Welcome to the second edition of the fourth
year of Perspectives,
the e-newsletter of the
Stanford course: Perspectives in Assistive
Technology.
This issue
provides updates of course events, solicits your student project suggestions,
invites you to a movie screening, and encourages your participation in the
course's assistive technology faire.
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; tours of local medical, clinical, and engineering facilities; and
an assistive technology faire. 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. Student
enrollment has been very strong this year.
What
lectures are planned? - The schedule of guest lectures has now been
finalized. This year's topics include an overview of assistive technology,
meeting design challenges, commercial and personal experiences, prosthetics and
orthotics, spinal cord and brain injury, Autism, exoskeletons, international
perspectives, and wheelchair fabrication in developing countries. Here is the
lecture schedule.
Are
you interested in attending a lecture? - All lectures - held
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:30pm - are open to the greater
Stanford community. You are most welcome to attend any class sessions that
interest you. You need not be a Stanford student and there is no required
signup, enrollment, or charge. The first class
session on January 7th will once again cover an overview of the
course and an introduction to assistive technology. The class will meet in a
large, tiered, accessible classroom in the Thornton Center, adjacent to the
Terman Fountain and near the Roble Gym, the same venue as last year. Here are
the parking options, maps, and directions to
the classroom.
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Would you like to attend a movie screening? -
FIXED: The Science / Fiction of Human Enhancement is a haunting, subtle,
urgent documentary that questions commonly held beliefs about disability and
normalcy by exploring technologies that promise to change our bodies and mind
forever. Told primarily through the perspectives of five people with
disabilities: a scientist, journalist, disability justice educator, bionics
engineer, and exoskeleton test pilot,
the movie (1:01:00) takes
a close look at the implications of emerging human enhancement technologies for
the future of humanity. View the trailer (6:52)
here.
The viewing with take
place on Tuesday, November 19th at 7:30pm in the Atrium of the Peterson
Building (Building 550) on the Stanford campus. There is no charge to
attend. After the movie, there will be interviews with the producer / director,
one of the individuals featured in the film, as well as members of the Stanford
community. |
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Have you heard about the upcoming Abilities Expo? -
The Abilities Expo is a 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. Go to the the expo to discover ability-enhancing products
and services, play adaptive sports, and attend informative
workshops.
The Abilities
Expo will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - November 22nd -
24th at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. More information and
free registration can be found on the
expo
website. |
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Do you have an idea for an assistive technology
project? - Although there is a list of candidate projects rolled over from last year and
several new projects for this year's class, you are encouraged to submit your
project suggestions for consideration. Visit the Course Project Solicitation webpage for the
project requirements and how to best communicate your ideas. If your project is
accepted, you can "pitch" it to the class. If
a student team selects it, you will have the opportunity to offer them advice,
direction, and expertise in person or by phone and/or email. |
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Would you like to participate in the assistive technology
faire? - This repeat event -
scheduled for Tuesday, February 11th - will provide an opportunity for
students and community members to get an up-close look at a variety of devices.
Users of assistive technology products as well as small companies and agencies
serving individuals with disabilities and older adults are encouraged to bring
assistive technology products to display and demonstrate. Please contact me if
you would like to participate as a vendor. |
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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