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.

Updated website - The course website has been updated for this coming academic year.

Student enrollment - Stanford students can begin enrolling in Winter Quarter courses on Sunday, October 27th.

Attend upcoming class sessions - Although official enrollment is required for Stanford students to receive academic credit, all class sessions 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 first lecture is Tuesday, January 7th and the full schedule can be found here.

Request for additional student project suggestions - Project suggestions are continuing to be solicited. For more information refer to the Call for Team Projects Suggestions webpage.

You are strongly encouraged to submit project suggestions for student teams to pursue. Please do this as soon as possible so I'll have adequate time to consider all submissions, edit approved entries, and post them. The deadline is Sunday, December 1st. If your project is accepted, you can "pitch" it to the class on Thursday, January 9th. If a student team selects it, you will then have the opportunity to offer them your advice, direction, and expertise in person, by phone, and/or by email.

You are invited to participate in the Assistive Technology Faire - This eighth annual course event will provide an opportunity for students and community members to get an up-close look at a variety of assistive technology devices and learn about available services. 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 devices and information to display, demonstrate, and discuss. Please browse to the Call for Assistive Technology Faire Participants webpage and contact me if you would like to be a part of this event as a user or vendor of assistive technology products or services. Everyone is welcome to attend the Faire.

The Faire will start at 4:30pm on Thursday, February 20th in the Lathrop Library, Classroom 282.

Here is the program, slides, and Matteo's, Krystina's & my photos from last year's Faire.

International Documentary Film Festival - Scales of Justice
"United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF) is delighted to announce its 22nd film festival. UNAFF was founded in 1998 by Stanford educator and film critic Jasmina Bojic in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

"This year’s theme, Scales of Justice, continues our two decades-long celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing the fight for justice and exploring possible paths emanating from it into the future."

The Session 16 films would be of particular interest to community members of Stanford's Perspectives in Assistive Technology course.

4:00pm - "Scars   Are you afraid to look at a different face? This film tells the tale of men and women that we look at with difficulty. They are our fellows, but at the same time we observe them from the corner of the eye because we lack the courage to look at them in the face. This film gives voice to the destroyed faces, identities riddled with chance or destiny. Malformed figures from birth and faces ravaged by the accidents of life. How does one live under the weight of difference? What can the most disturbing singularity tell us about our common humanity? This film is a face to face. A face to face between the characters and the viewer, but also between the characters and themselves. Scars takes place in the mythical French photography studio 'Harcourt' which, since 1934, has seen some of the biggest movies stars - a temple of glamour and a sanctuary of beauty. During a photo shoot, each character of this film had a chance to recapture the look on themselves and to get revenge when they’re not looked at with respect and consideration."

5:15pm - "Moonlight Sonata: Deafness in Three Movements is a coming-of-age story about a boy growing up, his grandfather, Paul, growing old, and Ludwig van Beethoven, who crafted his Moonlight Sonata as he was going deaf. Director Irene Taylor Brodsky once again turns the camera on her deaf parents and, now, her 11-year-old deaf son Jonas, who has cochlear implants and is discovering a profound world of hearing - and music. As Jonas learns the first movement of Beethoven’s iconic sonata on the piano, his grandparents, deaf for nearly eighty years, watch with deepening awe about what time and technology have bestowed their grandson. But when Jonas struggles with the sound of his mistakes, Beethoven’s own musical journey comes to life in an animated world of watercolor and haunting soundscapes. As the great composer loses the sense that brought him so much music and fame, Jonas’s grandfather loses his grasp on his mind. Their lives weave a sonata over three centuries, about what we can discover once we push beyond what has been lost."

6:45pm - Panel "Creativity and Disability” (Free Admission)

7:45pm - Reception with the filmmakers

Abilities Expo - Abilities Expo San Mateo Welcomes Northern California’s Disability Community
"Passionate and committed to increasing their independence, people with disabilities in Northern California are poised to take advantage of the game-changing opportunities at Abilities Expo. They’ll come with questions and leave with answers! It could be the products and technology. It could be the chance to scale an all-inclusive climbing wall or play adaptive sports. It could be the workshops or the ability to connect with others in the disability community. It's free, so join us and register today."

"Explore how assistive technology (AT) can help you or your loved ones bridge the gap between ability and disability! Discover an array of AT for people of all disabilities to experience hands-on. Staff will offer suggestions and share their extensive knowledge to help determine the most appropriate technology match for your abilities and situations. Ability Tools (formerly the AT Network), provides a variety of services for Californians of all ages with disabilities including: AT exchange marketplace, device lending libraries, financial loan program for AT, and information & referrals."

Age-Friendly Expo
"Join friends, neighbors, local businesses, and community service providers to celebrate Age-Friendly Redwood City. The Age-Friendly Expo - presented by AnewVista and Redwood City - will connect people with businesses and services that enhance independent living and quality of life for all adults in our community."

"Learn about transportation options, recreation programs, community resources, local services, and age-friendly businesses. In addition to the exhibition hall, there will be an auditorium for product demonstrations and trials. The expo will be providing a book for contacts, coupons, and special deals on products."