Call for STSMs

The nature of the play, the role of play for children and the role of play for disabled children

Host Institution

Name:

1. West University in Timisoara, Romania

2. Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iasi -Romania

Address:

1. Bul. Vasile Parvan, nr.4, Timisoara, Romania

2. Bul. Carol I, nr.11, Iasi, Romania

Main Mission

The visit will be focused on training for students in social work, psychology and pedagogy. The topic is: “the nature of the play, the role of play for children and the role of play for disabled children”. Additionally, a conference for parents will be organized in Timisoara, in order to promote the importance of play for children in any age. Due to the specificity of the work it would be better to have in the same time 2 visitors. The visitors will have first the training and conference in Timisoara and after words will travel (internal travel by airplanes) to Iasi. When work is done in Iasi, the visitors have to come back to Timisoara for the departure.

Duration proposed by the Host Institution

1 week – 7 days

Dates proposed by the Host Institution:

From 17 April 2016

To 24 April 2016

Deadline for applying for the Call by the Host Institution

1 April__2016

Eligibility

Postgraduate students or postdoctoral fellows or staff members in an institution actively participating in the COST ACTION. Early Stage Researchers (less than 8 years after the PhD) or equivalent for professionals who does not have a PhD will be prioritized.

Financial Support

The total amount granted will depend on the length of the stay and the amount of STSMs proposals submitted in relation with the available budget.

For Applications and Questions Please Contact

1.Ana Muntean (ana.muntean@e-uvt.ro)

2. Daniela Cojocaru (dananacu@gmail.com)

Mental health promotion through play in children with disabilities

Host Institution

Name: Department of Medical-Social Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Health Care and Sports, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad

Address: 66 Ivan Mihailov str., 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

Main Mission

Department of Medical Social sciences is involved in teaching, research and supervision in the field of social work and mental health.

Scientific Activity proposed by the Host Institution (max 130 words)
Department of Medical-Social Sciences Is running the project “Mental health promotion through play in children with disabilities” . The aim is to introduce a new model for stimulating play development in children with disabilities, based on computerized and robotized technologies.
We are searching for experts in the following activities:

• Assessment of existing resources and evaluation of model for play in children with disabilities in Day care centres in Blagoevgrad region.

• Participation in Workshop for dissemination of good international practices in play development for children with disabilities.
Visit of the Centres for assessment and rehabilitation of children with disabilities in the frame of Mental Health Center, Department of Medical-Social Sciences will be organized.

Duration proposed by the Host Institution

5 working days

Dates proposed by the Host Institution:

From: 1st to 6th October 2015

Deadline for applying for the Call by the Host Institution

10th September 2015

Eligibility

2 researchers from an institutions actively involved in Action with long-lasting expertise of evaluation of the play in children with disabilities.

Financial Support

Support: 2×1800 euros (2 experts)

For Applications and Questions Please Contact

Name: Vaska Stancheva-Popkostadinova
e-mail: v_stancheva@abv.bg

Name: Anna Andreeva
e-mail: anna_andreeva@swu.bg

Use of tablets and other assistive technologies to facilitate skill development and participation in life activities in children with disabilities (Technology Consulting Center at Beit Issie Shapiro)

Host Institution

Name: Technology Consulting Center at Beit Issie Shapiro,

http://en.beitissie.org.il/innovation-exchange/sharing-our-knowledge/

Address: Issie Shapiro St., P.O. Box 29, Ra’anana, Israel

Main Mission

Recognizing the powerful potential of new technologies for people with disabilities, Beit Issie Shapiro’s professionals have, over the past several years, integrated the use of touch-screen devices (particularly iPads) into the daily routine of children with disabilities. We continue to work with a variety of technologies including computers, software, and other assistive technologies. Our activities include research and evaluation, developing knowledge and tools, and disseminating knowledge. Based on this experience and the successful implementation model developed, Beit Issie Shapiro (BIS), in partnership with The Ruderman Family Foundation, provides consultation, training and on-going support services to the professional community, organizations and institutes wishing to implement the use of technology within their frameworks.

Scientific Activity Proposed by the Host Institution

Sharing our knowledge and experience with you:

Introduction to Beit Issie Shapiro, the Technology Consulting Center, the School for Special Education and the De Lowe Early Intervention Center
Discover our model of implementing the use of various technologies and digital tools with children with disabilities in a variety of ways and in a variety of contexts including classrooms, therapy sessions, and free time
Discover other institutions working with similar populations through our professional collaborations
You are a developer or researcher working in technology. Collaborate with us to develop a tool or app to be of use with our population. We will provide the field (our students), our knowledge and experience, the applicant will bring their technological know-how. Applicants may bring a tool, program, device or app already developed to share with us and determine together its usefulness and appropriateness for children with disabilities.

