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.

Student enrollment - The enrollment has been very strong with 32 students signing up on the first day!

Attend upcoming class sessions - Although official enrollment is required for Stanford students to receive academic credit, the greater Stanford community is invited to sit in all class sessions. 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.

Beta Testers Needed
"I am working with PTW Design & Development. We are in need of volunteer beta testers to trial our new technology: AireCLICK. The second version of product / app is under development and we are looking for 4 to 7 individuals with physical difficulties (including limited upper extremity strength and range of motion, wheelchair users, and those with vision impairments) to participate in an one hour test of this product. The company is located in Berkeley, but will travel to user's Bay Area location, is flexible on dates & times, and will supply refreshments." If you are interested, please contact Tim at tim@ptwdd.com

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 of contacts, coupons, and special deals on products."