AWARE: Autism Software – how to get it out there
Informatics Forum, University of Edinburgh, September 25th 2012
Dear Delegate, Thank you so much for making the effort to come along to the AWARE event. We really hope everyone will find it an interesting, inspiring and above all useful day. If you go away with concrete ideas about how to enhance your research, tailor your work to the needs of the community we serve, and best of all, make your ideas available to the public, then we will have done our job. To try to help you get the most out of the day, we’ve included photos of the delegates in this programme, so you can identify anyone you’re particularly interested to meet. We’re also very happy to make introductions if you approach a committee member for help. Everyone will have name badges, and the committee’s badges will be orange. There should be plenty of ‘break-‐out’ time on the day to chat and share ideas informally, and we would encourage everyone to make the most of the opportunity to ask questions of our expert panel members and speakers. A little bit of housekeeping. The event site is within the eduroam wifi network so you can access that if you have a log in already. We will also have wifi logins available on the day at the registration desk. If you want to tweet about the event please use the hashtag #awareconf. We are going to try to film the event and post the video online afterwards so people who weren’t able to attend in person can benefit. Speakers and panel members will be asked to complete video waiver forms on the day. We’ll also be writing a report about the outcomes of our discussions which will be available after the event – we’ll send a copy round and post it online too. Once more, thanks so much for coming along and we hope you will enjoy the day! Best wishes, The AWARE Committee It is essential that the excellent work being done in Universities has a chance to reach the people for whom it was created, and an event like this to help make those connections with the public is a fantastic way to move forward. The NAS is delighted to be involved with the AWARE event Carol Povey, Director of the Centre for Autism, National Autistic Society This event will share academic expertise in the field of autism software, and also explore the different ways in which academic software developers can make their work available, whether via iTunes, a commercial partnership, creating a free download or starting up their own company. The event will consist of a mixture of talks, panel discussions and technological demos, as well as plenty of time to circulate and chat. We hope to encourage a collaborative and convivial atmosphere where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and to get feedback and advice on their own projects. We intend that everyone at the event will be able to:  share ideas about best practice in autism software design, implementation and evaluation  hear from both the commercial sector and end users about their perspective on autism software  see demos of new technologies for people with ASCs and showcase their own work  make collaborative links with people with a shared interest and expertise in this field For more information and the latest details see: http://www.clickeast.co.uk/about/software-‐for-‐autism-‐event/ THE INFORMATICS FORUM The AWARE event is being held in the landmark Informatics Forum, home of internationally renowned research in the field of technology-‐enhanced learning. This multi award winning building sits alongside new teaching, conference and technology transfer facilities in the heart of the University of Edinburgh. THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH Founded in 1583 The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked as one of the top Universities in the world. The mission of the University is the creation, dissemination and curation of knowledge. This event was made possible from funding through the Challenge Investment fund set up by the University. 2 | P a g e The event committee are: Alyssa Alcorn, Georgina Evans, Sue Fletcher-‐Watson, Anne Mourad, Helen Pain, Thusha Rajendran. We will be wearing orange badges on the day so we can be easily identified. Don’t hesitate to come and say hello! Invited speakers include: Ofer Golan: a Senior Lecturer and the Chair of the Child Clinical Programme in the Department of Psychology at Bar-‐Ilan University, Israel. Ofer co-‐created two landmark technology-‐enhanced learning products for people with ASCs. MindReading is an interactive program to support emotion and mental state understanding and The Transporters is a series of animated episodes and accompanying games which convey the same information to young children. Ofer will speak about his experience of developing and evaluating these programs and making them available, and about his new collaborative projects harnessing technology to support children with ASC. Judith Good: a Reader in Informatics at the University of Sussex. Her work focuses on the use of immersive virtual environments for learning, the design of visual programming languages for fostering understanding, and the use of game creation environments to foster children’s skills in programming, media creation and narrative. She will speak on the topic of Autism Software Design, describing, with examples, how a participatory design approach can be implemented to produce high quality, user-‐centered programs. Kate Ho: is the Managing Director of Interface3 which designs and delivers innovative, technology-‐led consumer experiences to digital and creative professionals. Kate’s work includes publishing the Find Me app which was part of the output for the Click East project at the University of Edinburgh. Kate will speak on the topic of autism software implementation. Wendy Keay-‐Bright: a Reader in Inclusive Design in the Cardiff School of Art and Design. She brings her background in graphic design and animation to bear on her current interdisciplinary work, which explores