Workshop on Universal Accessibility of Ubiquitous Computing: Providing for the Elderly; May 22-25, 2001; Alcacer do Sal, Portugal

George Washington University, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

This is funding for a jointly sponsored NSF/EU workshop to be held May 22-25, 2001, at the "Pousada D. Afonso II" situated in Alcacer do Sal outside of Lisbon, Portugal. This relatively secluded site has been chosen by the organizers so that attendees can participate without distraction in the workshop, which will bring together 35-45 leaders in the fields of universal access research, business, academics and policy to review the current state-of-the-art and produce a set of research agenda items for near and long term activities whose goal is to assure universal accessibility of ubiquitous computing by the elderly. Particular emphasis will be placed on articulating an integrated approach to addressing the problems in the context of technology and human rights and values, paying attention to challenges due not only to physical limitations but also to differences in perception, culture and background. Prior to arrival, all attendees will provide background papers highlighting their individual perspectives. The workshop will begin with a plenary session setting the framework for what is to follow; subsequent sessions will each include a short formal presentation followed by a facilitator-led discussion. The tentative list of session topics includes: pervasive mobile computing and the aging population; exploratory user centered design for all citizens; accessibility and the elderly; accessibility for people with cognitive impairments; user-centered design with senior citizens; sociological integration facilitated by technology; and profile of the senior citizen's varied needs. Approximately half a dozen graduate students will be included among the invitees; they will have a unique opportunity to share the direction of their thesis work and receive mentoring from senior members of the field. The revised, peer-reviewed workshop proceedings will be published as a book by a respected publisher (negotiations are currently under way by the organizers with ACM Press and North-Holland). Additionally, a report and research agenda will be submitted to the two major funding bodies (NSF and the EU), and workshop contributions, summaries and discussions will be made available online through a Web site to ensure timely dissemination to the community at large. The organizers have received expressions of support from IFIP TC13 (HCI) and WG13.3 (People with Disabilities), and from ACM SIGCHI, SIGCAPH, and SIGGRAPH. NSF funds will be used primarily to support American attendees, as well as some general expenses.