What is this newsletter and why am I receiving it? - This newsletter is the official publication of Stanford's assistive technology course, Perspectives in Assistive Technology. Over the next six months it will provide you, a community member who has expressed an interest in this course, with information about upcoming course events including lectures, tours, and student project presentations. This and future newsletters will solicit project suggestions, describe opportunities to become involved with the course, and announce other local assistive technology events. How do I unsubscribe from this newsletter? - If you are no longer interested in assistive technology, simply communicate your desire to be removed from the list in an email reply. You are welcome to continue receiving this newsletter even if you are unable to attend class sessions in person. Lectures will be recorded and posted on YouTube. What is the course? - Perspectives in Assistive Technology is a Winter Quarter (starting January 10th) course at Stanford that explores the design, development, and use of assistive technology benefitting people with disabilities and older adults. The course - now in its eleventh year - consists of twice-weekly classroom discussions; lectures by notable professionals, clinicians, and assistive technology users; tours of local medical, clinical, and engineering facilities; a movie screening, and an assistive technology faire. Enrolled students pursue individual or team-based projects that address challenges experienced by older adults and individuals with disabilities in the local community. Much more information about the course can be found on its website, including the syllabus, frequently asked questions, and students' comments. What is being planned for this coming academic year's course? - In addition to encores of many of the excellent lectures presented in past years, a few new ones are being considered. A visit to the newly-opened Magical Bridge Playground, an innovative inclusive accessible public playground designed for children of all abilities in Palo Alto's Mitchell Park, will be scheduled again. Finally this year's Fifth Annual Assistive Technology Faire will once more provide an opportunity for students and community members to get a close look at products demonstrated by local companies, medical centers, and users with disabilities. Are you an interested in attending a lecture? - Athough official enrollment is required for Stanford students to receive academic credit, all classroom lectures are open to the greater Stanford community. You need not be a Stanford student to attend, there is no signup required, and there is no charge. The lecture schedule is being finalized and will be posted as the start of classes approaches. Subsequent newsletters will announce upcoming lectures. Do you have an idea for an assistive technology project? - You are encouraged to submit your project suggestions for students to pursue. Visit the Course Project Solicitation webpage for a list of project requirements and a description of how best to convey your ideas. If your project is accepted, you can "pitch" it to the class during the second class session. If a student team selects it, you will then have the opportunity to offer them advice, direction, and expertise in person, by phone, and/or by email.
Would you like to support the course? - Funding in any amount for the course and student projects is always welcomed. Monetary gifts support approved project expenses, administrative costs, honoraria for guest lecturers, and the end-of-term celebration. Refer to the Team Project Support webpage for more information. Do you have a question, comment, or suggestion? - If you have general questions, comments, or suggestions about the course, David L. Jaffe, MS, the instructor, can be reached by email or at 650/892-4464. Thank you again for your interest in the course. Dave
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