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LoginS.A. NovitaTechFest De-brief
Ms. Jane Hyde, the President of Novita Children’s Services Incorporated, was 
among the 450 plus people who attended the inaugural NovitaTechFest. This different style of assistive technology fair attracted a wide cross section of those involved with disability.
Contents
Overview
Therapists, teachers, parents, device users, funders, carers, support workers, allied health professionals all came together over the three days of the TechFest. Stories of both success and failure were exchanged along with experiences, strategies, applications and knowledge.
Everyone enjoyed the entertainment and excitement provided by arts groups Somersault Project, No Strings Attached, and Tutti Arts. The Regency Park Centre was colourfully decorated and a warm vibe was created. The strength of overseas presentations moved several people to tears as innovative approaches were shown to deliver inspiration for parents and professionals alike.
Despite the scale of the event it ran smoothly and is testament to the dedication and professionalism of Novita staff who conceived, organised and ran the whole affair. Please scan down to view the photos and read the feedback comments from those who experienced NovitaTechFest.
Nigel Duckett. Manager of Assistive Technology. NovitaTech.
Photos
Andrew Hewitt
Karen Erickson
Bruce Baker
Rare Old Times and Andrew Hewitt
Nigel Duckett - welcome speech
Janelle Sampson presenting S.P.E.L.L.
Melissa Dalidowicz and Annabel Gregory
Spastic Centre Display at Disability Org. Expo
SERU Display with Alister Davies
N.A.C.E. display with Jill Ward, Andrew & Daniel Rabbitt
Guide Dogs display at Disability Org. Expo
Artwork by Somersault in Novita Foyer
I.D.S.C. display with Julie Glazbrook and Karen Hill
Forum including Bruce Baker and Karen Erickson
Forum with Bruce Baker, Karen Erickson, Libby Price and Hugh Stewart
Pandy with Sam, about to start painting
Pandy Tsimboukis with finished painting
Rosemary Crossley & Libby Price
Jeff Price - Switch Adaption workshop
Carol Edwards - Boardmaker workshop
Carol Edwards - Boardmaker workshop
Dolly Bhargarva - Innovative Communication Programming
Experience Assistive Technology Rooms
Experience Assistive Technology Rooms
Experience Assistive Technology Rooms
Experience Assistive Technology Rooms
Melissa Trafela - Registration Desk
Lloyd Walker - Director NovitaTech
Bright artwork by Somersault in the theatre
Quinto Freewheeler Special Vehicle
from Les Brazier Special Vehicles (ph: 08-82551947)
Feedback comments
I would like to say a huge thankyou to all those who have worked so hard to put the last three days together.
As a parent it is always exciting and motivating to see and try the latest innovations available, take part in workshops, listen to inspiring speakers and there is always a lot of information to take away.
It gives us much hope for the future of our disabled children.
It is wonderful to see how much research and development has been, and still is being done, in the area of technology for the disabled, and how many opportunities it can provide for them to lead an easier and more meaningful lifestyle.
It was excellent. Well organised. Thankyou.
It has been absolutely wonderful to see such a wide cross section of our field represented here. It demonstrates the professional and personal commitments many people have to give the best support they can for the people they work with, whether they be clients, students, or family members. Well done, an excellent showcase of the latest technologies and support. Also the latest knowledge and great to have some discussion about the philosophies and attitudes of the community that impacts government and the funding available.
Wonderful, practical, real presentations that emphasised technology as a tool, not the solution. Not a technology "sell" but emphasis on what it can do for you and underlying principles. Emphasis on literacy is timely and powerful. What a tool for people with disabilities.
It was fantastic. Loved the entertainment, decorations, etc. Loved being able to try/play with equipment, programs etc. Talking books workshop and switches presentations were the best. Well done.
Wonderful free workshops. Great hands on workshops. Time too short. Longer sessions.
Gained more than expected. Expected it to be totally technology. Instead there has been research and background info. Made the experience richer than just repeating catalogue information.
I attended the Clicker 4 session, which was good but, not being quick on a computer, it was too fast for me. Would like more time to try things as we were taken through the program. So much to learn, too quickly.
Great venue, good range of presentations, easy to get to. Artwork, displays delightful and interesting. Very encouraging/stimulating to hear of good student/client outcomes. Very positive presenters, enthused about topics. Extremely valuable and worthwhile. Thankyou.
Bruce Baker's presentation on core vocabulary was very timely for me. I am about to update 2 ........... and have done a total about face in how I will be approaching the task. Loved the fun "can do" atmosphere. So inspired by the whole thing we even penned a Haiku poem:
Kaleidoscope of
polyphonic leis, smiles, skills,
zany tech team stars!
We were sorry we were not able to stay for the closing function, as we had a plane to catch. We appreciate all the work etc. that went into a fantastic 3 days. It was very informative and all appeared to run smoothly and everyone was enjoying things. Thanks heaps.
Fantastic workshop, opportunity to learn about new products, how they work, but also principles behind prescription tips, ideas etc. suggestion - more time in workshops.
Great to be immersed in E.C.U. for a morning, see new developments in equipment and get inspired. Enjoyed and learnt lots from opportunity to trial integrated controllers - presenters provided lots of practical tips/clinical application. Only able to go to 1 day but left very inspired. Very well done to all tired souls who are in Perth now.
Loved all the entertainment options! Thanks for organising lunch. It would've been cool to have a forum presented by people using A.A.C. devices (e.g. issues they face, things they find easy, stuff they wish they'd known when they started). All very enjoyable. Thanks for all your hard work.
The day did provide information and education. I believe I have more understanding of the latest extensive range technology is putting together. I think NovitaTechFest did everything they aimed for on the day. It was a day of learning for me at the grass roots disability community I work with. Great day. Congratulations to all.
This page last updated: 17 November 2005
URL for this page: http://www.novitatech.org.au/content.asp?p=515