You are a professional or academic that comes from the field of children with disabilities. Collaborate with us in a joint learning experience, sharing information, and knowledge with the aim of creating a document to contribute to the work of the LUDI Network, be it a short journal article, guiding principles, etc…
Exploration of ideas for future collaborations and/or joint research projects will be considered

Duration proposed by the Host Institution

5-10 working days

Dates proposed by the Host Institution:

From: December 2015

To: February 2016

Deadline for applying for the Call by the Host Institution

November 30, 2015

Eligibility

Financial Support

A fixed grant of maximum 1800 euros, as approved by the Action Management Committee. The total amount granted will depend on the length of the stay and the amount of STSMs proposals submitted in relation with the available budget.

Documents requested to the Applicants by the Host Institution

a) a motivation letter (2 pages maximum);

b) an updated CV.

Application procedure

The interested applicants should send the requested documents to apply for a STSM

to a Committee formed by:

STSM Coordinator: Tatjana Zorcec; email: tzorcec@gmail.com
Action Member affiliated to the Host Institution(name Noa Nitzan noanit@gmail.com and Dana Cappel, dkcappel@gmail.com )
Action Chair, Serenella Besio, email: ludi@univda.it
Vice-Chair, Pedro Encarnação, email: pme@ucp.pt

Selection procedure

The Committee will assess the applications according to the relevancy of the candidatures to the scientific objectives of the COST Action LUDI TD1309 and particularly to the Scientific Activity proposed by the Host Institution. Each application will be assessed and the results will be published on the LUDI website and communicated to the successful applicant.

Further Details

The successful applicants and the Host Institution are expected to read carefully the Q&A section concerning the STSM on the LUDI website. For any additional information they can contact the STSM Coordinator: Tatjana Zorcec; email: tzorcec@gmail.com.

Demonstration of AIJU Research Centre (Technological institute for children's product and leisure, Spain)

HOST INSTITUTION

TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE FOR CHILDREN’S PRODUCT AND LEISURE (AIJU)

Address: AV. DE LA INDUSTRIA, 23 (IBI) ALICANTE, SPAIN

Main mission

AIJU research centre is a non-profit organization aiming to boost research, development and technological innovation within regional industry, thus making it possible the achievement of a constant competitiveness increase and product quality improvement. AIJU provides companies with the necessary guidance for reaching the optimum level of adaptation of game-toy to final user by carrying out studies on play value, duration, manipulability, suitability for age, educational quality, etc.

Scientific Activity proposed by the Host Institution

For the last 24 years, AIJU has been producing the Toys and Game Guide with the aim of providing consumers with detailed and useful information about quality toys and games which aspire to meet the educational and play development needs of children and adults. During the first week of September ONCE (Blinded people Spanish organization) y CEAPAT (National Reference Centre for Personal Autonomy and Technical Aids) collaborate always on the study of each of the toys recommended assessing their suitability for children with visual disability, hearing and motor skills. We think it is a good opportunity to know some tasks of our work, our laboratory (of safety), and how to proceed to the study of each selected toy. Also, we can visit our Consumer and Educational Department, and see how to do a consumer study. Finally, we can visit a toy factory.

Duration proposed by the Host Institution

5 days

Dates proposed by the Host Institution

From August 31st To September 4th

Deadline for applying the Call proposed by Host Institution

June 30th

Eligibility

Financial Support

Documents requested to the Applicants by the Host Institution

a) a motivation letter (2 pages maximum);

b) an updated CV.

Application procedure

The interested applicants should send the requested documents to apply for a STSM to a Committee formed by:

STSM Coordinator: Tatjana Zorcec; email: tzorcec@gmail.com
Action Member affiliated to the Host Institution(Name: Noemí Rando and María Costa,email: nrando@aiju.info, mcosta@aiju.info)
Action Chair, Serenella Besio, email: ludi@univda.it
Vice-Chair, Pedro Encarnação, email: pme@ucp.pt

Selection procedure

Further Details

Research in Human Computer Interaction and play with children with disabilities (Cyprus Interaction Lab, Cyprus)

