Assistive technology experts, rehabilitation professionals and service delivery providers from around the world will be meeting in Toronto in June 2011.

In the coming years, more people will likely turn to accessible technology to mitigate the effects of their changing physical, sensory and cognitive abilities due to aging and/or functional limitations. Advances in rehabilitation technology are bringing about remarkable improvement in the quality of life for older people, especially those with disabilities, while emerging scientific advances enhance the possibility of aging-in-place, independence, easing caregiver responsibility, and assisting older adults with meeting the demands of daily living.

RESNA/ICTA, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America is organized to primarily focus on improving the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology. The 3rd International Conference on Technology and Aging (ICTA) has partnered with RESNA in FICCDAT 2011.

RESNA/ICTA 2011 will be an interdisciplinary gathering of individuals and companies who share a common interest in assistive technology, disability, and aging. Exploring the theme “Advancing Rehabilitation Technologies for an Aging Society”, RESNA/ICTA 2011 will include internationally-renowned keynote speakers, instructional courses, scientific platform presentations, poster presentations, and the popular Fundamentals Course in Assistive Technology.

If you are working in the field of assistive technology or rehabilitation engineering, studying or just interested in the field, then this is the conference for you! You will be able to learn about the latest advances in technology solutions for persons with disability and network with others with similar interests while earning continuing education credit (CEUs).

Keynote Speakers:

Gary Moulton, PhD
Product Manager
Accessibility Business Unit, Microsoft Corporation, US

Professor Nigel Lovell, BE, PhD
School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
University of New South Wales

Who should attend: This conference offers a unique opportunity for researchers, professionals including OTs, PTs and SLPs, policy makers, students in the fields of rehabilitation science, biomedical/rehabilitation engineering, computer science, academia and companies, manufacturers and suppliers. You will share ideas on current technology and its application as related to aging and disability while considering future challenges and how advancements in technology might help seniors maintain a quality standard of living.

Platform presentations, posters, and workshops will cover research advances in areas such as augmentative and alternative communication systems, intelligent homes, mobility devices and aids, cognitive devices, rehabilitation robotics, and tele-rehabilitation systems, as well as sessions devoted to professional issues, educational topics, networking and practical solutions.

Exhibition: The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel has excellent facilities for exhibits. Manufacturers of medical devices, instrumentation and technology are invited to showcase the latest emerging innovations and equipment. In addition, private sector service providers and regulatory bodies are invited to present the most recent developments in healthcare management, safety standards and regulations.

Courses: RESNA will offer a series of half and full day pre-conference instructional courses.

RESNA promotes research, development, education, advocacy and provision of technology; and by supporting the people engaged in these activities. RESNA’s membership ranges from rehabilitation professionals to consumers to students. All members are dedicated to promoting the exchange of ideas and information for the advancement of the use of assistive technology.