2004 Summer Institute : Final Report

About the Dis-IT Research Alliance

The 2004 Dis-IT Summer Institute was presented by the Disability and Information Technologies (Dis-IT) Research Alliance. The Dis-IT Research Alliance is a three-year project bringing together leading researchers, representatives of disability organizations, government, industry and service providers who are studying how to ensure that Canadians with disabilities can be part of the innovations and emerging information and communications technologies of the knowledge-driven New Economy. Dis-IT is examining how information and communications technologies can increase the quality of life and the inclusion of Canadians with disabilities in four areas: employment, post-secondary education, retail and public services, and democratic participation. It is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)'s Initiative on the New Economy (INE).

Summer institutes are an integral part of the knowledge dissemination component of the research alliance. They provide opportunities for participants from various backgrounds to meet face to face and share their ideas, information, and perspectives. Another Dis-IT institute will be held in the spring of 2005. A conference showcasing the findings of the research alliance will be held in 2006.

Each afternoon of the institute began with introductions around the room. These introductions contributed to the spirit of interaction and collaboration, of listening and interdisciplinary perspectives, and breaking down the distinction between audience and presenter, expert and layperson, academic and non-academic. Presentation styles varied from day to day, including interactive sessions with presenters, panel discussions, small group discussions, and formal presentations followed by large group discussions.