Welcome to the first edition of the third
year of Perspectives, the e-newsletter of the
Stanford course, Perspectives in Assistive
Technology.
Why
are you getting this newsletter? - You have been identified as
someone with an interest in the course. This newsletter provides you
information about upcoming class events including lectures, tours, and student
project presentations. It also solicits your 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 the design, development, and
use of assistive technology benefitting people with disabilities and older
adults. The course consists of twice-weekly classroom discussions;
lectures by notable professionals, clinicians, and assistive technology
users; and tours of local medical, clinical, and engineering facilities.
Enrolled students pursue individual or team-based projects that address
the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. More information
can be found on the course website, including the
syllabus, frequently asked
questions, and student's
comments.
What
is planned for this academic year's course? - In addition to
lectures presented last academic year, several new lectures will be offered:
one featuring former students who are now out in the "real world"; another on
prosthetics, orthotics, exoskeletons, and implants; and a third on Alzheimer's.
Finally an Assistive Technology Fair will be held to provide an opportunity for
students and community members to get a close look at devices brought by
companies, medical centers, and users with disabilities. More information about
this event and these new lectures will be covered in subsequent
newsletters.
Are
you an interested in attending a lecture? - Athough course
enrollment is required for students to receive academic credit, all 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 draft
schedule of class lectures can be found here and
will be updated as the Winter Quarter approaches.
Would you like to be a mentor or coach? - Volunteer
participation by experts who can serve as a course resource or coach student
teams with 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? - Although there are already several
candidate projects rolled over from last year
and one new project for this year's class, you are encouraged to submit your
project suggestions for consideration. Visit the Course Project Solicitation webpage for a
description of project requirements and how to best communicate your
ideas.
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.
Please contact me if you have
any questions, comments, or suggestions about the course and thank you again
for your interest.
Dave |
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