Perspectives is the newsletter of the Stanford course,
Perspectives in Assistive Technology.

Project Suggestor Involvement

This issue describes project suggestor involvement,
announces three upcoming local events,
and provides information about a Microsoft Research study.

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

Introduction to Student Projects

Previous newsletters described the benefits of student projects, the project suggestion submission process, project requirements, and the project statement format. This issue lists the activities expected of project suggestors.

Project Involvement

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.

Here is a list of activities that are expected of project suggestors:

• respond to the solicitation for student project suggestions
• identify a personal challenge or problem suitable for a student project
• aid in drafting and composing the Project Description, including the Design Criteria
• pitch the approved project(s) to students in class
• meet with the student team to further their understanding of the problem
• suggest possible ways to address the problem
• test and evaluate prototypes
• offer feedback and further suggestions
• attend project presentations and demonstrations

Upcoming Local Events

I will be giving three local presentations on the critical role that older adults and people with disabilities play as they work with teams of Stanford students to design and fabricate prototype devices that address the real problems and challenges that people with disabilities and older adults experience as well as soliciting project suggestions for the course.

PSA Ability Resource Forum 2019 - The Pacific Stroke Association (PSA) is excited to present the Ability Resource Forum 2019. This event offers the most current information on post-stroke recovery issues, services, and resources to health care professionals, stroke survivors, caregivers, and family members. The goal of this two-day program is to share useful information and resources offered by exhibitors and to provide continuing education opportunities to clinicians working with stroke survivors. These events include educational and inspirational presentations, exhibitors demonstrating latest rehabilitation technology and products, and fun activities. Come learn about advancements in stroke recovery and rehabilitation, new devices and modalities, support services, resources, and practical strategies and tips. Stroke survivors and caregivers, clinicians, and those working with people with disabilities as a result of brain injury are encouraged to attend. Come join us for stroke education, networking, and fun! CEUs are offered to clinicians who attend the educational presentations. The Ability Resource Forum 2019 will be offered on separate days at two locations: When: Tuesday, September 17th from 10am to 3pm Exhibitors & Activities from 10 to 11:30am Educational Lectures from 11:30am to 3pm Presentation time to be determined Where: Sobrato Conference Center - 350 Twin Dolphin Dr., Redwood City - map Information: Tickets: $49, free for stroke survivors and their caregivers Advance registration is required. Topics and Speakers When: Friday, September 20th from 10am to 3pm Exhibitors & Activities from 10 to 11:30am Educational Lectures from 11:30am to 3pm Where: Santa Clara Valley Medical Center - 751 S Bascom Ave., San Jose - map Information: Tickets: $49, free for stroke survivors and their caregivers Advance registration is required. Topics and Speakers

Active Aging Week - Active Aging Week is the annual health promotion event for older adults organized by the International Council on Active Aging. The goal of Active Aging Week is to give as many older adults as possible the means to experience activities and exercise in a safe, friendly, and fun atmosphere. The City of Sunnyvale supports wellness for older adults and is inviting the community to participate. Health, fitness, and wellness workshops, classes, lectures, and other activities are planned. When: Active Aging Week: Monday, September 23rd to Friday, September 27th Presentation: Tuesday, September 24th at 10am Where: Sunnyvale Senior Center - 550 East Remington Dr., Sunnyvale - map Information: This free event is open to adults 50 years and older. More information will be forthcoming

Senior Planet @ Avenidas - Senior Planet celebrates aging by sharing information and resources that support aging with attitude, and helps people who were born long before the digital revolution to stay engaged and active by bringing a digital-technology focus to a range of topics: news, health, sex and dating, art and design, senior style, travel, and entertainment. Avenidas and Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) have partnered to launch Senior Planet @ Avenidas! Senior Planet is an award-winning program where people 60+ who are interested in technology can connect, learn, and grow. Located in Avenidas’ newly-renovated facility in downtown Palo Alto, this resource is set to become a critical part of Silicon Valley’s aging, technology, and entrepreneurship scenes. When: Wednesday, September 25th from 2 to 3pm Where: Avenidas - 450 Bryant, Palo Alto - Senior Planet Room - map Information: Admission is free - but please RSVP

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