COD

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    The Premier AT Conference

37th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference Has Concluded

Conference Overview

In 2022, the Center on Disabilities is excited to return to an in-person conference at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, California. The 37th Annual CSUN AT Conference will take place March 14 – 18, 2022.

Our team has been working diligently since the conclusion of the 2021 CSUN Conference, gathering feedback from our attendees and the community. We are planning on some changes to improve the conference experience and are committed to offering a robust conference experience, including pre-conference workshops, keynote address, educational sessions, vendor exhibits, networking opportunities, and social events.

In an effort to increase room sizes and to utilize the available conference space in the best way possible, there will be an extended conference schedule. Pre-Conference Workshops will take place on Monday, March 14. The CSUN Conference will kick-off with the Keynote Address in the morning on Tuesday, March 15, with conference sessions commencing following the Keynote and Exhibit Hall opening later that day. Conference sessions, events and Exhibit Hall will continue through Friday, March 18.

Keynote Address Program

Please mark your calendars and join us in the Platinum Ballroom on Tuesday morning, March 15, at 8:00 am, as we commence the 37th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. The conference will open with this year’s live-streamed Keynote Address and award presentations.

We look forward to gathering together as a community on Tuesday, March 15, as the conference begins.

Keynote Speaker

Our Keynote Speaker, Mike Paciello, is unable to attend and deliver the Keynote Address. We are sad to miss him and his talk. In his place, Dr. Harry Murphy and Matt Ater will both deliver the Keynote Address.

Join them in the Platinum Ballroom on Tuesday, March 15, at 8:00 am, as we commence the 37th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. The conference will open with this year’s live-streamed Keynote Address and award presentations.

Dr. Harry Murphy

Dr. Harry Murphy, the founder and creator of the CSUN Center on Disabilities and CSUN AT Conference, will take us down memory lane and share a brief history of the CSUN AT Conference. He led the department and conference for fifteen years before his retirement from CSUN in 2000.

 

Matt Ater

Matt Ater will share an amusing look back on his CSUN Conference experiences and the Conference’s evolution over the years. He will discuss the challenges facing the future of technology and accessibility, and the overall impact on the user.

Matt is the Vice President of Vispero, working to support customers across all brands within the Vispero family of products and services. He brings over 25 years experience in assistive technology and accessibility. He began his career in training employees with disabilities (EWD) on the use of assistive technology, including developing premiere training programs at the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind in Washington, DC. Matt currently runs corporate business development and software engineering for Vispero. Matt is also the Vice Chair of the CTA Foundation, affiliated with the Consumer Technology Association.

 

Note from Mike Paciello

Dear CSUN Friends & Colleagues:

I am heartbroken not to be here with you today. Thanks to everyone who reached out with your kind thoughts and warm words of encouragement. You've demonstrated what I've always known to be the true spirit of CSUN: Bringing together the greatest people on earth, to the greatest international venue and let them teach us all how to build an inclusive world!

Special thanks to Sandy and the entire COD team and advisory council for your tireless effort!

Sincerely,

Mike Paciello

About Mike Paciello

Keynote Speaker Mike Paciello

Mr. Paciello has been a pioneer and influential figure in the accessibility industry for more than three decades. He wrote the first book on web accessibility and usability, Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities, and has achieved many notable milestones. He is the founder of WebABLE.com and co-founder of WebABLE.TV, and currently Vice President of U.S. Operations at AbleDocs (GLOBAL).

Mr. Paciello served as co-chair of the United States Federal Access Board's Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee (TEITAC), co-founder of the International Committee for Accessible Document Design (ICADD) and was recognized by President Bill Clinton for his contribution to the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). He was the recipient of the 2016 Knowbility Lifetime Achievement and the 2020 ICT Accessibility Testing Symposium Social Impact awards.

Strache Leadership Award

2022 Strache Leadership Award Recipient Jodi Johnson

The Center on Disabilities annually recognizes a leader who has made a significant impact in education and research. This year we are pleased to honor Jodi L. Johnson, who has provided support for students with disabilities on the CSUN campus for over 35 years. Her leadership and dedication to providing accessibility for students demonstrate that she is truly a worthy recipient of the 2022 Strache Leadership Award.

