Coleman Institute sets annual conference

Registration begins today for the 2011 Coleman Institute on Cognitive Disability and Technology Conference, set for Oct. 13 at the Westin Westminster Hotel. To view the full agenda and to register, visit:http://www.colemaninstitute.org/. There is no charge for the conference.

This year's national conference – State of the States, State of the Nation: 2011 – will focus on the challenging economic environment and the crucial role technology can play in improving quality of life, independence and the practical day-to-day realities of providing supportive environments for people with cognitive disabilities.

This year's conference speakers include:

• Peter Blanck, Ph.D., J.D.; chairman, Burton Blatt Institute, Syracuse University
• David Braddock, Ph.D., chair of conference; associate VP, University of Colorado
• Ann Caldwell, Ph.D.; chief research and innovations officer, the Arc of the US
• Henry Claypool, director, Office on Disability, United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS)
• Bill Coleman, founding donor; partner, Alsop-Louie Partners, San Francisco
• Diane Coyle, Ph.D., economist, author of "The Economics of Enough: How to Run the Economy as if the Future Matters" (Princeton University Press)
• Mark Emery, CEO, Imagine! Colorado
• Jim Gardner, Ph.D., president and CEO, the Council on Quality and Leadership
• Sharon Lewis, commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, USDHHS
• William Pound, executive director, National Conference of State Legislatures
• Jo Ann Simons, board chair, National Down Syndrome Society
• Sue Swenson, deputy assistant secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services
• Nancy Thaler, executive director, National Association of State Directors of DD
• Special Guest: Bruce Benson, president, University of Colorado

Watch for the call for posters, an opportunity to demonstrate research and provide students with conference poster session exposure.

The Coleman Institute's mission is to catalyze and integrate advances in science, engineering and technology to promote the quality of life and independent living of people with cognitive disabilities. It was established in 2001 by the University of Colorado Board of Regents. A private endowment and sustained annual contributions by founding donors William T. and Claudia L. Coleman support the institute's activities.

The Coleman Institute is headed by David Braddock, Ph.D., associate vice president of the University of Colorado, who serves as executive director. Enid Ablowitz is the associate director.