Vol. 3, No. 6, Nov//Dec 1995	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
	PDF Version (for printing) Large Print Version (pdf) Text Version

DATI Conference is a Blockbuster!!

Question: What do you get when you combine over 350 AT aficionados, 24 exhibits of AT products and services, 9 cutting-edge presentations, and an impressive keynote speaker?

Answer: A conference to remember-in this case the DATI Annual Conference.

This year's event, held on Thursday, September 28 at Clayton Hall in Newark, stands out as perhaps DATI's best conference ever. As Beth Mineo, DATI Director, noted in her opening remarks, the event provided tangible evidence of the DATI's impact on the state since it began four years ago. For example, the great majority of the presenters hailed from Delaware; in years past, a great deal of the talent had to be "imported" from other states. Further, this year's exhibition was loaded with AT service providers, reflecting the incredible growth in this sector in the past few years.

The conference was indeed fortunate to have Carol Cohen kick off the day's line-up with her insider's view of the AT-related scene in Washington and throughout the nation. At the same time that she recounted some of the disturbing cuts to programs, she also reminded attendees of the power that constituents wield simply by speaking out. Carol presented some impressive statistics about the impact of the nationwide network of Tech Act projects like the DATI, noting that hundreds of thousands of lives have been touched by the awareness, training, and technology access components of these projects.

Each of the conference's breakout sessions contributed to the "systems change" focus that Ms. Cohen stressed in her keynote address. She stressed that consumers and service providers alike must arm themselves with knowledge about state-of-the art AT and its applications, and also with confidence in their abilities to advocate for more consumer-responsive laws, regulations, policies, and practices. Conference evaluations indicated that attendees were exceedingly pleased with the scope and quality of the conference sessions, and that they intend to use the information they gained. The exhibits garnered high marks from attendees as well as exhibitors for being well-organized and conducive to learning and networking.

Topics suggested for next year's conference included more on augmentative communication, environmental control, home modifications, and computer access. Attendees also want to learn more about funding and establishing collaborative relationships. We'll do our best to deliver these topics and more at next year's conference.