The Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) is honoring longtime member Denis K. Anson by launching an endowment fund in his name.
Donations are now being accepted for the fund, whose creation is being led by past RESNA Presidents Gregg Vanderheiden and Roger Smith. The award will be given each year to the Audience Favorite winner of the Developers Showcase, presented at RESNA’s annual conference.
Anson, who served as a RESNA board member and special interest groups (SIG) leader, passed away on Nov. 25. He became a RESNA fellow in 2003.
“For many years, RESNA conference attendees knew Denis as the ‘Tech Lab’ guy,” RESNA said in a Dec. 16 announcement. “Each year at the annual conference, he set up computer labs equipped with the latest software for computer access, AAC [augmentative and alternative communication], and cognitive disabilities. These hands-on labs allowed scores of members to explore new and emerging assistive technology tools, compare solutions and discuss best practices with one another — and directly with Denis. For many, the Tech Lab was a highlight of the conference and an invaluable learning opportunity.”
RESNA is matching donations to the endowment fund up to $10,000.
“Through this award,” the association said, “Denis’s spirit of generosity, innovation and education will continue to inspire future developers, clinicians and assistive technology professionals for years to come.”
