Perspectives in Assistive Technology is a Winter Quarter Stanford course - preparing for its fourteenth 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.

Newsletter Dissemination Schedule - The thirteenth year of the course is now history - next year's class will start in January. However newsletter issues announcing local events related to assistive technology will continue to be sent on an irregular schedule.

Stanford's Inaugural Disability Studies Conference - Mediations: Disability, Technology, and the Arts - This day-long conference will host research presentations alongside workshops. In addition to academic panels and discussions, the venue will be filled with artwork and exhibitions by the local Stanford disability community. In the spirit of infrastructural and cultural accessibility, Mediations: Disability, Technology, and the Arts is open to public participation, and presenters are encouraged to prepare to speak to both colleagues and non-specialists. Conference participants should look forward to a unique experience that brings together critical discussion and public engagement.

Project partners sought for Design the Future - Design the Future is a week long, design thinking summer program created by DC Design for rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in which students work to design and prototype solutions to real problems faced by individuals with physical disabilities. This video (2:38) and poster provide an idea of what the program is about.

Design the Future is currently seeking project partners with physical disabilities who, along with a university design coach, will mentor a student team. Over the course of six days, students will learn about disability, be taught maker skills, and design & prototype solutions to improve their project partner's quality of life.

Approved project partners will be compensated $500 for their time and, at the program's conclusion, will be given the student team's prototype. If you are interested in participating as a project partner, please apply here.

Movie Screening: CinemAbility, The Art of Inclusion - "CinemAbility: The Art of Inclusion" reveals a compelling and often amusing look at the history of disability portrayals in entertainment.

CinemAbility shines a bright light on the power of filmmakers to interpret social contexts and shape the perceptions of a global audience. Jenni’s film contributes to an important dialogue regarding the portrayals of people with disabilities in film and television, and how these portrayals influence us all. The level of awareness expressed by the influential creative voices featured in the film is truly gratifying.

This screening is supported by the Redwood City Parks & Arts Foundation and the Magical Bridge Foundation.