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Annual conference puts spotlight on assistive technology

The 2012 Alabama Assistive Technology Expo and Conference, or ALATEC, will bring assistive technology experts, users and vendors to campus October 22-23 for discussion and product demonstrations.

Now in its third year, the conference is a collaborative effort involving Auburn University’s Office of Professional & Continuing Education, its Center for Disability Research and Service, the College of Education’s Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling, and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Sessions will be held in the Student Center. A full schedule and registration information are available here .

Assistive technology helps individuals with disabilities perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Examples include mobility devices, computer screen readers and text telephone. In addition to providing access to technology vendors and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families, ALATEC offers professional development and training in the areas of adult services, education, visual and hearing impairment, communication and physical accessibility and mobility.

The conference’s keynote speaker will be Paralympic athlete Bob Lujano, who was featured in the documentary “Murderball.” The film, selected as the best documentary at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of the U.S. quad rugby team during its preparations for the 2004 Paralympic Games. Lujano, who won five national quad rugby championships with the Birmingham-based Lakeshore Demolition team and three medals as a member of the U.S. Paralympic team, will speak Mon., Oct. 22, at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center ballroom.

Most of Lujano’s limbs were amputated at age 9, after he contracted a rare and potentially lethal form of meningitis. He has served as coordinator of athletics for the Lakeshore Foundation, a U.S. Paralympic training site.

Other conference sessions cover such topics as the use of iPads in school settings to help students with disabilities, prosthetic technology and universal design.

Last Updated: Oct 12, 2012