Foreword

Welcome to RESNA 2006, Thriving in Challenging Times: The Future of Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology.  The proceedings of this conference are a valuable asset and a tangible archive of our body of knowledge in 2006. Given the speed of change, it is fun to think what this "cutting edge" body of knowledge will look like in the year 2026, or 3006.

What will not change is the commitment of people who share the interest in persons with a disability and the use of technology. In 2006 these areas of interest include in-depth exploration of many different areas of application:

• Computer Applications & Communication
• Job & Environmental Accommodations
• Outcome and Quantitative Measurement
• Public Policy
• Technology for Cognitive & Sensory Impairments
• Wheelchair Seating Technologies and Interventions
• Wheeled Mobility Technologies and Interventions

The RESNA Conference and these Proceedings are a reflection of the commitment of many people. As the Conference Chair, I would like to thank all who took the time to gather their thoughts, submit their work for peer review and dedicate themselves to share with you - the authors of all the papers included in these proceedings. I would also like to thank all of those involved in the review process - our Track Chairs - Shirley Fitzgerald (Research Track), Ray Grott and Glen Ashlock (Practice Track) and Jamie Prioli (Public Policy Track) and our Topic Coordinators: Mike Babinec, Cathy Bodine, Mary Ellen Buning, Carrie Bruce, Gary Downey, Tony Gentry, Rob Groenendaal,  Nancy Meidenbauer, Allen Seikman, Lisa Simone, Jay Martin and Mark Novak.

On behalf of the entire conference planning committee, we would especially like to recognize the extraordinary efforts of  Marybeth Leongini, Rosina Romano and Tom Gorski whose daily efforts make the implementation of so many plans actually come together to create our terrific conference.

Our last thank you is for our incredibly important Proceedings Editor and Creator - Denis Anson, the whiz who makes all the digital things happen.

Enjoy and share - remember to plug in these proceedings as you both prepare for the upcoming conference and when you reflect on some of the terrific work being done in the field.

Barbara Crane, PhD, PT, ATP  
On Behalf of the 2006 Meetings Committee