Top E-software Executive to Deliver Keynote Address on Improving Lives of People with Cognitive Disabilities through Technology 5/22/2002
From: Bruce Appelgren of AAMR, 202-387-1968, brucea@aamr.org Enid Ablowitz of The Coleman Institute, 303-492-6851, Enid.Ablowitz@cu.edu WASHINGTON, May 22 -- On May 30, William T. Coleman III, founder, chairman, and chief strategy officer of BEA Systems, the fastest growing e-software company in U.S. history, will deliver a keynote address close to his heart and his company -- how technology can revolutionize the quality of life of persons with cognitive disabilities. This keynote address, Cognitive Disability and the Future of Technology, will take place at the Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa in Orlando, Fla., on May 30 at 9 a.m. in the Great Hall North. The address will be given at the 126th Annual Meeting of the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR), a network of 7,500 developmental disability professionals. Coleman and his wife, Claudia, made a commitment to give $250 million to the University of Colorado's Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities in 2000. The mission of the institute 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." The Coleman Institute's ability to stimulate collaborations can have far reaching impact in the design of technology-based products for people with disabilities. "I saw some of the incredible research done in cognitive science, including the use of computer-based technologies. I saw a connection with the work my company BEA Systems has been doing with personalization technology for the Internet and possible techniques to help those with cognitive disabilities," explains Coleman. Simpler personal digital assistants, smart transportation, and smart housing are examples of technologies that have tremendous potential to boost independence and quality of life for persons with special cognitive needs. "I passionately believe that we as a society have the intelligence and the responsibility to develop technologies that will expand the ability of those with cognitive disabilities to learn, understand, and communicate," says Coleman. "Bill Coleman is a philanthropist at heart and is committed to serving persons with special needs. We are honored to have a long-time friend and supporter in Bill and we are delighted that he is sharing his innovations in technology with members of the developmental disability community," said Doreen Croser, executive director of AAMR. For a complete listing of the AAMR conference program in Orlando, including sessions, workshops, and keynote addresses, visit http://www.aamr.org. --- For more information about AAMR, contact Bruce Appelgren at brucea@aamr.org or call 202-387-1968. For information about the Coleman Institute, contact Enid Ablowitz at 303-492-6851 or Enid.Ablowitz@cu.edu |