PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
Deadline to Submit – Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Session Proposals
Closing The Gap will consider proposals for in-person, one-hour or multiple-hour sessions that describe and/or demonstrate successful applications of assistive technology for persons with disabilities.
- Proposals are invited that report results of current applications; research; development of 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, mobile apps, adaptive devices or the innovative use of assistive technology are highly encouraged – especially specific how-tos, tips and tricks and product comparisons.
- Proposals should focus on practical applications, implementation strategies and best practices, rather than theoretical discourse.
- Proposal content should be supported by evidence and should include quantitative performance data.
- 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.
- Because the median assistive technology sophistication level of Closing The Gap Conference participants advances each year, Closing The Gap encourages proposals for sessions directed at persons who are actively using assistive technology in education, rehabilitation, vocation or independent living – typically intermediate to advanced level users.
- Closing The Gap recognizes the continued need for introductory activities as well, and will select a range of proposals that meets needs across the assistive technology experience continuum and facilitates a balanced interchange between special educators and rehabilitation professionals.
Poster Sessions
- Poster sessions will also be considered and are intended to highlight a research study. Poster Session proposals are invited that report results of research, current applications, development of hardware, software or adaptive devices; model programs or procedures used by and for persons with disabilities.
In offering to present a paper, it is expressly understood that if accepted:
Presenter agrees to present in-person, in Minneapolis and understands the presentation may be scheduled at any time on any of the conference days (Oct. 23-25) at the discretion of the conference organizers.
Procedure
Online submission is required.
Presenter Information: If there will be more than one presenter, a lead presenter must be designated and complete contact information provided for lead and each additional presenter is required. Individual photo(s) of all presenter(s) are required with each proposal. Up to three additional presenters may be added to your proposal online. If you have more than three additional presenters, please email us the additional details.
3-Question Quiz: For CEU purposes, a 3-question quiz (and corresponding correct answers) is required with each proposal. Questions must be formatted in multiple choice or true/false format.
Abstract: A 300- to 500-word abstract is required. This abstract will be reviewed by a conference panel and is critical in determining the quality and acceptance of the session.
Summary: A 125-word summary is also required. This summary should be written in the future tense, concisely stating session sequence and scope, and highlighting concrete examples and products. This summary must be congruent with the content of the actual session. It will be published in conference materials and used by participants as the basis for attending and evaluating the session.
Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes are mandatory for all proposals and are an important part of the review process. If the proposal is accepted, learning outcomes are published in the program.
Learning outcomes describe what participants will be able to do after attending the session and must be stated as observable behaviors that complete the sentence “As a result of this activity, participants will be able to…”. Learning outcomes should begin with an action verb, include measurement, and be specific.
An example of a learner outcome might be, “As a result of this activity, participants will be able to identify three alternative writing tools beyond traditional pencil and paper that support learners in producing written communication, and distinguish characteristics of students to match to each tool.”
Learning outcomes that indicate that an attendee will learn, understand, or know something are not measurable and are NOT ELIGIBLE for Closing The Gap CEUs and thus, cannot be accepted. Check the CEU area of the AAC Institute website for appropriate verbs to be used for learning outcomes statements. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted learning outcomes may be returned for revision or may not be accepted.
Presenter Registration Savings
Presenters are required to register for the conference. Presenters qualify to register for the conference for $425 (through September 15) $625 (Sept. 16 – Oct. 1); $655 if received after October 2. Regular registration is $525/$655.
SEND YOUR TEAM AND SAVE WITH GROUP DISCOUNTS!
Groups 4+ Deduct $30 per person
Groups 8+ Deduct $50 per person
Groups 12+ Deduct $70 per person
ADMINISTRATORS PARTICIPATE FREE
When any school district staff member registers for a pre conference workshop or the conference, one administrator (Special Education Director, Principal or Superintendent) from that school district can attend the conference, Wednesday through Friday, and the exhibition preview, Tuesday evening, for FREE! Limits apply.
PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Pre conference workshops are scheduled for October 21-22 and cost $330 for 1-day workshops, $550 for 2-day.
Up to $200 Bundle and Save discount may be applied when you bundle your workshops purchase with any 3-day conference registration.
Proposal Confirmation & Notifications
Upon successful submission of your proposal you will receive email confirmation and copy of your proposal. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us immediately.
Confirmation of proposal acceptance/declination, and confirmation of specific date and time of accepted presentation will be sent by the third week of June.
If proposal is accepted, presenters will be required to provide a PDF handout for their presentation for posting on Closing The Gap’s website.
Selected manuscripts submitted by conference presenters will be considered for publication in Closing The Gap Solutions. Guidelines for submitting materials for these proceedings will be sent upon confirmation of session acceptance.