interaction in children with ASC. She is the creator of ReacTickles and Somantics, two sensory interactive programs made using a participatory design framework. Wendy will speak about her experience of creating these programs and making them available for free as a download and in iTunes. Sarah Parsons: a Reader at the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusive Education at Southampton University. Sarah is an expert on the use of virtual reality and other innovative technologies to develop social skills in children and young people with ASCs. She is a partner on the COSPATIAL project which has designed novel technologies to support collaborative learning and social skills. Sarah will speak about her experience of developing and evaluating a series of COSPATIAL prototypes and making them available for free online. There will be demos of the following new technologies: Azahar Project; Click-‐East / FindMe; Doorway Online; ECHOES; ilumivu; the NAO robot; Pictogram Rooms; ReacTickles; Skoog; Somantics (iPad and Kinect versions); and many more 3 | P a g e EVENT PROGRAMME 9am: event registration Tea, coffee and pastries will be served. This is an opportunity to set up your demo as well. SESSION ONE: WELCOME and THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, chaired by Alyssa Alcorn 9.30am: welcoming remarks Sue Fletcher-‐Watson, University of Edinburgh 9.40am: Autism software: theory Thusha Rajendran, Heriot-‐Watt University 10.00am: Autism software: design Judith Good, University of Sussex 10.20am: Autism software: implementation Kate Ho, Interface 3 10.40am: Autism software: evaluation Sue Fletcher-‐Watson, University of Edinburgh 11am, COFFEE BREAK including demos SESSION TWO: STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES 11.30am: chaired panel discussion with representatives from the autism community Chair: Alyssa Alcorn Panel members: Kevin Brook, Jack Cavers, Carol Povey, Sam Rospigliosi, Roger Turner 12.30am: discussion opens to questions from the floor 1pm, LUNCH including demos from 1.30 -‐ 2pm SESSION THREE: CASE STUDIES, chaired by Thusha Rajendran 2.00pm: Emotion Software case studies Ofer Golan 2.30pm: COSPATIAL case study Sarah Parsons 3.00pm: ReacTickles & Somantics case studies Wendy Keay-‐Bright 3.30pm, COFFEE BREAK SESSION FOUR: DISSEMINATION IDEAS 4.00pm: chaired panel discussion with members of academic, industry and charitable sectors Chair: Georgina Evans Panel members: Gerardo Herrera, Olivier Joubert, Ben Schogler, Phillip Whittaker 5.00pm: discussion opens to questions from the floor 5.30pm, DRINKS RECEPTION including closing remarks and thanks from Sue Fletcher-‐Watson We have booked a table at a nearby restaurant, 56 North, for dinner at 7.30pm. Anyone is welcome to join us, though this part of the event will be at the delegate’s own expense. If you wish to come you will need to sign up and choose your food options BEFORE LUNCH. 4 | P a g e Maps and Plans: the immediate area A: Informatics Forum B: Kenneth MacKenzie House Maps and Plans: the event space, on the fourth floor of the Informatics Forum 5 | P a g e List of Contributors Photo (where available) Name, affiliation, email, short biography & event role Alyssa Alcorn, University of Edinburgh, School of Informatics [email protected] I am an Informatics PhD student and ECHOES project researcher (2010-‐
2012). My current focus is on surprising events in virtual environments, and how these may stimulate interactions between children with ASCs and social partners. Alyssa will Chair the Stakeholder Panel. Linda Alexander, Linkage Community Trust [email protected] Linkage Community Trust, a national learning disability charity, based in Lincolnshire, is facilitating the development of Immersion -‐ seeper's work in creating a totally immersive learning environment for children with autism. Eran Arden, Timocco [email protected] Eran is CEO at Timocco, a company which provides a safe, educational and empowering gaming environment for children, and a platform that encourages the amelioration of everyday difficulties like physical or cognitive dysfunctions. Zhen Bai, University of Cambridge [email protected] Zhen Bai is a PhD student in the Graphics & Interaction Group of the Computer Laboratory of University of Cambridge. Her current research project is about using Augmented Reality technologies to promote pretend play behaviours of children with Autism. Her research interests include Augmented Reality, HCI and interaction design for kids.Reality technologies to promote pretend play of children with Autism. Laura Benton, University of Bath [email protected] I am in the final year of my PhD investigating how to support the participation of children with ASD within the technology design process. As part of this work I have developed a new participatory design method called IDEAS, which incorporates additional support and structure tailored to the needs of an ASD population. Kevin Brook, AutreachIT and ARGH (Autism Rights Group Highland) [email protected] Developing ASK (Autistic-‐Space Kit), an iOS app for autistics and others to facilitate communication, particularly in challenging situations. Kevin will sit on the Stakeholder Panel 6 | P a g e Jack Cavers, St Crispin’s School, Edinburgh Jack.Cavers@st-‐crispins.edin.sch.uk I am currently working at St Crispin's Special School in Edinburgh. The pupils have moderate to severe learning disabilities with the majority having an ASC diagnosis. I am interested in the potential uses of ICT in their learning and communication. Jack will sit on the Stakeholder Panel. Aurora Constantin, University of Edinburgh [email protected] Improving Social Communication Skills in Children with ASC through Social Stories and Humour Mihaela Dragomir, University of Edinburgh [email protected] I am currently a Masters student at the University of Edinburgh. I am planning an application for children with ASC ( to teach them a skill) as my masters thesis. Kevin Durkin, University of Strathclyde [email protected] Uses of new media by young people with developmental disorders. Georgina Evans, University of Edinburgh [email protected] Georgina is a commercial engagement executive in the Research and Knowledge Exchange Office who has overseen the licensing of the Click-‐
