The organisation committee of the AAATE 2011 conference consists primarily of two organisations. These two organisations have a tradition of collaboration and have a longstanding affinity with the domain of Assistive Technology in the region, in the Netherlands and in Europe. On the basis of these activities and their involvement in the foundation and organisation of AAATE the two are be proud to host the 2011 edition of the AAATE conference.

Zuyd University

Zuyd University is a university for applied sciences (Hogeschool Zuyd in Dutch). It is an attractive and modern university of applied sciences and arts in the beautiful province of Limburg in The Netherlands. We are situated at the centre of the Meuse-Rhine Euregion, one of the most dynamic regions in Europe, including cities like Aachen (Germany), Heerlen and Maastricht (The Netherlands) and Hasselt and Liège (Belgium). Zuyd University offers a wide range of study programmes that are focussed on the interests of students and the needs of the regional, national and international labour market.

Zuyd University is one of the ten largest universities of applied sciences and arts in The Netherlands, offering more than 50 full-time, part-time or work-based courses (bachelor's and master's degree). Our courses embrace nearly all sectors of higher professional education:

• Economics and Languages
• Behaviour & Society
• Health Care
• Education
• Engineering & Technology
• Arts

Combining the expertise domains of several of these faculties Zuyd University hosts the Research Centre Technology in Care (www.technologyincare.nl). Here an intensive collaboration exists with Vilans, including shared personnel.

Assistive Technology is at Zuyd University important in the curriculum mainly of the school for Occupation Therapy and increasingly for the applied technical schools.

The facilities of Zuyd University in Maastricht will also be the venue for preconference workshops. 

Vilans

Vilans is the national expertise centre on long term care. The activities of Vilans cover a wide range of professional domains, all aimed at developing and implementing knowledge supporting the position of professionals working with or for individuals needing long term care, elderly, chronically ill or handicapped. One of the domains of these activities is covered by the programme Technology and Accessibility. Its domain is the support of development and implementation of Assistive Technology. Vilans headquarters is located in Utrecht in the centre of the Netherlands.

Vilans was established in 2007 on the basis of a merger between four organisations including iRv that used to be located in Hoensbroek. Both intended chairs have been active at iRv for many years and continued their activities within Vilans.

PCO

Pauwels Congress Organisers (PCO) is our partner in organising the AAATE2011 conference. PCO is an experienced full-service congress organisation agency located in the heart of Maastricht. The PCO team has a great deal of experience in the organisation and coordination of all kinds of congresses. From large, scientific congresses to intimate corporate events and your association’s membership administration. Large, small, one-day, multi-day, national or international. Based in Maastricht, we organise events across all of Europe.