This book includes 25 full-length papers submitted for the Third International Conference on Aging, Disability, and Independence (ICADI). ICADI was held in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, from February 1–5, 2006. These papers were submitted under five of the seven ICADI tracks: (1) Smart Homes; (2) Robotics; (3) Telehealth; (4) Home Modifications and Universal Design; and (5) Assistive Devices and Workplace Adaptations. Full-length papers submitted for the Transportation track appear in two special issues of the journal Topics in Geriatrics Rehabilitation published in 2006.

The focus of ICADIand these papersis on maintaining independenceactive participation in family and community activities. As we age, we face chronic health conditions that have the potential to negatively impact our independence. By using technology (smart homes, robotics, telehealth, other assistive devices), maintaining our mobility, and preventing injuries we can offset much or all of the disabling effects of chronic health conditions.

ICADI brings together a mix of individuals focused on aging, disability and independence, including those involved in research and development, professional practice and services, businesses providing products and services, government and policy planners, and end users and beneficiaries of our research, products, services, and policies. As reflected in this book, ICADI is truly an international conference, with participants from over 45 countries. Assisting us with promotion of this conference, we had close to 100 partner organizations from around the world. In addition, we had 15 sponsors that provided financial support.

This conference, and this book, would not have been possible without the support of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, through the University of Florida Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology for Successful Aging. The American Occupational Therapy Association served as co-host for ICADI.

The papers in this book provide important content related to aging, disability and independence. They are also a sample of the over 300 ICADI presentations. For those who attended ICADI-2006, this book will provide more in-depth discussion of ICADI presentations. For those who were not able to attend ICADI, this book provides a supplement to the ICADI Conference proceedings, posted at www.icadi.phhp.ufl.edu.

We look forward to seeing all of you at ICADI-2008.

William C. Mann, Abdelsalam Helal, Editors