2008 International Conference on Aging, Disability and Independence (ICADI)

The International Conference on Aging, Disability and Independence (ICADI) will focus on approaches to support people as they age in maintaining independence in daily living at home, at work and in the community.

As people age, independence can be maintained by use of assistive technology, by modifying homes, workplaces and environments and by selecting products that follow universal design principles. As people remain in the workforce into advanced years or return to work, knowledge and technologies are developing to adapt workplaces to meet their needs. Aging in the workplace is a new and significant area of focus for ICADI this year. Livable communities is another new focus, representing a broadening of the concepts of home modification and universal design to address design of communities so they are livable for all people. Mobility is another important component of independence as it relates to walking and wheeling, to driving and to using other methods of transportation. Prevention of injuries is essential to maintaining independence in advanced years. Current and future development in robotics will help and support individuals in everyday tasks; and, advances in telehealth approaches hold promise in monitoring and serving health and independence-related needs.

Each of these is important to aging well and will be addressed in seven ICADI tracks by an international cadre of presenters representing research and development, policy, practice and services, business, and consumer perspectives.