Forum Proceedings

Roles and Structure of the T²RERC

The project staff of the T²RERC are from three organizations: the Center for Assistive Technology, University at Buffalo (administrative and technical staff), the Western New York Independent Living Project (WNYILP) (consumer staff), and AZtech Inc. (marketing staff). The project staff has the full range of technical, marketing and consumer expertise required by the T²RERC. Project activity is concentrated at the Center for Assistive Technology, although staff draw upon resources from their home organizations. Project staff work in cross-functional teams to ensure that all perspectives are represented in each activity.

Center for Assistive Technology

The Center for Assistive Technology (CAT), University at Buffalo, conducts research, education, service and policy projects addressing assistive technology for people with disabilities. The CAT staff provides support to the T2RERC, either directly, as employees, or indirectly, as consultants.

Core CAT staff provide administrative support. Researchers participate in project design, data analysis and publications. Educators provide their knowledge of the state of the science and practice, and integrate research and service findings into their coursework. Service providers contribute their expertise on service delivery, assistive device applications, and policy issues. Consumers advise the CAT on all projects, and participate as staff, students and consumers. The CAT's mission is to increase knowledge about assistive devices for persons with disabilities. The Center works in four related areas: 1) research and development of assistive devices for education, employment, leisure, and daily living, 2) education for students, professionals and consumers, 3) assistive device service provision, and 4) dissemination of information about assistive technology.

AZTECH

AZtech is one of three organizations in partnership with the T²RERC. AZtech provides market research for companies in the field of assistive technology for persons with disabilities and the elderly. It also makes significant contributions to development of new technologies through its technology transfer program. AZtech has extensive resources, knowledge and experience in the assistive technology industry. Staff from AZtech provides the T²RERC with marketing and industry analysis for the negotiation and execution of sales agreements, license and other contracts needed to accomplish a successful transfer.

Western New York Independent Living Project, Inc. (WNYILP)

The WNYILP is the consumer voice for T²RERC. It has the ability to bring consumers, consumer family members and friends, clinicians and product experts to participate in research performed for all of the Center's programs. Their national network of agencies has been a major resource in the work of the T²RERC, and, in particular, bringing together consumer representatives for the work of the demand pull project.

Smith-Kettlewell Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Blindness and Low Vision (SKI) (http://www.ski.org/Rehab)

The Smith-Kettlewell Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center undertakes projects designed to produce new technology and methods for understanding, assessing and rehabilitating people with blindness and visual impairment. The target population of SKI consists of people who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind. Principal funding for the Center is through a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), with additional funding from other grants and sources for projects related to SKI's overall goals.

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