ATIA Conference 2012

Just returned from a productive and fun time at the ATIA Conference in Orlando.  The Research Symposium kicked things off, in which about 45 of us discussed research methods in assistive technology and ways of collaborating between researchers and AT manufacturers.  Then on to the main conference sessions, where I enjoyed talks by Katie Duff & Patti Bahr from Gillette Children’s, Jamie Prioli and Karen Latimer from PIAT, Dave Hohulin from Infinitec, among many others.

It’s always energizing to be at a conference; then the trick is following through on all the interesting ideas that emerge!

5 Stars for Compass!

Did you notice that Enablemart has added a customer review feature to their website?

Compass user Christine Tonge was kind enough to write a review for Compass, and gave it five stars – the highest rating!  I have to say that I was pretty psyched to see those 5 stars up there.  Thanks, Christine!

Take a look, at http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Assessment

Welcome to the KPR blog!

Hi! This blog is a place to share ideas about how to enhance computer access solutions for people with disabilities.  While there are many possible approaches to this, my main interest is in helping people use evidence in the decision-making process.

Often a goal of alternative computer access is increased productivity for the user.  That is, allowing the user to perform their computer tasks faster, easier, and more accurately.  If we don’t measure speed and accuracy, how do we know what  which access solution is likely to provide the best productivity for the user?  Without data, how do we know if our goal has truly been reached?  How will we know what sort of progress we’re making?  And how will we explain it to others, who may not be there to directly observe?

Granted, productivity is not the only goal of computer access.  And measuring speed and accuracy is not the only way of assessing success.  But these aspects are almost always one of the key components of an access system, and incorporating evidence into decision-making is a fundamental practice that can lead to better decisions, and better solutions.

-Heidi