28th Annual Expo
The Vision Rehabilitation and Technology Expo (VRATE) offers individuals, families, and professionals from across Arizona free access to educational seminars on best practices in vision loss and includes emphasis on the intersectionality of other disabilities such as hearing loss.
Presentations and workshops will include topics such as using assistive technology; job readiness, advocacy, specialized learning modalities, defining independence, developing critical thinking skills, engaging in the social fabric of the community, and fostering self-determination for sustainable success.
A comprehensive set of exhibitors and vendors will be on hand to provide information, resources, and the opportunity to test out technology designed to be accessible to those living with vision impairments of all abilities.
To register, click here.
To become an Exhibitor, click here.
To learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities, click here.
Registration is Now Open
VRATE will be held on November 22, 2024, at the Ability 360 Sports & Fitness Center located at 5031 E. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85034. Doors open at 8:00 am.
Experience hands-on demonstrations, engaging workshops, and insightful presentations aimed at enhancing accessibility and independence in everyday life. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to connect, learn, and empower yourself with the latest advancements in assistive technology. RSVP (should be a link to the registration page) now to secure your spot and embark on a journey towards a more inclusive future!
Keynote Speaker
Barbara Hinske
USA Today Bestselling Author BARBARA HINSKE is an attorney and novelist. She’s authored the Guiding Emily series, the mystery thriller collection “Who’s There?”, the Paws & Pastries series, two of the novellas in The Wishing Tree series, and the beloved Rosemont series. Guiding Emily is her second book adaptation for the screen, airing in the film bearing the same name in September 2023 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Her novella The Christmas Club was made into a Hallmark Channel movie of the same name in 2019. Find her on social media and at www.barbarahinske.com
Call for Speakers
We are currently seeking passionate and knowledgeable individuals to join us as speakers at the Vision Rehabilitation and Technology Expo. If you have expertise, experiences, or insights related to disabilities, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, or related fields, we invite you to share your voice and contribute to our vibrant community.
Why Speak at VRATE?
- Opportunity to inspire and educate a diverse audience passionate about disability rights and inclusion.
- Platform to share your expertise, experiences, and innovative ideas.
- Networking opportunities with fellow speakers, attendees, and organizations dedicated to enriching the lives of people who are blind, low vision or living with DeafBlindness.
- Contribution to meaningful dialogue and progress within the disability community.
Topics of Interest
We welcome submissions on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Accessible design and technology
- Inclusive education and employment practices
- Disability rights and policy advocacy
- Intersectionality and disability justice
- Personal narratives and lived experiences
- Innovative approaches to accessibility and inclusion
- Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship
- Mental Health and Well-being
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
Submission Guidelines
To apply as a speaker during VRATE, please download and complete the document below.
Submit your application via email to speakers@vrate.org.
Please submit your application by August 1, 2024.