East iPad app to Interface 3 and is involved in a wide range of projects and events across the College. Georgina will Chair the Dissemination Panel. Sue Fletcher-‐Watson, University of Edinburgh sue.fletcher-‐[email protected] With a team of academic partners, I have recently developed an iPad app for very young children with autism. The app is now available on iTunes in a reduced content version through a commercial partner, Interface 3. Sue will speak in Session One at 10.40am Ofer Golan, Department of Psychology, Bar-‐Ilan University, Israel [email protected] Currently co-‐developing the ASC-‐Inclusion virtual world, teaching emotion recognition and expression to children with ASC. Ofer will be speaking in the Case study session at 2pm. 7 | P a g e Judith Good, University of Sussex [email protected] My work focuses on ways of involving children with ASCs in the design of new technology from the outset. I’m particularly interested in technology which helps users to learn new skills and gain more control over their everyday lives. Judith will be speaking in Session One at 10am. Andy Graham, Autism Guernsey. [email protected] Recently completed an MA Autism with a particular interest in three key areas -‐ iPhone software, Heartmath and virtual world technology such as Second Life. Michelle Grenier, University of New Hampshire [email protected] Michelle's interest in assistive communication utilizes technology, adapted equipment and intructional strategies. Ouriel Grynszpan,Université Pierre et Marie Curie [email protected] My research addresses socio-‐cognitive computerized training of face-‐to-‐
face social interactions with special emphasis on gaze and facial expressions. Emma Hanley, Autism Network Scotland [email protected] I work as a Network Coordinator for Autism Network Scotland. We are planning on developing online forums and virtual networks for professionals working in the field of ASD as well as service users with ASD. Gerardo Herrera, University of Valencia [email protected] Inclusive videogames with AR and VR systems, Person Centred Planning Technologies, Apps for Communication and Leisure. Gerardo will sit on the Dissemination Panel. Kate Ho, Interface3 [email protected] Kate is Managing Director of Interface3 which specialises in multi-‐touch solutions for the retail sector. Kate will speak in Session One at 10.20am. 8 | P a g e Andrew Horrell, University of Edinburgh [email protected] Andrew has an interest in using technology and ICT to support learning in physical education. Kat Houghton, Ilumivu [email protected] After designing and launching the first web-‐based tools for parents of children with autism I am now creating a mobile device to detect over-‐
arousal before behavioural signs are apparent. James Jackson, University of Sussex [email protected] Currently I’m exploring the use of sensor technology to provide real-‐time feedback on stress levels to children and young adults with autism spectrum conditions. Olivier Joubert, Aldebaran Robotics ojoubert@aldebaran-‐robotics.com Olivier Joubert, Autism Business Unit Manager at Aldebaran Robotics, is heading up the development and the market release of a semi-‐
autonomous humanoid robotics-‐enhanced learning solution for teachers in special education schools. Olivier will sit on the Dissemination Panel. Wendy Keay-‐Bright, CARIAD: Centre for Applied Research in Inclusive Arts and Design, Cardiff Metropolitan University [email protected] My key areas of research are in participatory design methods, interactive performing arts and affective computing. The applied research projects take form through designing with people with profound disabilities, envisioned through the development of technologies that position interaction as dynamic, socially constructed and experienced. Wendy will be speaking in the Case study session at 3pm Andrew Manches, University of Edinburgh [email protected] Andrew is shortly to join the School of Education at Edinburgh and has an interest in interaction with digital technology for early years learning, especially in numeracy. He was also formerly a teacher of children with autism. 9 | P a g e Morag Maskey, University of Newcastle [email protected] I hold a two year Daphne Jackson Trust Fellowship and am investigating the use of immersive virtual environments to help reduce anxiety in young people with ASD, particularly those with specific phobias. http://www.blueroomisv.com/presentations/autism-‐research Rachel Menzies, University of Dundee [email protected] A PhD student with research interests in user-‐centred design with children with Autism Spectrum Conditions. Conrad Molleson [email protected] Developing hands on learning materials informed and used by young people from mainstream and special education backgrounds. David Moore, Leeds Metropolitan University moore-‐[email protected] Dr. David Moore is a recently retired Principal Lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University, UK. Anne Mourad, University of Edinburgh [email protected]
Anne works at the University of Edinburgh in the Research and Knowledge Exchange office, recently overseeing a highly successful Building Connections RKE event at the Edinburgh College of Art Anne is on the AWARE committee. Helen Pain, University of Edinburgh [email protected] Helen works in the field of human-‐computer interaction and educational software design. She has focussed on supporting communication in children with special needs, e.g. helping children with Complex Communication Needs generate jokes (STANDUP). Recent research has focused primarily on the needs of children with ASC, in particular supporting social communication skills, contributing to the ECHOES and ClickEast research projects.
