(*apologies for the cross-posting) Thought some here might find this Canadian conference of interest. Jennison ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Gary Annable <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Accessible technology event, Winnipeg, May 10-12 "Inclusive Information Technology and Business Success" May 10-12, 2005 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada What can be done to promote the development of a healthy Canadian information technology industry that produces technology accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities? Join researchers, people with disabilities, students, service providers, and representatives from the technology industry and governments for this three day institute addressing that question. Registration fee for the full institute (3 days) is $375 + GST. Registration for Day One (May 10) only is $150 + GST. We are pleased to offer reduced registration fees for people with disabilities, representatives of consumer-based disability organizations, fixed/low income, unemployed, and students: Full Institute: $125 + GST Day One only: $40 + GST PROGRAM Day One (Tuesday, May 10) Morning Panel Discussion: What is required to create a Canadian IT industry that is successful/profitable and produces technology that is accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities? Panelists: Industry: Jim Tobias (Inclusive Technologies, USA) Academic: Gerard Goggin (University of Queensland, Australia) People with Disabilities: (Kier Martin, Council of Canadians with Disabilities, Canada) Afternoon Roundtable: Are accessibility standards, regulations, guidelines, etc. the way to achieve a Canadian IT industry that is successful/profitable and inclusive of people with disabilities? Presenters from industry, government, and organizations of people with disabilities will offer various perspectives on the question. Representatives of companies and governments will describe the impacts of accessibility standards, regulations, guidelines, etc. on their organizations. Evening Reception DAY TWO (WEDNESDAY, MAY 11) Morning Session Title: Partnership Regulation Models Gerard Goggin (University of Queensland) and Tim Noonan (Disability Studies and Research Institute) will discuss the government-industry-consumer body that regulates the Australian telecommunications and networked digital technologies industries. Ian Brodie of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) will discuss the government-business-NGO-consumer consultations that are the basis for CSA standards. Afternoon Session Title: From Technical Innovation to Innovative Thinking Emerging technology holds the potential to minimize disability as a source of disadvantage for people living in the information age. However it's not happening. Why is this so? What is it that precludes manufacturers of mainstream technologies from designing accessible products? What can we do about it? Do competitive market forces work against designing for access? Is it too expensive? Steve Jacobs (IDEAL Group Inc.) will lead this workshop that will be include presenters and audience members outside Winnipeg participating virtually using iVocalize software. DAY THREE (THURSDAY, MAY 12) Morning Topic: Challenges of Engaging Industry in Research on Accessibility Gary Birch (Neil Squire Society) and Aldred Neufeldt (University of Calgary) will lead this session about challenges faced by non-industry researchers who want to engage and collaborative with industry. 1:00 to 2:00 pm Closing Discussion To register, or for further information, contact: ------------------------------------- Gary Annable | Community Co-Director Dis-IT: Disability and Information Technologies Research Alliance Tel. (204) 947-0303 ext. 230 TTY (204) 943-4757 | Fax (204) 942-4625 E-mail: [log in to unmask] Website: http://www.dis-it.ca <http://www.dis-it.ca/> Mail: Council of Canadians with Disabilities 926-294 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0B9