HOST INSTITUTION

Cyprus Interaction Lab, Cyprus University of Technology

http://www.cyprusinteractionlab.com

Address : 30 Archbishop Kyprianou Str., 3036 Lemesos, Cyprus__

Main mission

The Cyprus Interaction Lab (http://www.cyprusinteractionlab.com) of the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts of the Cyprus University of Technology studies the interaction of people with technology in various fields. The lab aims to understand and enhance users’ experience and interaction with technology. Research in the Cyprus Interaction Lab revolves around two main research themes: 1) Human Computer Interaction and Inclusive Design and 2) Instructional Technology and Social Computing. Research topics include:

Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)
Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL)
Computer Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW)
Inclusive Design/Accessibility
Social Aspects of Computing
Computer Games and their social and pedagogical dimensions
Technology-enhanced learning
Technology integration in K-20

The lab has a specially equipped usability laboratory designed for running user evaluations in a comfortable environment which is configured with state-of-the-art equipment.

Scientific Activity proposed by the Host Institution

Use of NAO Robot as a mediator for play for children with Autism
Ethnography studies in investigating online games for children with disabilities
Development of design guidelines for designing online games for children with disabilities
Investigate the use of engino (www.engino.com) blocks for play for children with disabilities.

Duration proposed by the Host Institution

Any duration (5-90 working days)

Dates proposed by the Host Institution

Any

Deadline for applying the Call proposed by Host Institution

Any

Eligibility

Financial Support

Documents requested to the Applicants by the Host Institution

a) a motivation letter (2 pages maximum);

b) an updated CV.

Application procedure

The interested applicants should send the requested documents to apply for a STSM to a Committee formed by:

STSM Coordinator: Tatjana Zorcec; email: tzorcec@gmail.com
Action Member affiliated to the Host Institution(name: Panayiotis Zaphiris, email: pzaphiri@cyprusinteractionlab.com)
Action Chair, Serenella Besio, email: ludi@univda.it
Vice-Chair, Pedro Encarnação, email: pme@ucp.pt

Selection procedure

Further Details

Participation in video-analysis of children with disability play with robot toys (Università degli studi di Torino – Dipartimento di psicologia, Torino, Italy)

HOST INSTITUTION

Name: Università degli studi di Torino – Dipartimento di psicologia

Address: 10, via Verdi – 10124 TORINO (I)

Scientific Activity proposed by the Host Institution

Participation in video-analysis of children with disability play with robot toys.

Duration proposed by the Host Institution

22 working days (1 month)

Dates proposed by the Host Institution:

From: 10/01/2016

To: 30/03/2016

Deadline for applying the Call proposed by Host Institution:

31/11/2015

Eligibility

Financial Support

Documents requested to the Applicants by the Host Institution

a) a motivation letter (2 pages maximum);

b) an updated CV.

Application procedure

The interested applicants should send the requested documents to apply for a STSM to a Committee formed by:

STSM Coordinator: Tatjana Zorcec; email: tzorcec@gmail.com
Action Member affiliated to the Host Institution(name Molina Paola Fausta Maria, email: paola.molina@unito.it)
Action Chair, Serenella Besio, email: ludi@univda.it
Vice-Chair, Pedro Encarnação, email: pme@ucp.pt

Selection procedure

Further Details

Research in rehabilitation in collaboration with hospitals, recreation centers and assistive centers (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)

HOST INSTITUTION

POLITECNICO DI MILANO

Address : Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, Milan – Italy

Scientific Activity proposed by the Host Institution

We have developed a system integrating a robot with Kinect and a large screen, for multi-medial ludic interaction with children with different problems, in particular autistic children. We have started trials in different institutions. The candidate will participate in trials, analyze data, and participate to the research activities.

Duration proposed by the Host Institution

15 working days (3 weeks)

From May 11 to May 30

from June 8 to June 26

Deadline for applying the Call proposed by Host Institution

May 1

Eligibility

Financial Support

Documents requested to the Applicants by the Host Institution

a) a motivation letter (2 pages maximum);

b) an updated CV.

Application procedure

The interested applicants should send the requested documents to apply for a STSM to a Committee formed by:

STSM Coordinator: Tatjana Zorcec; email: tzorcec@gmail.com
Action Member affiliated to the Host Institution(name ANDREA BONARINI, email: andrea.bonarini@polimi.it)
Action Chair, Serenella Besio, email: ludi@univda.it
Vice-Chair, Pedro Encarnação, email: pme@ucp.pt

Selection procedure

Further Details

High quality and sustainable care with the support of technological possibilities in the changing Dutch/European society (Zuyd University of Applied Science, Netherlands)

HOST INSTITUTION

Zuyd University of Applied Science

Zuyd University is located at Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen in the south of the Netherlands

Eizt (Centre of Expertise for Innovative Care and Technology) is located at Henri Dunantstraat 2, 6419 PB Heerlen, the Netherlands +31 88 0272120. You will be mainly working at this location.

