Hi, folks!

If you have never been to Russia, there is a very good chance. After my
signature you can find an information about the conference in Russia, at
which the issues of accessible technologies will be discussed. If any
further details are needed, or if someone wishes this information as a .doc
file, please feel free to contact me.
Very best wishes
Alexander M. Kungurov
The Sverdlovsk Regional Library For The Blind
Mail: [log in to unmask]

Letter of Information

The Open Society Institute (the Soros Foundation)
Employment and Social Services Department of Nizhny Novgorod Regional
Administration
Department of Education and Science of Nizhny Novgorod Regional
Administration
Nizhny Novgorod State University "M.I. Lobachevsky"
Social and Employment Rehabilitation Center for the Visually Impaired
"Kamerata"


May 11 - 14, 2002

International Conference for Blind Professionals

"Information Accessibility-- a Key to Education"

 The goal of the conference is to discuss the application of modern
information-related technologies for professional rehabilitation of persons
with visual disabilities.

 We invite developers of specialized equipment and software, technology
professionals, trainers and other concerned individuals and organizations to
participate in this conference.

 Plenary sessions, workshops and round table discussions will be focusing in
several key areas.

1. Computer as a tool for information access and management for the visually
impaired.
? Training the visually impaired in the use of modern computer technologies;
? Making information accessible via electronic formats;
? Advantages and disadvantages of various software and hardware products for
visually impaired users.
2. Utilizing informational Internet resources by the visually impaired.
3. Information technologies in education of the visually impaired with
multiple disabilities.
4. Distance education for the visually impaired.
5. The significance and role of the traditional means of information for the
blind (specifically, Braille and audio).
6. The role of specialized libraries as informational services to the
visually impaired.


The organizers have a limited number of scholarships, which will cover
traveling expenses by train within Russia, as well as the cost of room and
board. These scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis.
 If you do not qualify for a scholarship, you are invited to join us and
cover your own expenses. The approximate cost of room and board, including
attendance at all special events, is $100 for citizens of Russia and the
CIS, and $150 for all other countries.
 On the Road to the Conference

Your papers must be submitted to the Organizing Committee by February 1,
2002.
1. The papers for publication must be in text or RTF format;
2. The papers may be in Russian or English. The Organizing Committee
reserves the right to edit the papers for brevity.

Applications for participation are due by April 1, 2002.

The following should be included on your application:
? First name, middle name, last name;
? Name of your company, your position;
? Your academic degrees and titles (if any);
? You mailing address;
? Phone, fax, email

Please mail your papers and your applications to:
Irina Avdeyeva
Ul. Yasnaya 33-50
Nizhny Novgorod, 603068
Russia
Email: [log in to unmask]

The conference working languages are Russian and English.

Arrival: May 10, 16:00 - May 11, 10:00
Departure: May 14, 13:00

Shuttle buses will be provided on the days of arrival and departure from/to
the airport and the train station.

The organizers are not responsible for your accommodations
outside the conference dates.

More information on the conference schedule and special events will be
available in March 2002.

Please direct your questions to the Organizing Committee:
Tel.:  (7-8312) 56-77-17, Irina Avdeyeva
(7-8312) 63-04-08 - Marina Roschina
E-mail:  [log in to unmask];
[log in to unmask];
[log in to unmask]