Atlas logo

ATLAS

Assistive
Technology 
Laboratory
at
Stanford

 
 
Design, Technology , and Engineering benefitting individuals with disabilities and older adults in the local community
August 23, 2019    
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Perspectives is the newsletter of the Stanford course,
Perspectives in Assistive Technology.

Project Suggestion Submission Process

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.

This course relies on community involvement,
so please suggest a project based upon an identified problem or challenge.

"Make a Suggestion"

Project Suggestion Submission Process

Briefly, what is the process for considering and submitting project suggestions? - First identify a specific challenge or problem experienced by a person with a disability or older adult. Then perform an internet search to confirm that the problem has not already been adequately addressed. Then carefully review the project requirements to make sure the idea complies with all the criteria. Finally submit a short email - text format is ok - that identifies the user or population affected and briefly describes the nature of the problem. Include desirable features of a solution, but do not specify how the device should appear, be built, or solve the problem - as those are tasks for the student team to consider. It is ok if the problem affects just one individual.

What happens after a project suggestion is submitted? - Submitted project suggestions will be read, reviewed, and considered. Those that meet all the project requirements and receive my approval will be accepted as candidate team projects. A project Problem Statement describing the challenge will be composed for posting on the course website and disseminated as a handout to students on the first day of class. Refer to this past year's team candidate project list for examples of past Problem Statements.

What is the deadline for submitting project suggestions? - Please email suggestions to me as soon as possible so I have adequate time to consider all submissions, edit approved entries, and post them - not later than Sunday, December 1st. Feel free to contact me before the deadline to discuss your ideas and suggestions.

What additional information will be provided? - Future newsletter issues will address the Project Requirements, the Problem Statement, and Benefits & Expectations for project suggestors.

Microsoft Research Study on Accessible Virtual Reality

"Microsoft Research is exploring how to improve the accessibility of virtual reality systems for people who experience tremor, muscle weakness, fatigue, limited mobility in their hands, arms or legs, people with missing fingers or limbs, and people with conditions that impact motor abilities such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or stroke."

"As part of this effort, we are conducting an interview study with adults to learn about their thoughts on, and experiences with, virtual reality systems. Prior experience with virtual reality is not required. The study will be conducted for two weeks spanning August 26th to September 6th and will last approximately 90 minutes. Participants will receive a $75 Amazon gift card for their participation. Interviews can be conducted over Skype, Zoom, or another video conference platform. If you live in the Seattle, Washington area, we can conduct the interview at our research lab in Redmond. Up to $50 can be added to the gift card (if needed) to reimburse for transportation expenses to get to our Redmond offices. Participation is confidential; all data from our study will be anonymized. If there are any questions, please contact the lead researcher, Martez Mott."

Eligibility Criteria:

  • You are 18 years of age or older
  • You currently reside in the United States of America
  • You experience motor difficulties that affect your hands, arms, legs, or neck

Other

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 Course and Project Support webpage for more information.

Email questions, comments, or suggestions - Please email me if you have general questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the course. Thank you again for your interest.

Dave

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