IBM proud sponsor of CSUN 2005. Making information accessible so more people succeed.

Welcome
Keynote Address (http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2005/keynote.htm)
Accessibility Information
Conference Schedule
General Information
Preconference Workshops (http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2005/proceedings/preconf.htm)
General Sessions (http://www.csuncod.org/conf/search/search.htm)
Directory of Exhibitors (http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2005/exhibit/2005exhibitors.htm)

Welcome to California State University, Northridge's 20th Annual International Conference, "Technology and Persons with Disabilities" presented by the Center on Disabilities! Looking back over the last twenty years we remember our first conference, which took place at the Cal State Northridge campus, and drew just a handful of exhibitors and less than 400 attendees. At the time, disability providers were just beginning to learn about the potential of assistive technology and could only imagine the many innovative products and applications available today. Few except possibly the Center on Disabilities' ground-breaking founder, Dr. Harry Murphy, could have imagined that we would grow to the point that we would occupy two prominent Los Angeles area hotels, register more than 4,000 participants and host 175 exhibitors. And yet, that is exactly the point we are at today - bringing the largest international conference on the topic of disability and technology to you.

We begin this year's conference with 19 different full-day pre-conference sessions, leading up to the keynote address by Dr. Albert Cook on Wednesday morning, March 16, 2005. Dr. Cook, the Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, has been in the field of assistive technology for many years, developing assistive devices and assessing the effectiveness of technology used by persons with disabilities. Delving into the past, and taking us on a journey to the future, Dr. Cook will help to set the tone for this year's conference as we look with optimism to trends sure to stimulate continuing change and growth in the field of assistive technology.

Following Dr. Cook's opening address you will find more than 400 papers being presented and 175 exhibitors in the exhibit halls including technology developers, services providers and educational institutions. Adding to this year's events, we are pleased to welcome the United States Society of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (USAAC) as they hold their own conference within the umbrella of our conference. Along with welcoming the members of USSAAC, we note with gratitude the generosity of our sponsors and collaborative partners including IBM, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Sun Microsystems, America Online, Apple Computer, SBC Communications, Bank of America, Ability Magazine, ViewPlus Technologies and the Marriott and Hilton Hotels.

The staff of the Center on Disabilities join with me in welcoming you as you engage with fellow participants, attend presentations, meet with exhibitors, learn about new products, and immerse yourself in the field of assistive technology. This is a special conference celebrating 20 years of opportunity and hope and we are sure you will find it the best conference yet.

Dr. Mary Ann Cummins Prager
Interim Director, Center on Disabilities
California State University, Northridge

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

SHUTTLE VANS
There will be accessible shuttle service between the Hilton and Marriott hotels. Pick-up and drop-off is located in the Valet Parking area on the lobby level of each hotel. The shuttles will circulate between the two hotels every 10 minutes during the following hours:

Monday, March 14, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, March 15, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, March 16, 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday, March 17, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday, March 18, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday, March 19, 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM

HOTEL ACCESS ISSUES
If you have any questions or need help regarding hotel access issues, please contact these resources:

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Octavio Ibarra, Convention Service Manager
Phone: 310/ 410-6108
5711 West Century Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Los Angeles Airport Marriott
Janet Luna, Event Management
Phone: 310/ 641-5700
5855 West Century Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045

DOG RUNS
Dog runs are located at both hotels:
Hilton - 3rd Floor, Malibu Garden
Marriott - Ballroom Level driveway, immediately beyond the Century Pavilion
Out of general consideration for others, please take responsibility for cleaning up after your dog.

ALTERNATIVE FORMATS
The conference program is available in alternative formats (Braille, large print, diskette, and DAISY CD). You can get your copy at the Accessibility Services Counter located in the conference registration area at either hotel. Note: Speakers and Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own handouts and promotional materials in alternative formats.

REALTIME CAPTIONING SERVICES FROM RAPIDTEXT
To sign up for realtime captioning of the conference sessions, please come to the Accessibility Services Counter located in the conference registration area at the Marriott hotel.

