The Good Days in the United StatesDr. Tavee Cheausuwantavee, Assistant Professor and Director of the M.A. Program in Rehabilitation Services at Mahidol University in Thailand, came to the United States after meeting Sara Sack, Senior Research Professor at the Kansas University Life Span Institute. Dr. Sack directs the Assistive Technology for Kansans program and has several state and federal projects related to increasing independence, employment, and education for persons with disabilities and health conditions through the use of assistive technology solutions. Dr. Sack and Dr. Cheausuwantavee met at the International Convention on Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology in Bangkok, Thailand in the spring of 2008. The two researchers found many interests in common and began discussing how to establish a collaborative relationship between their programs. Plans were developed which included a visit to the University of Kansas. Dr. Cheausuwantavee came to the States in late January to attend the Assistive Technology Industry Association conference in Orlando and then traveled to Lawrence to meet with researchers from the Life Span Institute, the Director of Kansas Rehabilitation Services, and the Executive Director of the Kansas Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities. During his time in Lawrence, Dr. Cheausuwantavee visited the Pardee Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Resource and Research Laboratory in the Schiefelbusch Speech-Language- and Hearing Department. He presented his research on Policy and Implementation: Assistive Technology for Disabled Students in Thailand and heard about disability policy development in the United States. The discussions were spirited and far too soon Dr. Cheausuwantavee was on the 29 hour flight back to Thailand. While in the air he sent his regards and titled his message The Good Days in the U.S. Communication is continuing between the researchers and LSI staff have an invitation to come to Thailand. For a copy of Dr. Cheausuwantavee’s presentation, contact ssack@ku.edu |
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