Konnichiwa! DO-IT Scholars Participate in International Conference

Date: 
Thursday, December 16, 2004

On December 3rd, DO-IT Scholars (and UW Students) Chris and Ryan participated in the Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication (ATAC) conference which happened at the Kyoto International Conference Hall in Kyoto, Japan.

Chris and Ryan joined with DO-IT Program Manager Sara Lopez at the Seattle office and connected to the ATAC conference using iChat technology- a video and audio Internet connection. In Japan, Dr. Mamoru Iwabuchi and DO-IT Program Coordinator Scott Bellman spoke to an audience of Japanese teachers and service providers who were interested in the role technology can play in K-12 education and college preparation.

This small "panel of experts" answered several questions which were translated into Japanese by Mamoru, such as:

  • What have you learned from DO-IT?
  • What accommodations do you have at school?
  • What are your tips for independent college life.
  • Do you have advice for younger students with disability for their future success?
  • What kind of concerns and challenges do high school students with disabilities have regarding the transition to post-secondary education?
  • What can teachers at high school do for their students' successful transition?
  • How can we expand support team network (educate other teachers and staff) for students with disabilities at school?
  • Should students disclose their disabilities when submitting their application and/or having an interview?
  • What can students do for their career preparation?
  • What are some tips for developing an online mentoring community?

Mamoru partnered with Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler, DO-IT Director, and Scott Bellman to present a paper at the conference, entitled Transition guide for High School students with disabilities. After the conference, Mamoru stated "We had about 70 people on the Japan side. People say that it was a big success! I could never have this great feedback without your contribution. All your answers were clear and contained powerful message to the audience. I am sure you have made a good change here! You were fantastic DO-IT delegates!"

For more information about DO-IT's global efforts, visit the DO-IT International Connections web page at: DO-IT International Initiative.