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ATLAS

Assistive
Technology 
Laboratory
at
Stanford

 
 
Technology and design benefitting individuals with disabilities and older adults in the local community
October 14, 2016    
2 columns of images relating to assistive technology
Perspectives is the newsletter of the Stanford course,
Perspectives in Assistive Technology.

Course News

Perspectives in Assistive Technology is a Winter Quarter Stanford course - now starting its eleventh year - that explores the design, development, and use of assistive technology that benefits people with disabilities and older adults. It consists of semi-weekly classroom discussions; lectures by notable professionals, clinicians, and assistive technology users; tours of local medical, clinical, and engineering facilities; student project presentations and demonstrations; an assistive technology faire; and a film screening.

Course News

  • Course meeting time and venue - The course meeting time and venue will be the same as last year. It is scheduled from 4:30 to 5:50pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Thornton 110 with the first class session on Tuesday, January 10th.

  • Funding support - The course is anticipating receiving funding support from the Haas Center for Public Service's Community Engaged Learning program once again. These funds will cover basic course operating expenses including student projects.

  • Updated website - The course website for this coming academic year will be posted next week. Here is sneak peek of the schedule of guest lectuers, field trip, tours, and events.

Do you have an idea for an assistive technology project? - You are encouraged to submit 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 on Thursday, January 12th. 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.

New speakers scheduled this coming year:

photo of Steve Mann

Steve Mann, PhD

Humanistic Intelligence and HARCAD for Assistive Technologies - The course is pleased to have Steve Mann on the lecture schedule. He is an artist, scientist, designer, inventor, and widely regarded as "The Father of Wearable Computing". On Tuesday, January 31st, he will speak on Humanistic Intelligence and the sensory singularity in the context of "sousveillant systems", with an emphasis on the need for accessibility.

photo of June Fisher

June M. Fisher, MD

Collaboration: From User-based Design to Co-design - June Fisher is an Occupational Health Physician, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco, Senior Scientist at the Trauma Foundation, "Chief Elder Officer" for Aging2.0 (a global network of innovators in aging), designer, and frequent lecturer. On Thursday, February 2nd she will discuss the challenges of designing products that serve older adults.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming local events:

19th UNAFF International Documentary Film Festival: Compass for a Better World

The Odd Couple: A Story of Two Triathletes - Sunday, October 23rd at 1pm at Palo Alto's Mitchell Park Community Center - 15 minutes

This short documentary is an inspirational tale of two triathletes, each with their own challenges. Jeff is a below-the-knee amputee and a mentor to Parvin, who thinks that adhering to the appearance of his Sikh faith is inherently disadvantageous and holds him back from competing as a triathlete. Jeff is an amputee by accident and Parvin is Sikh by choice. The movie is an attempt to bring to light Jeff and Parvin’s inspiring friendship and their positive attitude to achieve their dream of being triathletes despite their daily struggles. The film transcends cultural and demographic barriers and has a universal appeal in how we all can overcome our own challenges. (Trailer 1:29)

photo of man on a bike

When I Walk - Friday, October 28th at 5pm at Stanford's Li Ka Shing Center, Room LK130 - 83 minutes

In 2006, 25-year-old Jason DaSilva, recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, was on vacation at the beach with his family when he suddenly fell. He couldn't get up; his legs had stopped working; his disease could no longer be ignored. Jason's mother reminded him that, despite his condition, he was still a fortunate kid who had the opportunity to pursue the activities he loved most: art and filmmaking. So Jason picked up his camera, turned it on his declining body, and set out on a worldwide journey in search of healing, self-discovery, and love. This is an emotional and life-affirming documentary filled with unexpected moments of humor and joy driven by a young man's determination to survive - and to make sense of a devastating disease through the art of cinema. (Trailer 2:24)

photo of cameraman filming a man using a wheelchair

The Abilities Expo is the go-to source for the community of people with disabilities, their families, seniors, veterans, and healthcare professionals. This event offers new technologies, possibilities, solutions, and opportunities. Attend the Expo to discover ability-enhancing products and services, play adaptive sports, and check out informative workshops. The event will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - November 18th - 20th at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. More information and free registration can be found on the expo website.

Abilities Expo logo

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, email David L. Jaffe, MS, the instructor. Thank you again for your interest in the course.

Dave

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