INTERPRETERS
Interpreting services are available upon advance request. Interpreters have already been scheduled for the Wednesday morning Keynote address. Other interpreting services are by advance request only. Immediately upon arrival at the conference, please check in with the Interpreting Coordinator located at the Accessibility Services Counter in the conference registration area at either hotel to be sure interpreters are available for sessions of interest to you.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICE
If you need an assistive listening device, please come to the Accessibility Services Counter located in the conference registration area at either hotel.

Talking Signs® Remote Infrared Audible Signage (RIAS)
Talking Signs® is a transmitter receiver. The user scans the environment and intercepts the infrared beam where an informational message is heard through the receiver's speaker. Talking Signs® is available at the Accessibility Services Counter at the Marriott. Please note: Talking Signs® will only work in the Marriott hotel.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Sunday, March 13, 2005
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Preconference Registration (Marriott only)

Monday, March 14, 2005
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Preconference Registration (Marriott only)
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Full Day Preconference Workshops
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM, Lunch Break

Tuesday, March 15, 2005
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM, Registration (Hilton & Marriott)
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Full Day Preconference Workshops
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM, Lunch Break

Wednesday, March 16, 2005
6:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Registration (Hilton & Marriott)
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM, Keynote Address (Hilton)
9:20 AM - 3:50 PM, General Sessions
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, Lunch Break (no host)
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Opening of Exhibit Halls

Thursday, March 17, 2005
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Registration (Hilton & Marriott)
8:00 AM - 5:10 PM, General Sessions
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Exhibit Halls Open
11:40 AM - 2:00 PM, Extended Lunch Break (no host)

Friday, March 18, 2005
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Registration (Hilton & Marriott)
8:00 AM - 4:40 PM, General Sessions
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Exhibit Halls Open
11:40 AM - 2:00 PM, Extended Lunch Break (no host)

Saturday, March 19, 2005
7:30 AM - 10:00 AM, Registration (Hilton & Marriott)
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM, General Sessions
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Exhibit Halls Open

GENERAL INFORMATION

CONFERENCE POLICIES
Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. We request that cell phones be turned off or silenced during presentations. We strive to ensure that the comfort and safety of all participants by encouraging a fragrance-free environment. Please refrain from using excessive fragrances, perfumes, and/or cologne during conference events.

TIMING OF PRESENTATIONS
All presentations will begin and end on time according to the conference schedule. Please leave the meeting room immediately after each session, as another group will soon be entering the room.

CONFERENCE NAME BADGES
All registrants must wear their name badge at all times during the conference hours. Name badges may not be transferred to non-registered persons. Thank you for your cooperation.

CHECK FOR SCHEDULE CHANGES
Last minute changes, additions, and cancellations in this schedule will appear daily on: - The message board in the Conference Registration Area of each hotel - www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2005/updates.htm - Or call: Hilton (310) 410-6363, Marriott (310) 337-8065 (from inside the hotel dial the last four digits)

MESSAGES
The conference phone number is (310) 337-5398 or (310) 337-5989 (PLEASE, URGENT messages only). There will also be a Message Board in the Conference Registration Area of each hotel.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
We appreciate the extensive participation of the International community at this conference. The official language of the conference is English.

LUNCH BREAK
There are no sponsored lunches during the conference. Lunch can be purchased at either hotel. The Hilton offers a buffet at the Café or stop by the Bistro for a quick bite. At the Marriott you can enjoy lunch at Latitude 33, Champions, or pick up a sandwich at Destinations.

RESTAURANTS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES NEARBY:
Please contact the Concierge, located in the lobby of either the Hilton or Marriott hotel.

GENERAL SESSIONS, MARCH 16-19
More than 375 speakers will present half hour and one hour General Sessions. These sessions on various topics will be held Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 16-19, 2005.

Topics to include:
- All Inclusive - Sessions that do not pertain to a specific topic, but covers a general area of disability and technology
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
- Aging and Disability
- Assessment and Service Delivery
- Blind/Low Vision
- Cognitive Disabilities
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Employment
- Internet/WWW
- K-12
- Learning Disabilities
- Postsecondary
- DAISY Consortium Series
The DAISY Consortium consists of nonprofit libraries and organizations from around the world that provide information to persons who are blind and print disabled. The consortium's strategic plan includes development of: International Standards, digital recording software, and comprehensive reading systems for multimedia purchase and hand held devices. The Consortium has organized several presentations focusing on these issues.

