Azevedo said the CSUN center, which serves about 750 disabled students each year, has become a model for universities around the world. The conference also will feature 200 information sessions on such diverse topics as basic web page design and tools for accessing the Internet to talking books and Braille music translators. Vitale was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in recent years and now uses the device he helped invent. Also conducting an information session will be Mark Sakata, one of two technology specialists at the CSUN center who keeps up with the latest assistive technology devices, items that help people with disabilities overcome their limitations. The conference's keynote speaker for the second time will be science fiction author Ray Bradbury.
Few people realize that.
He's never driven a car. He had a severe hearing loss as well. New research, products and applications in these areas are of great interest to our audience. Murphy sees the future of the conference growing. He expects more exhibitors for the 1998 session, and said attendance could grow to 4,000 to 5,000 people by 2001.