Welcome to the first edition of Perspectives, the e-newsletter of the Stanford course Perspectives in Assistive Technology.

Why are you getting this? - You are a community member or a Stanford student who has expressed an interest in the course. This newsletter provides information about upcoming class events including lectures, tours, and student project presentations. It also solicits project suggestions, describes opportunities to become involved with the class, and announces other assistive technology activities at Stanford.

What is the course? - Perspectives in Assistive Technology is a Winter Quarter course at Stanford that explores issues surrounding the design, development, and use of assistive technology for people with disabilities and seniors. Enrollment in this three-unit course is open to undergraduate and graduate students from all engineering disciplines and consists of twice-weekly lectures by notable professionals, clinicians, and assistive technology users as well as team-based student projects that address needs of seniors or individuals with disabilities. More information can be found on the course website.

Are you a Stanford student? - Course enrollment is open to both undergraduate and graduate Stanford students from any engineering discipline. Check out the course syllabus, frequently asked questions about the course, and former student's comments about their course experience. Sign up on Axess.

Are you an interested in attending a lecture? - All class presentations are open to the greater Stanford community - you need not be an enrolled Stanford student.

Would you like to be a mentor or coach? - Volunteer participation by experts who can coach student teams on their projects is welcomed. Individuals will be be expected to provide advice and expertise in the specific areas addressed by the project - such as mechanical, electrical, electronic, computer systems, knowledge of fabrication and testing techniques, and sources of materials - and be available in person or by phone and/or email.

Do you have an idea for an assistive technology project? - Ideas for student projects can be submitted at any time. Visit the course project solicitation webpage for project requirements and how to best describe them.

Would you like to support the course? - Funding support for project expenses and speaker honoraria are always appreciated.

What is the next class event? - The schedule of class lectures and tours can be found here.

Do you have a question or comment? - David L. Jaffe, MS, the course organizer, can be reached by email or at 650/892-4464.