Frequently Asked Questions about the Annual Conference

Click on a question below to see the answer.

• When is the 2009 conference?

  Preconference: October 13-14, 2009 (Tuesday & Wednesday)
  Preconference workshops are full day workshops.

  Conference: October 15-17, 2009 (Thursday - Saturday)
  The Conference is a three-day event that includes over 200 one and two-hour presentations and an extensive exhibition hall.

• What is the conference schedule?

  Preconference workshops will be held Tuesday, October 13 and Wednesday, October 14, 2009.

  The Conference will be held October 15-17, 2009.

  Visit our Conference schedule page for more details.

• Where is the conference held?

  Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, 7800 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, Minnesota and the adjacent Hotel Sofitel, 5601 W. 78th St., Bloomington, Minnesota are the official hotels of the conference. All conference activities are held at these two hotels located just 10 minutes west of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

• What topics will be covered at the 27th Annual Closing The Gap Conference?

  Topics will cover a broad spectrum of technology as it is being applied to all disabilities and age groups in education, rehabilitation, vocation, and independent living. People with disabilities, special educators, rehabilitation professionals, administrators, service/care providers, personnel managers, government officials, and hardware/software developers will share their experiences and insights at what has become known as the most significant networking experience of the year -- the annual Closing The Gap Conference.

  The complete event includes two days (October 13-14, 2009) of day-long preconference workshops followed by three days (October 15-17, 2009) of over 200 one- and two-hour presentations, along with many commercial exhibitors.

• Who may attend the conference?

  The conference is open to anyone. All participants are required to register to attend. Admission to all presentations and other conference activities is open only to those who have registered and who are wearing a valid registration badge.

• What are the fees to attend the conference?

  Registration Fees

  Registration details, including, group, student and parent discounts will be available on or before January 1, 2009.

  Academic Credit

  Graduate level credits are available at a cost of $115 per credit.

  CEUS

  CEUs will be offered for all conference learning sessions without charge.

  Cancellation Policy

  Cancellations must be received in writing by Closing The Gap on or before October 1, 2008. All cancellations are subject to a $50 cancellation handling fee. Replacements are welcome and must be submitted in writing.

  No refunds after October 1, 2008. Unpaid balances are due in full.

• Where can I make hotel reservations?

  We have arranged for discounted rates at the conference site hotels and at two off-site hotels.

  Please visit the Hotels and Travel page for additional details on our recommended accommodations.

• What is the off-site hotel shuttling schedule?

  The shuttling schedule will be posted on the Closing The Gap Web site at a later date.

  Visit the Hotels and Travel page for additional information on our recommended accommodations.

• Who can handle my travel needs?

  Closing The Gap has arranged for Northwest Airlines to handle air travel needs for the conference.

  For the lowest possible air fares, in the United States and Canada, call Northwest Airlines at 800-328-1111 and ask about special Closing The Gap fares (I.D. code NYVNX). Northwest hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am - 7:30pm Central Daylight Time.

  Limo, taxi, and mobility assistance services are available. Hotel-airport shuttles available for Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Country Inn & Suites Bloomington West and Crowne Plaza Minneapolis Airport West.

  Accessible Transportation

  To arrange for accessible transportation while visiting the Minneapolis area, have your ADA certifying agency fax your certification information along with the address where you will be staying and dates you plan on being in Minneapolis to 651-602-1660 four weeks prior to your arrival date.

  Riders must be ADA certified in the state in which they live. For questions regarding certification, call Jim Nieman; 651-602-1665. If you are not ADA certified, call Airport Taxi at 612-331-8294 (special assistance provided if requested).

• Are scholarships available?

  A limited number of scholarships are available for persons with disabilities or parents/guardians of children with disabilities. These scholarships cover registration fees for the conference only (Thursday-Saturday), and do not cover preconference workshops, food, lodging or travel. Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first served basis and one time only per person. Persons that have previously received a scholarship from Closing The Gap are not eligible.

  To apply, complete a conference registration form, indicating your scholarship request. Submit the form and attach a letter describing your/your child’s disability and telling us why you would like to attend the conference.

  Applicants will receive written notification of acceptance or denial.

• Can I receive academic credit by attending the conference?

  Yes, Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota offers Graduate-level academic credit for various levels of conference attendance.

  Visit the Academic Credits and CEUs page for complete details.

• Can I receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by attending the conference?

  Yes, CEUs will be offered for all conference learning sessions without charge.

  Visit the Academic Credits and CEUs page for complete details.

• Is RESNA certification available?

  RESNA Certification Exam

  RESNA will be hosting the ATP/ATS/RET certification exam in conjunction with the Closing The Gap Conference at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel on Monday, October 13, 2008 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm.

  For more details about the certification program or about RESNA, please visit the RESNA Web site.

• How can I register to attend?

  You can register online or you can fax or mail in the registration form.

• How can I become a presenter?

  Closing The Gap will consider proposals for one-hour or multiple-hour sessions that describe and/or demonstrate successful applications of computer technology for persons with disabilities. Proposals are invited that report results of current applications, research, development of computer hardware, software, or adaptive devices, model programs, or procedures used by and for persons with disabilities. Proposals for sessions that demonstrate the use of software programs, adaptive devices, or the innovative use of standard computer technology are highly encouraged. Proposals should focus on practical applications rather than theoretical discourse. Proposals for open forums in which participants discuss, comment openly, and share ideas and opinions relevant to a primary subject or focus are also encouraged.

  The Submission Deadline of 2:00pm Central Daylight Time, Thursday, May 1, 2008 has expired. Online Submission is no longer available.

  Download the PDF

• How can I become an exhibitor?

  Exhibiting opportunites are availabe for what has become known as the most significant networking experience of the year -- the annual Closing The Gap Conference. Companies with a focus on computer and assistive technology for persons with disabilities are invited to apply for exhibitor space.

  Learn more about exhibiting.

• How can I receive a conference brochure?

  • You may request a brochure be sent to you in the mail.
  • Download the PDF