Main Mission

Centre of Expertise for Innovative Care and Technology (Eizt) is a cooperation of health care providers, clients from care settings, research centers of Zuyd and other universities, educational institutions and businesses. Eizt performs innovation and research in long term care. The aim is to contribute to high quality and sustainable care with the support of technological possibilities in the changing Dutch/European society. Eizt is elaborating these objectives in 6 programs: stimulating an active and health life style, evaluation in health care, robots in care, assistive technology, care at a distance, community based care. (http://www.innovatiesindezorg.eu/ in Dutch; http://international.zuyd.nl/research/research-centres/technology-in-care in English)

Scientific Activity proposed by the Host Institution

Sharing our work with you:

Introduction about Zuyd University and Eizt
Presentations/discussions about projects of the program “Social robots in care” of Eizt (related to children/youngsters)
Research with IROMEC
Research with KASPAR
Research with PARO
Research with PLEO and other robots for children in hospital
Projects of the program “Assistive Technology of Eizt (related to children/youngsters)

Self-directed learning:

We suggest that our visitors will work during these two weeks on their own ‘small project’. It provides them the opportunity to understand in depth the work in the perspective of play for children with disabilities which is carried out at Eizt, to apply own knowledge and experiences and to have an interesting scientific discussion together regarding future developments. We would like to discuss this part of the programme with the participant of the STSM. Current ideas are:

Supporting the development of Sjoboks for kids: gathering data about the requirements, developing the scenarios of web based database, ….etc.
Based on the outcomes of the pilot of PARO with youngsters/adults with intellectual disabilities, developing new ideas for future research with PARO with this client group
LUDI database for tools and technology for children with disabilities: based on the data collection develop suggestions for the use the database, a possible analysis of the data.
Developing recommendations regarding the assessment of play in the research of IROMEC with children physical disabilities.

Duration proposed by the Host Institution

Two weeks program

This can be discussed with participant. Preferably not in July/August.

Deadline for applying the Call proposed by Host Institution

A.s.a.p. as it’s easier for planning/preparing your visit

Eligibility

Financial Support

Documents requested to the Applicants by the Host Institution

a) a motivation letter (2 pages maximum);

b) an updated CV.

Application procedure

The interested applicants should send the requested documents to apply for a

STSM to a Committee formed by:

STSM Coordinator: Tatjana Zorcec; email: tzorcec@gmail.com
Action Member affiliated to the Host Institution(Name: Rianne Jansens and Renée van den Heuvel, Email: Rianne.jansens@zuyd.nl)
Action Chair, Serenella Besio, email: ludi@univda.it
Vice-Chair, Pedro Encarnação, email: pme@ucp.pt

Selection procedure

Further Details

Research in human computer interaction and user-oriented interaction design (Interaction Design Lab, Tallinn University, Estonia)

HOST INSTITUTION

Tallinn University, Institute of Informatics (Digital Technologies Institute), HCI Group
Address Postal: Narva mnt 25, Tallinn 10120, Estonia
Office: Narva mnt 29, Astra building, Room A-431, 4th floor

Scientific Activity proposed by the Host Institution
Evaluation of user experience (UX) with impaired users, interacting with computers or other interactive technology. Most reliable data in UX evaluation has proved to be user reported metrics. In many cases with disabilities, users are not able to provide adequate data. We propose a research on the use of biometrics for evaluating UX with disabled users.

Duration proposed by the Host Institution

3 months — 70 working days

Dates proposed by the Host Institution

From 1.01.2016 until 31.03.2016

Deadline for applying the Call proposed by Host Institution

31.10.2015

Eligibility

Financial Support

Documents requested to the Applicants by the Host Institution

a) a motivation letter (2 pages maximum);
b) an updated CV.

Application procedure

The interested applicants should send the requested documents to apply for a STSM to a Committee formed by:

STSM Coordinator: Tatjana Zorcec; email: tzorcec@gmail.com
Action Member affiliated to the Host Institution(name: Mati Mõttus, email: mati@foti.ee)
Action Chair, Serenella Besio, email: ludi@univda.it
Vice-Chair, Pedro Encarnação, email: pme@ucp.pt

Selection procedure

Further Details