The 2007 Conference’s Technology Expo showcased over 2 dozen vendors, product prototypes, services and other great assistive and learning technology innovations.  This year, NCTI sponsored a Peer Award for the Brightest Idea in 2007. 

But how do you select a winner among the variety of powerful reading products,  science and math programs, evaluation tools, and other really cool innovations?   With a roomful of assistive and learning technology researchers, developers, entrepreneurs and AT specialists, why not let the experts choose?

To decide the winners, each conference participant voted for their two favorite exhibits. Once the ballots were in, it was clear that the challenge of selecting a single winner had been daunting even for savvy NCTI stakeholders.  Therefore, several participants were recognized for their innovative ideas and products.

Congratulations to SmartBrain Technology and  for winning the First Annual NCTI Peer Awards for Brightest Idea! Also recognized were CAST, Dancing Dots, Inc., and Opdo Limited.  Learn about other innovators by visiting the Tech Expo page.

	SMART Brain Technology SMART Brain Home System Presented by Domenic Greco, Judith Pokorni & Lindsay Greco SMART Brain Home System, developed by CyberLearning Technology, uses neurofeedback to improve the behaviors of individuals with autism, language disorders, and attention deficits. Individuals play a Sony PlayStation® racing game while wearing a visor with 3 sensors and using a specially programmed game controller. The player receives auditory, visual and tactile feedback, depending on the real time brain wave patterns being used. The equipment is being tested through an NCTI grant with adolescents with ADD.  » Visit Smart Brain’s website.
	CAST Science Writer Presented by Boo Murray & Mindy Johnson Science Writer is a digital tool, framed in the principles of Universal Design for Learning that guides students in writing a report based on the scientific inquiry process. Embedded supports include animated agents, rubrics for self-checking, a glossary, and a journal. Teachers can track individual student progress in the writing process, provide feedback through Science Writer’s work log, and use the built-in progress monitoring system to inform instruction.  » Visit CAST’s website.
	Dancing Dots, Inc. GOODFEEL® Braille Music Translator Presented by William R. McCann Thousands of Braille-reading students throughout the U.S. lack timely access to Braille music materials and thousands more blind musicians lack the means to independently produce printed scores of their own musical ideas. GOODFEEL® from Dancing Dots relieves the world-wide shortage of transcribers, keeps transcription at local level and empowers blind musicians to print their music, solving two age-old problems: first, how to independently learn new material from print scores and, second, how to express creative musical ideas in print medium. GOODFEEL® promotes literacy, independence and inclusion.  » Visit Dancing Dots’ website.
	Opdo Limited Lomak™ Communication Technologies Presented by Christopher Mulcare Opdo Limited has developed a range of revolutionary communication products for children and adults with severe physical disabilities, who are unable to communicate verbally, hold a pen or use a computer. Opdo’s products are based around the award winning keyboard Lomak™ (Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard). Lomak™ uses advanced light sensor technology and a proprietary circular keyboard design. Users operate the keyboard by either a hand held pointer or a head mounted light pointer. The distinctive radial arrangement of keys makes for easy understanding and learning.  » Visit Opdo’s website.