Computing power, communications and internet access are becoming increasingly untethered from the desktop and moving to the realm of portable, wireless technology. Devices such as mobile (cell) phones and PDAs (personal digital assistants) have become affordable and ubiquitous, and offer not only substantial computational power but also telephone and internet access, as well as a variety of sensors such as cameras, GPS and RFID readers. While the overwhelming majority of such devices are being marketed primarily to able-bodied users (primarily young, tech-savvy people without obvious disabilities), there is enormous potential to harness their capabilities for use in assistive technology. As of yet, however, this potential remains largely untapped, with very few commercially available systems of this type.

The purpose of this special thematic session is to bring together experts in assistive technology and computer science to discuss possible applications of portable and mobile technology for persons with all types of disabilities and limitations, including visual, auditory and cognitive deficits and motor/mobility problems.

Topics include (but are not limited to):

• Providing location information and directional guidance using GPS, Bluetooth, camera and Wi-Fi sensors
• Location-based services such as audio guides at museums, shopping centers and airports
• Computer vision and image processing-based applications, such as reading aloud text in documents and signs
• Human factors and augmentive-alternative interfaces for mobile devices
• Cell phone accessibility for persons with visual, auditory, motor or cognitive impairments
• Field testing and usability studies of commercially available systems