Purdue News

April 2, 1999 Assistive technology conference, path to independence WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue University's Breaking New Ground program, a national leader in helping farmers with disabilities find the technologies that help them return to work, is co-sponsoring the first "Assistive Technology in the Heartland Conference & Exhibition" April 25-29 in Indianapolis. "Assistive Technology in the Heartland" will feature more than 25 sessions with subjects divided into four main tracks: school, work, home and play. There also will be a series of intensive workshops on topics such as "Technology for Tots" and "Making Your Own Assistive Technology Solutions." In addition to Breaking New Ground, other Purdue presenters will include staff from Adaptive Programs in the Office of the Dean of Students. More than 20 collaborators from several states are working on the conference. The purpose is to share information with disabled people and resource providers to increase independence for people with disabilities. Breaking New Ground also is coordinating a post-conference AgrAbility Workshop to train other professionals from around the country who work with farmers and ranchers with disabilities. AgrAbility is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that provides education, technical assistance and support for agricultural and agribusiness workers who have a disability. The Westin Suites and Sheraton Indianapolis North Hotel will serve as the conference site for Assistive Technology in the Heartland. Registration is $225, which includes some meals and materials. For more information, contact Breaking New Ground at (800) 825-4264. Since its inception in 1979, Breaking New Ground has become internationally recognized as the primary source of information on rehabilitation technology relating to agricultural worksites. CONTACT: Barry Delks, director, Breaking New Ground Resource Center, (765) 494-1221 Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page