Helen is on the AWARE committee. Sarah Parsons, University of Southampton [email protected] Ten years of research into use of technologies by people with learning disabilities, with a particular emphasis on the use of Virtual Reality by children on the autism spectrum. Sarah will be speaking in Session Three at 2.30pm. 10 | P a g e Lydia Plowman, University of Edinburgh [email protected] Lydia is a member of the advisory group for the Technology-‐Enhanced Learning programme funded by ESRC and EPSRC, and an invited member of the National Toy Council. She has more than twenty years’ experience conducting research into children’s interactions with technology. Carol Povey, National Autistic Society [email protected] The National Autistic Society is keen to encourage and stimulate innovation and research in technology. We are keen that people with ASC, their families, researchers and developers work together. Carol will sit on the Stakeholder Panel. Thusha Rajendran, Heriot-‐Watt University [email protected] The use of psychological theory in ICT autism. The development of technologies for computer-‐role play, multitasking and joint attention skills. Thusha will speak in Session One and will Chair the Case Study session. Sam Rospigliosi, Parent [email protected] Sam Rospigliosi is the mum of Veronica who is six and severely affected by autism and dyspraxia. Touchscreen technology has transformed Veronica's life. Sam will sit on the Stakeholder Panel. Ben Schogler, Skoog Music [email protected] Ben is the Co-‐Founder of Skoogmusic Ltd and Co-‐Inventor of Skoog with over ten years’ experience in applying new technology to create useful and practical solutions in real world settings. Working at the forefront of Human Communicative Musicality and a member of the Perception Movement Action Research Laboratories, Edinburgh. Ben will sit on the Dissemination Panel. Roger Turner, AutreachIT [email protected] Developing ASK (Autistic-‐Space Kit), an iOS app for autistics and others to facilitate communication, particularly in challenging situations. Roger will sit on the Stakeholder Panel. 11 | P a g e Philip Whittaker, Doorway Online [email protected] Philip is a retired teacher-‐ ICT Support for Additional Needs in Scottish Borders. The development of Doorway Online has proved welcome to ASC learners because of its consistency of presentation, lack of distracting features and basis in sound teaching experience. Philip will sit on the Dissemination Panel. 12 | P a g e Some useful information: Getting to Edinburgh: For information on getting to Edinburgh and travel please see: http://www.ed.ac.uk/about/city/getting-‐here Edinburgh Airport: Edinburgh airport is approximately 8 miles west of the city centre. There are a number of buses which travel between the airport and the University. For further information on travel from the airport please see: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-‐departments/transport/public-‐transport/air/travel-‐airport-‐bus Central Taxi bookings: 44 (0) 131 229 2468; http://www.taxis-‐edinburgh.co.uk/home Dinner: A dinner is planned for the evening of the 25th September at nearby 56 North. Have a look here for more info or to download their menu:. http://www.fiftysixnorth.co.uk/ Key contacts Anne Mourad: expenses, accommodation and travel bookings Tel: +44 (0) 131 650 2835 Email: [email protected] Georgina Evans: industry contact Tel: +44 (0) 131 651 4388 Email: [email protected] Sue Fletcher-‐Watson: academic and service user representative contact Tel: +44 (0)131 651 6356 Email: sue.fletcher-‐[email protected] 13 | P a g e