Deadline: February 15, 2006

The Disability Issues Caucus invites research papers and program proposals exploring any aspect of issues related to disability and communication, and it especially encourages programs that will promote participation by people with disabilities. The Caucus invites innovative or alternative formats as well as more traditional paper and panel presentations.

Research papers should include a 50-75 word abstract. We will present an award to the top “Debut” paper accepted by the Caucus. Authors who qualify for this award and wish to be considered must clearly include “DEBUT PAPER” on the cover page. A “Debut” paper is one written by an author who has never presented at a major scholarly convention. A Top Paper award will also be given to the top submitted paper for the 2006 convention. Papers must be typed, double-spaced, use 12-point font, and be no longer than 30 pages. Authors must remove their name and any other identifying information from their paper submission so that review may proceed anonymously.

Program proposals should include a cover page with the title of the program and full identification of each of the participants. Traditional Panel proposals should include titles and 150-word abstracts of each paper or presentation and a 150-word rationale for the program. Alternative Panel proposals should describe the panel in 150 words and provide a 150-word rationale for the alternative format. A statement committing all proposed participants to attend should the program be accepted must accompany all panel proposals.

All those submitting papers or panels must complete the online registration of submissions at https://convention.allacademic.com/nca2006/. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance in this process, please contact Katie LeBesco, the unit planner.

Presenters should be prepared to perform accessible presentations that (at minimum) provide hard and large print copies (17 point font or larger), use delivery that will accommodate ASL translation, and incorporate audio description of visual images as necessary.

For further information on submissions, please refer to “How to Submit Papers and Panel/Program Proposals” on the NCA web site at: http://convention2.allacademic.com/nca_index.php. Presenters wishing to use audio-visual equipment must specifically request the equipment they wish to use when submitting a paper or panel proposal.

For further information on the Caucus, please see our website at: http://www.towson.edu/~bhalle/ncadis.html.