ARATA Soft Technology Awards
The ARATA Soft Technology Awards were introduced at the 2006 ARATA National Conference to recognise developments, improvements and innovations in service delivery to AT users and in the AT service industry. The aim of the awards is to promote quality service delivery and to acknowledge excellence in service provision. The Awards are offered in two categories, with one recognising achievement in direct service delivery and the other acknowledging contribution to the AT Industry as a whole.
Soft technologies include the knowledge, experience, and ingenuity of the AT practitioner and the structure of the service system which are very important in the effective transfer of technologies. This ‘human’ element of the AT system ensures that technologies are accessible to people who require them, that the ‘best’ technology is identified for each individual, and that technologies can be used effectively.
Consumers and service providers are invited to nominate people who have made a significant contribution to the development and delivery of AT services or the advancement of the AT industry in Australia. Nominees will then be invited to submit a two page (maximum) submission outlining their specific contribution to AT services or the AT Industry addressing the following criteria:
- Impact on AT users or consumers of AT services – including long term benefits
- Demonstration of innovation or leadership
- Clarity of purpose/rationale for approach, and;
- Evidence of effectiveness or improvement in the quality of service delivery
Winners of the ARATA Soft Technology Awards will be announced and presented with a certificate and $500 1st prize and $250 2nd prize at the upcoming ARATA National Conference in Hobart, from the 11th-13th August 2010. Nomination form is attached or can be downloaded from the ARATA website or requested by contacting: Desleigh de Jonge, Mob: 0438 371 688 or email d.dejonge@uq.edu.au. Completed nomination form must be received by 30th June 2010.
Download the Soft Technology Award nomination form here
ARATA Better Technology Awards
Sponsored by: the Institution of Engineers, College of Biomedical Engineering.
Annnouncing the winners of the Better Technology Awards are a highlight of the ARATA bi-annual Conference.
The aim of the awards is to provide incentive and encouragement for the design and marketing of a technological product. Awards were offered in two categories, Commercial and Prototype, with each award recipient presented with a cheque and certificate.
- Judging is by an expert panel of two rehabilitation engineers and one therapist with experience relating to the product.
- All products are judged on four main criteria, including product design, performance, support and appearance.
- First prize winners receive a cheque for $500, with runners up receiving $250.