- Project EASI Sessions
EASI, (Equal Access to Software and Information), believes that people with disabilities must have the same access to information and resources as the general population. The mission of EASI is to promote this access through: on-site and online workshops, publications and videos, email discussion lists, web sites, electronic journals, and participation in a wide variety of regional and national conferences. EASI has organized six presentations for the this years conference.

- AccessIT Sessions
The National Center on Accessible Information Technology in Education (AccessIT) at the University of Washington serves to increase the access of individuals with disabilities to information technology in educational institutions at all academic levels nationwide. These sessions will cover information on accessible web pages, accessible instructional software, and accessible telecommunications and office equipment.

- Tool Factory
Special Education technology showcase that allows hands-on practice with a wide array of hardware devices and software programs, specifically designed for students with disabilities.

Please join us for a special reception celebrating 20 years of Innovation in the field of technology for persons with disabilities
Tuesday, March 15, 2005, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Imperial Ballroom, Marriott

WIN A Free Registration for the 2006 CSUN Conference (General Sessions Package)
Submit your complete Program Review form by Saturday, 1:00 PM to be eligible for the drawing. Deposit it in the "Review Return Box" located in the Conference Registration area of either hotel. Winner need not be present to win. Winner will be notified by email/mail.

The Web Playroom - Internet Access and Practice on the WWW
Here is an opportunity to learn how to use the WWW in an informal setting. Accessible software is available. You can gain access to the Internet and/or ask experienced staffers about getting started or how to use some of the more advanced "tricks" in surfing the 'net. Out of necessity, some time limits will need to be established to be sure everyone gets a chance to use the Playroom. Your cooperation is appreciated. Enjoy your "cruise"!

MIAMI Room - Marriott
Playroom Hours:
Wednesday, 3/16, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday, 3/17, 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday, 3/18, 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Discounted Parking Fees
(For Hilton and Marriott parking lots ONLY)
Bring your parking ticket stub to the Conference Registration Desk of the hotel where you parked to validate for discounted parking.

Hilton
Hotel Registered Guests: $10 self park; $13 valet parking, per 24 hour period.
Visiting Guests:$8 self park; $11 valet parking, day use only

Marriott
Hotel Registered and Visiting Guests: $9 self park; $17 valet parking, per day.

CSUN Exhibits Passport
Each exhibit day (Wednesday - Saturday) we are giving away a FREE Conference Registration for the 2006 CSUN Conference!

Get your passport stamped by each exhibitor in the Hall of Cities, Marriott and The Plaza Ballroom, Hilton to be entered in a drawing for a free conference registration for next years conference. A drawing will be made at each hotel.

Pick up your Exhibit Passport from any Conference Registration Counter. Winner need not be present to win. Each winner will be notified by mail/email.

MARRIOTT Conference Site Room List

Atlanta, Session Room
Boston, Session Room
Chicago/Dallas, PC Computer Lab
Denver, Session Room
Houston, Exhibits
Imperial Ballroom, Sessions (Mon)/Exhibits
Marquis Ballroom, Sessions (Mon)/Exhibits
Miami, Web Playroom
New Orleans, Exhibits
New York, Exhibits
Philadelphia, Exhibits
Saddlebrook, Exhibits
Scottsdale, Session Room
St. Louis, Exhibits
Washington, Exhibits

HILTON Conference Site Room List

2nd Floor
Carmel, Mac Computer Lab
Catalina B, Session Room
Catalina C, Session Room
Catalina D, Session Room
Century A/B, Session Room
Century C/D, Session Room
La Jolla A, Session Room
La Jolla B, Session Room
Los Angeles Ballroom, Session Room
Marina, Session Room
Newport B, Session Room
Newport C, Session Room

Lobby Level
International Ballroom, Keynote Address (Wed)/Exhibits
Pacific A, Session Room
Pacific B, Session Room

Lower Lobby
The Plaza A, Exhibits
The Plaza B & C, Tool Factory Exhibits
The Plaza D, Optelec Exhibit