We are excited to welcome CSUN alum, Jodi Johnson back to the CSUN Conference, which she also was an integral part of for 20 years, to receive the Strache Leadership Award at the Keynote Address program.

About Dr. Fred Strache

Dr. Fred Strache had held many positions, including VP for Student Affairs. He was a very active and progressive administrator, but his primary emphasis was always on students. Regardless of the type of project discussed with him, he would be supportive but always ask what the benefits to our students would be.

Dr. Arthur I. Karshmer Award for Assistive Technology Research

Each year, the Journal Track submission with the highest marks is recognized with the Dr. Arthur Karshmer Award for Assistive Technology Research. Award winners are honored for their exemplary submission and excellence in research and the advancement of assistive technology.

The 2022 Dr. Arthur I. Karshmer Award for Assistive Technology Research is awarded to “A Tangible Manipulative for Inclusive Quadrilateral Learning” by Scott Lambert, Brett Fiedler, Chloe Hershenow, Dor Abrahamson, and Jenna Gorlewicz.

Conference Schedule (schedule subject to change)

Monday, March 14, 2022

7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Conference Check-In
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pre-Conference Workshop
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Kick-Off Happy Hour

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Conference Check-In
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Keynote Address (On-site and Live-streamed)
10:20 AM - 12:00 PM
General Sessions
1:20 PM - 4:00 PM
General Sessions
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Preview (registered Conference Attendees only)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Welcome Reception

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Conference Check-In
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Featured Presentation (On-site and Live-streamed)
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Expo Visitor Pass Check-In
9:20 AM - 12:00 PM
General Sessions
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Exhibit Hall
1:20 PM - 5:00 PM
General Sessions
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Bingo

Thursday, March 17, 2022

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Conference Check-In
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Featured Presentation (On-site and Live-streamed)
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Expo Visitor Pass Check-In
9:20 AM - 12:00 PM
General Sessions
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Exhibit Hall
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunchtime Screening
1:20 PM - 5:00 PM
General Sessions
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Karaoke

Friday, March 18, 2022

7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Conference Check-In
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Featured Presentation (On-site and Live-streamed)
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Expo Visitor Pass Check-In
9:20 AM - 12:00 PM
General Sessions
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Exhibit Hall
1:20 PM - 5:00 PM
General Sessions
5:00 PM
Conference Adjourns

Conference Policies

Please be advised that registering for the CSUN AT Conference denotes that you have read and agree to comply with the Conference Policies.

  • All participants at the 2022 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference must be fully vaccinated or present proof of negative COVID test. For specific testing requirements refer to the Health & Safety section of the Conference Overview.
  • Conference Name Badges must be worn at all times during conference hours and in conference areas.
  • Transferring or sharing badges with non-registered individuals is prohibited.
  • The CSUN AT Conference will replace a registrant’s lost name badge one time only for a fee of $290.00.
  • Please be advised that unauthorized recording, filming or photography of any nature is strictly prohibited. This policy extends to all official activities held in any location of the hotel that are deemed part of the event (sponsor suites/function rooms, presentation rooms, Exhibit Hall, etc.).
  • The use of the CSUN name/logo or Conference name/logo without prior permission or approval is strictly prohibited. This includes usage in any marketing or advertising materials and social media or website posts. The Conference name may only be used in marketing efforts in the appropriate context of attending the CSUN Conference.
  • The selling and direct delivery of merchandise is strictly prohibited at the CSUN AT Conference.
  • All Presentations Room capacities must adhere to the Fire Code. Per the Fire Marshall, once the room is at full capacity additional attendees cannot be admitted. Altering the existing seating is also prohibited.
  • Cell phones should be turned off during all presentations.
  • CSUN does not provide letters of invitation or assistance with obtaining documentation for international participants.
  • Children under the age of 16 will be required to pay full registration fees to attend the CSUN AT Conference and must be accompanied by an adult registrant to access conference areas.
  • Children under the age of 16 may attend the Exhibit Halls at the conference. They must register for the free Expo Visitor Pass and be accompanied by a registered adult.
  • CSUN is not liable for any related financial expense, loss, theft, property damage or personal injury resulting from participating or attending any or all functions at the Conference.

