2024 Call for Abstracts

Information Equity: Empowerment through Technology, Advocacy and Collaboration

Sunday, 19 May to Tuesday, 21 May 2024
Novotel Perth Langley, 221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000

Technology has revolutionised the way information is accessed, disseminated, and used. In an era dominated by the rapid evolution of technology, this conference seeks to unravel the intricate interplay between technological advancements, advocacy efforts, and collaborative initiatives that collectively contribute to equitable access to information. The 2024 conference seeks to foster a comprehensive understanding of information equity as a vital component of a just and equitable society. It highlights the importance of collaborative efforts across different fields to address challenges faced by people with print disabilities, and to shape a future where everyone can fully participate.

Conference Aims

The 2024 conference aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, encourage knowledge exchange, and inspire innovative approaches to building a more inclusive and equitable society. It will provide a platform for people with print disability, accessible format producers, librarians, publishers, educators, policy makers, technology developers and other key stakeholders to come together to collaborate, share knowledge and learn together. Through knowledge-sharing, networking, and the exchange of innovative ideas, attendees will leave equipped with actionable strategies to drive positive change within their respective spheres of influence.

Invited Topics

We invite papers and workshops focusing on new developments in technology, research, advocacy initiatives, industry collaboration, legislation, policies, and/or service delivery models that promote equitable information access for people with print disabilities. The specific subthemes include:

Empowering Through Technology and Accessible Design: Exploring the latest advancements in AI, assistive technologies, web accessibility, and mobile applications that improve access to information and enhance the lives of people with print disability.

Inclusive Education and Lifelong Learning: Focusing on the role of technology in improving education for individuals with print disabilities. This includes discussions on teaching math, addressing dyslexia, enhancing higher education experiences, and facilitating the transition to the workforce.

Accessible Content Creation and Distribution: Addressing challenges and solutions related to publishing, copyright, alternative format creation, and the provision of library services to audiences with print disability. This subtheme also explores how museums, galleries, and Indigenous languages can be made more accessible through various mediums, including braille.

Advocacy, Law, and Creating Change: Exploring legal frameworks, advocacy strategies, and policy changes that promote the rights of individuals with print disability. This subtheme also includes sharing real-life stories and the voice of individuals with print disability.

Aging with Accessibility: Focusing on the unique challenges faced by elderly
individuals with print disability and/or their associates, particularly in
the context of aged care facilities and services.

Types of presentations

The conference will take place in person. We are looking for:

  • Oral presentation of approximately 30 minutes (20-minute presentation plus 10 minutes for audience questions or discussion).
  • Interactive workshop presentation of 60- or 90-minutes duration, providing opportunities for the active engagement of participants.

Conference participants and presenters

The conference provides a forum for all of those with an involvement or interest in information access for children and adults who cannot readily access standard print. Conference participants and presenters generally include the following:

  • Individuals with print disabilities, including people with vision impairment, learning disability and dyslexia.
  • Disability service providers, including national and local government agencies, education and rehabilitation professionals, disability officers, librarians, and web and technology developers.
  • Accessibility experts, specialists and researchers.
  • Consumer representative organisations.
  • Publishers, librarians and accessible format producers.

Closing date for abstract submissions: Thursday, 2 November 2023

Please complete the online Round Table Abstract Submission Form.

Accessibility of presentation

If your paper is accepted, you will be sent guidelines for accessible presentations that must be adhered to.

Attendance of other sessions

Presenters may attend the conference session prior to their session at no cost. If you wish to attend the full day or on an alternate day, or the full conference, then you will need to register and pay the applicable registration fees.

For further information regarding the program please contact:

Sondra Wibberley, Program Committee Coordinator
Email: ellen.1959@bigpond.com

For general information about the conference, please contact:

Marjorie Hawkings, Round Table Conference Planner / Administration Officer
By Email: admin@printdisability.org