RESNA
As an organization and a conference, RESNA is near and dear to my heart. I’ve written about the value of the RESNA conference previously. The 2020 RESNA Annual Conference had been scheduled for July 7-10 in Arlington, so it would have been going on right now.
Plans have shifted, of course, and are still taking shape. Here’s what we know so far:
When: September 23-24, 2020 from noon to 6pm Eastern time.
How it works: details haven’t yet been published, but the setup will allow for interactions between participants, and will include scientific paper platforms, workshops, keynote lectures, and an enxhibit all, much like the regular conference.
http://www.hmenews.com/article/enter-resna-universe
CEUs: All education sessions will offer IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Can I still submit a presentation? No, the deadline for proposals has passed.
Registration info: Not yet available. Check resna.org for updated information.
Closing the Gap
When: Virtual Conference: Oct 28 – Nov 11, 2020
How it works: From the Closing the Gap conference page:
“The two week Closing The Gap Virtual Conference includes a combination of pre-recorded sessions, live Q&A’s and virtual exhibits. It offers an opportunity to deepen your assistive technology (AT) knowledge and strengthen your implementation strategies. It’s designed to dig deeper into critical areas that have the power—when implemented strategically—to transform your classroom, your school, your district, your practice. In addition, you’ll discover the latest AT products by today’s leading manufacturers that are making a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities –all without the necessity of travel. Unlike in-person conferences with overlapping, concurrent sessions, you can ‘attend’ all the sessions, and see all the exhibits!”
The program also includes pre-conference workshops, 6-hour live Zoom meeting presenting a variety of topics in-depth.
CEUs: All sessions qualify for IACET CEUs. Select sessions qualify for ACVREP CEUs.
Can I still submit a presentation? No, the deadline for proposals has passed.
Registration info: Early bird registration deadline is July 31. Standard early-bird rate is $425. But there are a variety of registration options including free exhibit-hall only registration at no cost.
ATIA
When: January 25-28, and February 1-4, 2021.
How it works: From the ATIA conference page: “ATIA 2021 may look different, but the core of our event remains the same: creating a space for assistive technology practitioners, parents, teachers, researchers, manufacturers and distributors to come together to connect, learn and share. We are still finalizing details about what this virtual event will look like.”
I know that ATIA leadership is actively working to define an engaging and effective education program, combining live, pre-recorded, and on-demand content. And they are open to your ideas: complete the survey at https://www.atia.org/attendees-2021/.
CEUs: Yes, there will still be CEUs. That’s all I know so far.
Can I still submit a presentation? Yes, there’s still time to meet the July 13 submission deadline! (Submissions due by 5pm EST.) See details and submission forms at: https://www.atia.org/2021speakers/
CSUN
Given that the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference is still 8 months away, there’s less info available for it. Organizers appear to be hoping for an in-person conference, March 8-12, 2021 in Anaheim, CA. Look for a call for presentations in early September
Professional development plans?
In addition to these national conferences, there are of course numerous local and regional options for networking, sharing, and learning. What conferences are you planning to attend in the coming year?