Overview

This session offers insights into the experiences of two engineers, one working in the USA (originally from Ecuador) and the other working in Italy. Both are dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. Exploring their roles, backgrounds, collaborations with professionals, and contextual approaches, this presentation promotes cross-cultural learning and the exchange of best practices. By sharing experiences, the presentation seeks to inspire improvements in practice and the creation of more supportive environments for people with disabilities.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe one or more approaches to finding ideas and solutions for people with disabilities in the USA and Italy.
2. Identify at least two solutions that involved a multi-disciplinary approach between engineers and stakeholders when addressing the needs and goals of individuals with disabilities.
3. Identify at least three similarities and differences in Assistive Technology Services in Italy and USA.

Strand(s)

Assistive Technology for Physical Access and Participation; Aging & AT

Target Audience

Accessibility Professional; AT Specialists; Caregivers; Communication Specialist; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Consultants/Trainers; Disability Services; Educators; Family Members; Government/Non-Profit Agencies; Instructional Technologist; Occupational Therapists; Physical Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists; Vocational Rehabilitation

Experience Level

Introductory; Intermediate

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

All

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with recording

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Saturday, January 27 from 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM (EST)

Continuing Education Credits

For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Online Education CEUs

This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours

Recorded Session: This course is offered for 0.05 ASHA CEU Units or 0.5 ASHA CEU Hours per ASHA guidelines.

Speaker/s:

Stephanie Vasquez

University of Pittsburgh, Clinical Research Manager

Biography

Stephanie Vasquez is Ecuadorian but works in the USA. Stephanie serves as the Clinical and Research Manager at the University of Pittsburgh and as the Rehabilitation Engineer at UPMC Center for Assistive Technology. Stephanie’s clinical and engineering experience focuses on the integration of assistive technology, computer access, smart home technology, wheelchair testing, and wheelchair standards. Stephanie has experience working with children, youth, and adults in the assistive technology service delivery process and is also part of international committees involving wheelchair-related activities in low- and middle-income countries.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Nicola Liboni

SIM-PATIA, IT engineer

Biography

Nicola Liboni is Italian and lives in Italy. He has a degree in IT engineering at the Politecnico di Milano. He has been working since 2004 in the province of Como at SIM-PATIA (RSD and CDD for people with serious and very serious motor disabilities). He is coordinator of the technological area of SIM-PATIA. He has participated in Italian and European projects on the development of technological solutions for people with frailty (elderly and/or disabled). Over the years he has acquired knowledge of much of the existing Assistive Technology for people with disabilities. He has participated in various conferences, international and national projects. He is the patented inventor of an accessibility kit for elevators.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No