17 May 2014

Call for papers: "Assistive Technology and Impacts on Innovation"

For a special issue of the International Journal of Transitions and Innovation Systems.

This special issue will focus on the impacts of assistive technology on innovation systems for improved function and access of individuals with disabilities and/or mobility impairments. We would like to emphasise technologies that assist in overcoming attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder the full and effective access, participation, inclusion and achievement of persons with disabilities.

Assistive technology plays a key role in organisation ecosystems in terms of transition and innovation challenges and impacts. Communities of experts in this ecosystem (e.g. occupational therapists, physical therapists, educators, engineers, assistive technology professionals, independent living specialists and others) have an important role in this spiral of innovation.

Technologies may include aids for daily living, augmentative/alternative communication, aids for computer access, environment control units, architectural elements, mobility aids, vehicle adaptations, orthotics and prosthetics, seating and positioning, recreation and leisure, sports, aids for blind people or people with low vision, and aids for people with hearing deficit or deafness.

In this context, particular topics will be very significant in the future:
  • The integration of theoretical models and techniques of assistive technology in contexts of dynamics of smart environments
  • The integration into models of emerging societal concerns related to assistive technology and smart working environments
  • Evaluation of assistive technology and societal problems
  • The adaptation of standards to assistive technology

Suitable topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Accessible toys, play and playgrounds
  • Assistive technology in rehabilitation
  • Community access technologies
  • Computer access technologies
  • Education access
  • Employment access
  • Environment access
  • Functional seating and positioning
  • Home access technologies
  • Independent living
  • Recreation, leisure and sports

Important Dates
Submission of manuscripts: 14 October, 2014 (extended)
Feedback to authors: 14 November, 2014
Submission for the second review: 30 December, 2014
Notification of final acceptance: 15 January, 2015
Final submission: 20 January, 2015

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