On August 24th, Gov. Deval Patrick proclaimed this September Universal Design and Assistive Technology Awareness month. The proclamation recognizes the vital role well-designed products, systems, and environments are now playing to expand the capabilities of individuals with functional limitations across the life span.
In celebration, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts invites you to a series of events that provide a range of opportunities to learn about assistive technologies and universal design, culminating in an all-day conference and free expo on Sept 23rd at the Hynes Center in Boston.
“Through public awareness the Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks to encourage new innovation in these two important fields and build recognition of the role they play in promoting happiness and independence for all residents of the Commonwealth” (Gov. Deval Patrick, August 24th, 2011)
Calendar of UD/AT Events:
September 7th – Easter Seals Assistive Technology Regional Center Open House (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) 89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111.
1st Wednesday of every month! Feel free to stop by if you’re in the neighborhood. The center is open all day for walk-in appointments!
September 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th- Information Technology Division’s Assistive Technology Lab Walk in hours (11 a.m.-12 noon), 1 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA. The AT Lab provides a full array of assistive technology hardware and software to provide testing, training and development assistance for all agencies of the Commonwealth on accessibility requirements for applications, web spaces and information content. For more information contact Dr. David Patterson at David.K.Patterson@state.ma.us.
September 14th- Institute for Human Centered Design Lunch & Learn Lecture, 200 Portland Street, Boston, MA 02114 (12:00 p.m.). Universal Design & Clothing: Safety, Comfort, Dignity & Style.
Dr. Miguel Carvalho will present on his innovative Weadapt projects: FashionMe and Sense4me.Dr. Carvalho has developed clothing and fabrics designed to adjust and minimize the pressure concentrators that cause tissue injury and skin ulcers, while maintaining comfort and aesthetic appeal. The event is free and open to the public and lunch will be donated by Tables of Content Catering. Contact Eliza Kaye 617.695.1225 x235.
September 15th – MA Department of Conservation and Recreation Universal Access Hike, Chicopee, MA
Assistive equipment and teamwork unite people of all abilities using Terra Trek mountain wheelchairs and push joggers. Call (413) 259-0009.
September 17th – Boston Accessibility Unconference (8:00 am to 5:00 p.m.) Microsoft NERD Center (http://www.a11y-bos.org)
Join passionate developers, media specialists, designers, usability professionals, and accessibility experts to share knowledge and learn at the second Boston Accessibility Unconference. Doors open at 8 am for registration and a continental breakfast. Sessions (including a keynote address by Larry Goldberg, Director at WGBH National Center for Accessible Media) start at 9 am.
September 20 –Graduate Assistive Technology Information Session (4p.m.) The Education Cooperative in Dedham. Simmons College of Arts & Sciences graduate studies is hosting an informational session on its Assistive Special Education Technology program. RSVP by calling (617) 521-2915 or emailing gsa@simmons.edu
September 21 – Mass. Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Town Forum on Programs, Services and Communication Access
(6:45-8:45 p.m.) Parlin Memorial Library, 410 Broadway, Rte 99, Everett, MA., 02149
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) and the Hearing Loss Association of America ( HLAA) North of Boston Chapter welcome community input regarding programs, services, communication access and more.
September 23rd – Products and Technologies that Change People’s Lives: Assistive Technology and Universal Design in Massachusetts. Conference and Expo. (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) Hynes Convention Center Boston.
This event will showcase state-of-the-art technologies and products that assist people to work, live, learn and play across the spectrum of ability and age. The event aims to provide insight into the way that design, science and engineering are helping people to live more full and independent lives. A conference will also take place from 9:00 AM until 3:45 PM in which registered participants can learn more about advancements from leaders in areas of universal design and assistive technology. Visit www.changepeopleslives.org
September 28th – Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA Public meeting (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.) State Trasportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston MA 02116, 2nd floor Room 2.
AACT meets once a month to coordinate with MBTA officials and para-transit operators to identify accessibility problems in the system and to work on solutions. There are also presentations on timely topics and updates on ongoing MBTA and para-transit-vendor activities.
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