National Conference on “Global Trends in Assistive Technology and Adapted Sports” was jointly organized by two Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education (FDMSE) and the Faculty of General and Adapted Physical Education and Yoga (GAPEY) of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Coimbatore Campus on 15thand 16th of March 2019.
Dr. Muthaiah, Dean, FDMSE, welcomed the gathering and introduced the theme of this national conference. Swami Mahamedhanandaji Maharaj, Editor, Vedanta Kesari, delivered the Presidential address. In his address, Swami Mahamedhanandaji Maharaj urged the audience to view difficult circumstances as opportunities and emphasized the importance of attitude in facing such situations. Dr. Homiyar Mobedji, Bookshare (India) – Head, Benetech Inc. USA, delivered the Keynote address. He stressed the importance of accessibility for persons with visual impairment and that content, device and training are three important processes required in facilitating accessibility to print materials. Dr. Alagesan, Professor & Head, GAPEY then proposed the vote of thanks. Twelve innovative Assistive Technology Stalls were displayed as a part of the assistive technology exhibition by various organizations.
A total of 172 delegates attended the conference. Fifty delegates presented papers on various themes related to the conference in three parallel sessions on two days.