Monday 01 December 2008 - Coventry University Technocentre

RAatE 2008 is the only UK conference focused on the latest innovations and developments in assistive technology. This conference will be of interest to everyone who uses, works with, develops or conducts research on assistive technologies (AT).

The conference program has, over the past years, regularly included new technological developments, service innovations, results of formal research projects, service based research and development and a wide range of other stimulating topics.

Known as a friendly and productive conference, RAatE offers you a chance to meet and share knowledge and experience with other people working in AT.

• Find out more about why to come to RAATE.

The Ramada hotel is situated a short walk from the Technology Park (approx 15 minutes walk / 5 minutes taxi journey) and has rooms available from £59

Martin Sabry is an advanced information technology innovator and product developer with a PhD in Next-generation IT Media Services Provision from University College London (1998)……he is also a T6 paraplegic paralysed from the chest down.  In 1994 life changed as he fell 290 feet while mountain climbing - he considers himself lucky enough to survive.  Living everyday life to the fullest in a wheelchair fostered the concept of aIDEAS (all Inclusive Design Enabling Access Solutions).

aIDEAS is an assistive-technology, project-based ideas-house which combines inclusive innovation with inspiring form to provide new, holistic design solutions for the 21st century multi-age, multi-needs market.

Inclusive design enables barrier-free products, services and environments to be used by a broad spectrum of the public, regardless of age, physical ability or situation. Pertinent to the climate of social inclusion aIDEAS follows the guidelines of simplicity, flexibility, spatial awareness and equitable use. Inclusive design solutions ultimately provide maximum benefit, minimum effort living.

For Martin, aIDEAS represents a personal vision of dynamic, customer-focused, inclusive design. His goal is to show, by example and with passion through commercial collaboration, how to innovate within and expand these potential.

As Founder & Senior Partner, Martin leads a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of business development.   The team aim to enhance the design and usability of product goods and services, and tap into new customer age demographics and other market opportunities.

aIDEAS has been recognised by both the community and business world.  Winning the 2007 Barclays Business Excellence Award for contributions to the community, the judges said: “His motivation is right … these are ordinary, practical products being made special”.  In 2008 aIDEAS reached the final 3 of the “Best Business Plan” for the Start-Ups Awards.

Martin believes that fundamentally the limits of a good idea and the passion for making a difference are boundary-less.

Born in 1974, Simon Stevens has cerebral palsy which affects his speech, balance, hand control and sense of humour (in a positive way). Despite his difficulties and the level of everyday discrimination he faces, Simon has had a vast range of life opportunities and experiences. He has travelled widely around Europe and the world, and taken part in many sports and especially water sports.

Simon’s life has a number of highlights. The first is having his play about his experiences of mainstream education, Normality, being first performed by his Sixth Form College in 1991. The second is being an active participant and coordinator of the European Human Bridges project which organised many week long seminars for disabled and non-disabled young people across Eurupe including over 15 countries. Thirdly, is being awarded the Community Category of Enterprising Young Brits in 2004 which was presented by Gordon Brown when he was Chancellor. The last is when Newsweek International produced a video for a cover feature about Wheelies, the first virtual disability themed nightclub in the world using the secondlife platform. The club supports 100s of disabled people around the world and provides a safe area for socialising and chatting.

Simon has determination, passion and commitment to everything he does. He has great communication skills and can understand specific situations very quickly. With a good sense of humour, Simon is a great host, friend and companion. Simon is also open and honest and recognises he is far from perfect.

• Papers
• Posters
• Workshops
• Discussions
• Demonstrations

Submissions may include reporting on research projects, service developments, case studies, evaluations, new developments or reviews.  Themes of interest for 2008 from which contributions are particularly welcome are listed in the submissions section.

To submit to RAatE 2008, go to the submissions page.

To present a paper you must also register for the conference.

Booking is managed through HDTI, who are hosting this year’s conference, from their conferencing website, linked below. Book early to avoid disappointment since places are limited at this year’s one day conference.

• Go to the booking page to register for RAATE 2008