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2008 Touch the Future/Transition and SERID
Conference and Expo
Hilton Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
October 22-26, 2008
View more information and register online

Touch the Future/Transition and SERID (Southeast Regional Institute on Deafness) embody the spirit of cooperation and collaboration in presenting this conference. At its heart, the joint venture acknowledges that all people are unique individuals, and encourages them to celebrate their similarities and differences. While the conference will focus on the needs and priorities of people with disabilities, it aims to inspire all attendees to become a catalyst for positive long-term change in their communities.

A wide array of exhibits, keynote presentations and concurrent sessions designed to build a firm foundation of understanding or enhance an existing body of knowledge are the backbone of the conference. Presentations and discussions will address current effective practices, services and technologies related to seven key areas:

  • Employment/Rehabilitation

  • Education/ Transition

  • Accessibility/Assistive Technology

  • Independent Living

  • Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing

  • Interpreters

  • Alternative Augmentative Communication

This is the first time that the two conferences -- SERID, which focuses on educational and professional development for individuals who work with consumers who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and late-deafened, and the Touch the Future/Transition Conference, which focuses on issues surrounding assistive technology and education for people with disabilities -- have been held simultaneously.

The conference is designed to allow participants to explore state-of-the-art tools, techniques, principles, strategies, and innovative technologies that will help individuals with disabilities participate in their community and prepare for success. General Sessions with noted speakers and workshops on a variety of topics will be held throughout the conference, which is expected to attract about 1,200 attendees.

An exhibit hall showcasing the latest assistive technologies from all over the country and an interactive assistive technology computer lab will also be onsite.