Meetings at the Jabbla, Widgit and AssistiveWare stands.

Discuss ethics and digital consent forms  and use of tablets with AAC support.

This is a telephone call meeting to discuss the start of the Arabic Symbol Dictionary project and use of Insipio for TTS for another year etc.  There is no set  Agenda

Attendees – David Banes, Aejaz Zahid and E.A. Draffan

Discuss ethics and digital consent forms  and use of tablets with AAC support.

This is the first virtual meeting.
Agenda to be discussed but could include:

• Welcome
• Work packages:
  1. Early selection of participants and stakeholders known to HMC with collaboration from the Mada AAC forum as user participation was cited as a plus in comments from reviewers.
  2. Discuss the need for an advisory group and if so – who?
  3. Discuss need for systems to support the research and development phases as well as the actual Arabic Symbol Dictionary – Do we need a forum, blogs, a wiki and other social networking sites plus a dedicated website for the dictionary?
  4. Making Symbol Choices – Further research into available symbols sets to assess suitability, availability and development prospects – so far we only have three free choices and even these will need adaptations.
  5. Core vocabulary – select words that can be shown in each symbol set chosen as possibly being suitable for use by Arabic AAC and other symbol users. Prepare selections for participants as a series of the symbols representing similar concepts via an online portal and in print format.
  6. Gather a group of participants (AAC users, carers and stakeholders) to observe choices of symbols.  Discuss outcomes with the team and if possible have the results available as an online voting system so that we can clearly show which symbol set was the best for the users.
  7. Symbol systems ranked in order of preference with particular reference to symbols that have proved to be inappropriate – mini report of outcome.
  8. Decisions around the development of a Gulf Arabic Core Vocabulary for AAC users – how this will be achieved so that we can then start to develop the dictionary.
  9. Appointment of additional staff.
  10. AOB.  Date for next meeting.

   

AAATE Workshop 2014: Education in “Care and Assistive Technology”, Heerlen, The Netherlands, May 22 and 23 2014 (The program for this workshop can be found here.)

Professionals across Europe play a critical role in the successful application of AT for people with disability. The level of their knowledge and expertise regarding Assistive Technology is therefor essential. Education is a key element in building and maintaining the required expertise.

The 2014 AAATE workshop focusses on various aspects of AT education in Europe. The inspiring program highlights best practices and seeks discussion among members of the AAATE, ISG and their colleagues.

The program of the workshop addresses education covering technology aspects regarding both Assistive Technology supporting individual end-users but also the related field of Care Technology, supporting care providers. It will cover both the application of existing technology and the development of technological innovations. It will address both primary education as well as lifelong learning. A special interest will be given to Multi-disciplinary collaboration in support of development and application of AT and CT.

The workshop is of interest for healthcare professionals, technical developers and professionals and researchers in the domains of Assistive technology and Care technology. We look forward meeting you all in Heerlen, the Netherlands.

The ISAAC Biennial Conference program offers something for everyone with an interest in AAC. Presentations feature leading edge research, and clinical and educational interventions and innovations. People who use AAC share their experiences and perspectives. Posters focus on a wide range of topics, and the Exhibition showcases new technologies or applications of technology, products and services.

People who use AAC, individuals from emerging AAC nations (BUILD) and emerging researchers are eligible for travel grants. Details on the Awards and Scholarships page.