ICCHP 2012 - 13th International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs

2012 marks the 13th biennial International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs (ICCHP). From the inception of the conference, ICCHP has been a vibrant forum for the discussion of serious physical and societal issues related to the quality of life of people with special needs. From educational issues, to mobility problems, to disability rights to issues associated with the aging of our society, and beyond, ICCHP has supplied a venue for open discussion on complex issues, and the exchange of cutting edge scientific breakthroughs to make the life of people with special needs more fulfilling. Starting as a conference concerning people with disabilities, the ICCHP meeting has become a voice for discussion and potential adoption of new science and public policy analysis to a world of increasingly longer lifespans and the difficulties inherent in that phenomenon. Given longer life expectancy and the decline of national birth rates, the community of the disabled is growing at a faster rate than expected. As a result of changes in the demographics in our world, the ICCHP meeting has maintained its position as an important voice in the quality of life for people with disabilities from birth to old age. The meeting annually hosts high-quality, well reviewed submissions from scientists and policy makers from around the world. In addition to the traditional paer sessions, the meeting also includes industry representatives showing their new products and looking for new ideas. Additionally, the conference affords spaces and times for less formal discussions ? an important factor supporting the transfer of knowledge so needed in our endeavors. My name is Art Karshmer and I have been attending ICCHP meeting since their early days. I have served on the program and organizing committees and this year I will serve as General Chair of the meeting. While I attend numerous such meetings every year, ICCHP has always been my favorite. From excellent management to super sessions and special events, I recommend this conference to you. Please examine our current call for papers and plan on joining us in July for the actual meeting. I look forward to meeting you in Linz and am certain you will find the conference helpful to your scientific endeavors and discussion of public policy that will have a meaningful impact on your career.