Fourth International Research and Development (R and D) Award in New Technologies for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Spanish Organization for the Blind (ONCE) announced the start of the Fourth International Research and Development (R and D) Award in New Technologies for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The goal of this biennial event is to promote technological developments that contribute to the social integration and normalization of the blind and visually impaired.

Through this important initiative, ONCE helps encourage technology-related developments that correct or overcome the limitations of people suffering from low vision problems. For the Fourth R and D Award, the relevant areas of technology-related research include engineering, artificial intelligence, computer sciences, telecommunications, microtechnology and nanoelectronics.

In the United States, ONCE will work with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)—a leading blindness advocacy organization—to underscore the positive impact both ONCE and the R and D Award have on the international blindness community. "Technology has revolutionized life for people with vision loss across the globe," said Paul Schroeder, Vice President, Programs and Policy for the American Foundation for the Blind. "We are thrilled to be partnering with ONCE on this international competition to inspire innovative, new technology with life-changing potential."

The overall winner of the Fourth International R and D Award in New Technologies for the Blind and Visually Impaired will receive a prize of over $200,000. ONCE is currently accepting R and D Award entries, and submissions must be received by June 30, 2006.

All submission materials must be in either English or Spanish and should be mailed to the Secretariat of the Fourth ONCE International R and D Award in New Technologies for the Blind and Visually Impaired Calle José Ortega y Gasset, 18 28006 Madrid, Spain.

Deadline: June 30, 2006

For more information, visit http://www.once.es/otros/premios/imasd/index-i.cfm?opcion=bases.