Health & Safety

Updated: Tuesday, March 1, 2022

All participants at the 2022 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference must be fully vaccinated or be able to present proof of a negative COVID test at check-in.

Based on the current COVID guidelines and requirements, the following steps are being taken to ensure a safe event for all participants:

  • Proof of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, or a negative viral test result, will be required at check-in to receive conference credentials and access to the event. If providing a negative test result, it must be either a PCR test taken within two days your check-in for the conference or an antigen test taken within one day of your check-in for the conference. Over-the-counter "self-tests" will not be accepted. Participants 18 years or older must also provide identification matching the vaccination record or negative COVID-19 viral test. If you register for the Conference but are unable to provide proof of vaccination or a negative viral test at check-in, you will not be able to attend, and refunds will not be provided.
  • Masks will be required indoors in the conference areas for all conference participants, including hotel and event staff adhering to the current CSUN guidelines.
  • Daily self-assessment health screenings will be required for all conference participants.
  • Event staff will regularly sanitize public conference areas and session rooms.
  • Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the public conference areas.
  • Social distanced seating in session rooms.

We constantly monitor the COVID-19 developments, and we will continually evaluate our safety protocols and add enhancements as needed to meet the evolving situation. All protocols and changes will be based on the most current CSU-wide mandates and state, local and national public health recommendations and guidelines.

Fully Vaccinated Criteria

Per the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), Conference participants are considered fully vaccinated:

  • Two weeks (14 days) after their dose of an accepted single-dose vaccine
  • Two weeks (14 days) after their second dose of an accepted two-dose series

Additionally, international participants are also considered fully vaccinated:

  • Two weeks (14 days) after their two doses of any "mix-and-match" combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart

A booster dose is not needed to meet this requirement.

Accepted COVID-19 Vaccines

Approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration:

  • Single-dose:
    • Janssen/J&J
  • Two-dose series:
    • Pfizer-BioNTech
    • Moderna

Approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization:

  • Two-dose series:
    • AstraZeneca
    • Covaxin
    • Covishield
    • BIBP/Sinopharm
    • Sinovac
    • Novavax/Covovax

Accepted COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination

  • Accepted forms of proof:
    • CDC COVID-19 or World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record card (original, photocopy, or digital copy/photo)
    • COVID-19 digital vaccination digital record
    • A State immunization information system record printout
    • Documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider or public health authority
    • Documentation of vaccination from an entity that provides COVID-19 vaccine
  • All forms of proof of COVID-19 vaccination must have:
    • Personal identifiers (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number).Personal identifiers must match the name on the conference registration.
    • Name of official source issuing the record (e.g., public health agency, government agency, or other authorized vaccine provider)
    • Vaccine manufacturer and date(s) of vaccination

Anaheim Testing Sites

COVID-19 testing sites are available to serve visitors to the City of Anaheim.  Testing is available to anyone, with or without symptoms, and those with or without insurance.  No cost testing and other testing options are available.  For more details, go to the Anaheim Visitor Testing information page.

The Anaheim Hotel

ARTIC

Anaheim City Hall

Accessible Digital Conference Materials

Accessible digital version of the conference materials. The materials are made available in HTML, DAISY 2.02 and EPUB formats.

Accessible Indoor Navigation

We are excited to announce that GoodMaps is providing accessible indoor navigation for the conference. To learn more and download the application, visit the GoodMaps website.

Room Temperature

Temperatures in session rooms vary. For comfort, it is recommended that layered clothing be worn.

Headset

It is recommended that you bring your favorite headset to gain access to audio output on computers at the conference.

Official Language

We appreciate the extensive participation of the international community in this conference. The official language of the conference is English.