Third TIDE CongressTechnology for Inclusive Design and Equality, Improving the Quality of Life for the European CitizenConference and Exhibition: 23–25 June 1998, Marina Congress Center, Katajanokanlaituri 6, Helsinki, Finland. We are striving towards sustainable development which is economically feasible, ecologically prudent and socially just. Technologies have served human needs, and overcome many obstacles. Technology is best seen as involving both social and technical processes. It is social because it is based on learning in organisational and social contexts, and close interaction between producers and users provides the best solutions. It is ultimately up to society to select which technologies will be developed, accepted and used. Following Brussels in 1993 and Paris in 1995, the third TIDE congress takes place in Helsinki. TIDE (Technology Initiative for the integration of Disabled and Elderly people) has not only contributed to the social objectives of enhancing independent living and social integration through technological applications, but has also contributed to the creation of an important market in new products and services which meet the needs of older people and people with disabilities. This has been done through co-operation in R&D projects of research centres, commercial and industrial companies, rehabilitation and care professionals, public and private services providers, and last but not least users and their organisation. The congress is organised around three main themes. The first is centred on accessibility and design for all , including good practice examples. The second is about users and users empowerment and involvement. The last is about assistive technology research and technological developments. Factors that support the uptake of technologies such as standards and legal and economic factors will be considered as well. The TIDE Congress is designed to widen our future prospects, to show the most modern technologies with a human face, and to convince the audience of the added value and benefits of close collaboration between users, technology developers, policymakers and researchers. Conference themes
ExhibitionThe exhibition will show the results of most of the TIDE Projects now finished and the actual status of the Projects, currently halfway through their lives in the Telematics Applications Programme sector Disabled & Elderly. Projects will exhibit working prototypes and their representatives will be able to tell visitors about their work and demonstrate the systems. Other projects will display posters showing their goals and status. There will also be a restricted number of organisations and companies not currently participating in TIDE projects which will also exhibit results of innovative research work from Europe and beyond. TimetableA preliminary program exists at the conference website (address below). Pre-registration at a reduced rate closes on 17 April 1998. General informationTIDE Congress c/o TSG-Congress Ltd., Kaisaniemenkatu 3 B 12 FIN-00100 Helsinki, Finland. Tel: +358 9 628 044; fax: +358 9 667 675 Email: info@tsgcongress.fi Website: http://www.stakes.fi/tidecong | ||