell@ed.gov to receive the call-in information and pass code. Lines for call-in participation are limited to a first-come-first-serve basis.
Directions to Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20202 (Google Map to Potomac Center Plaza):
METRO: Potomac Center Plaza is approximately two and a half blocks south from the from the Smithsonian Metro station (Independence Ave. Exit) and about the same from the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station (although the Smithsonian is the preferred station). The Smithsonian is on the Orange and Blue lines and the L’Enfant Plaza station is on the Yellow, Green, Orange and Blue lines.
Automobile: Potomac Center Plaza is easily accessed from Interstate 395 and other major commuter arteries. Parking: Potomac Center Plaza includes parking spaces on three levels of underground parking at a daily rate of $17.00. In addition, there is parking across the street on Maryland Avenue next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Thank you!