Did You Know....?

Beth Mineo, DATI Director

That we are surrounded by assistive technology success sotries here in Delaware? For example, are you aware that several Delawareans have invented new assistive technologies? Did you know that the University of Delaware is home to the national centers for rehabilitation robotics and augmentative and alternative communication? Do you realize how many new assistive technology services have come into being in the past few years? Do you have any idea how many lives have been changed when individuals find the right technology to meet their needs?

The national press seems to gravitate toward interesting "tech tales," yet Delaware seems to be underrepresented. I think part of the reason is that Delawareans tend to go about their business, hesitating to call attention to their successes. I would like to bring the spotlight closer to home, so that we can all appreciate what is going on in our own backyard. To get us started, with the next issue of the AT Messenger we will feature a column called "Homegrown" in which we will highlight personal success stories and technology innovations emanating from The First State. If you would like to contribute to this column, or would like to suggest a topic, please give me a call.

DATI would like to recognize homegrown AT expertise in another way. Starting with this coming year's annual conference in October, we would like to feature more of our in-state expertise. On Page 5 of this newsletter, you will find a proposal submission form. If you would like to share your AT know-how and experiences with about 300 others with common interests, please submit your ideas for a presentation. If selected, you will be featured in the conference program and will receive complimentary conference registration.