Perspectives in Assistive Technology is a Winter Quarter Stanford course - now entering its eighteenth year - that explores the design, development, and use of assistive technology that benefits people with disabilities and older adults. It consists of semi-weekly in-person discussions; lectures by notable professionals, clinicians, and assistive technology users; a tour of an accessible inclusive playground; student project presentations and demonstrations; and an Assistive Technology Faire. Check out the course website.

By the Numbers:

• 12 = Guest Lecturers
• 15 = Candidate Team Projects
• 32 = Enrolled Students
•   4 = Confirmed Participants for Perspectives of Stanford Students and Faculty with a Disability
•   5 = Confirmed Vendors for the Assistive Technology Faire

Student Enrollment - As of today, 32 students have officially enrolled. Of those 32, 28 have opted to work on a total of 8 team projects. There are 1 Freshman, 1 Sophomore, 5 Juniors, 21 Seniors, and 4 Graduate students.

Guest Lecturer Schedule - The schedule of guest lecturers has been finalized. For more information about each presenter and their topic, browse to the course lecture schedule webpage. Community members are welcome to attend class sessions on campus. Maps and direcrions. Masking is not required. There will not be a concurrent Zoom broadcast.

Tuesday, January 23rd at 4:30pm PST - In-Person

Perspectives of Stanford Students and Faculty with a Disability Patty White, Sydney Barta, Sheri D. Sheppard, Bhavya Shah

Abstract: In this panel discussion, several Stanford students and faculty with disabilities will discuss their disabilities, the challenges they have faced, why they chose to attend Stanford, their academic and career goals, the resources Stanford provides them, and the assistive technology they employ to be successful students and productive faculty members.

Patty's Biosketch: Patty White is a recent Stanford Distinguished Career Institute fellow and mother of a child with Down Syndrome. She and her husband Jim have four children. Their youngest daughter opened their world to include individuals with cognitive challenges and the many who support them, ultimately inspiring them to co-found the LuMind Foundation and initiate work around community housing solutions for adults with IDD (intellectual or developmental disabilities).

Sydney's Biosketch: Sydney Barta is a sophomore studying bioengineering and an amputee since 6. She is a Pi Beta Phi, Stanford Counterpoint, and HPL member, the Director of Disability advocacy for Stanford ASSU, a CME tutor, and a Team USA Paralympian and National Team member. Sydney recently won the 2023 Parapan American Games and Set the Games Record for the women's 200m t64. She is one of four women with a blade to never run sub 27 for 200m and is the 200m National Champion and Americas Record Holder. She is currently training for Paris 2024 this summer.

Sheri's Biosketch: Sheri Sheppard taught both undergraduate and graduate design-related classes, and conducted research on fracture mechanics and applied finite element analysis, and on how people become engineers. She is the longtime faculty founder of and adviser to the graduate student group MEwomen.

Bhavya's Biosketch: Bhavya Ashush Shah is a Senior at Stanford studying Mathematical and Computational Science with interests in education, disability studies, and oral communication. He is an active member of Stanford's Debate Society and Ethics Bowl teams. Outside of academics, he enjoys watching Indian standup comedy, having meaningful conversations, and eating spicy food.

Thursday, January 25th at 4:30pm PST - By Zoom

Abstract: "The ability to walk after neurological injury or illness was once a dream, but now it's a reality for many individuals. I'll discuss the use of exoskeletons for rehabilitation, mobilization, and injury prevention. We'll also discuss the interaction between engineers and physical therapists to continually design these devices for optimal usage."

Biosketch: Joanna Weakley holds a Bachelor's degree in Allied Health Science, and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. She was a clinical physical therapist for 16 years focusing on neurological inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. She is currently a clinical manager and trainer at Ekso Bionics where her primary role is training other physical therapists how to incorporate a robotic exoskeleton into their clinical practice. She is also involved in developing a program for personal exoskeleton usage and an upper extremity exoskeleton for industrial use.

Everyone is welcome to attend this Zoom session. Password = 680305

• Tuesday, January 30th - Brain-Computer Interfaces for Communication
• Thursday, February 1st - The Third Arm Project

Product manufactuers and service providers are invited to participate in the Assistive Technology Faire - This twelfth annual course event is scheduled for Thursday, February 22nd and 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 join in on this event. Browse to the Call for Assistive Technology Faire Participants webpage for more information and contact me to register.

Everyone is welcome to attend this event. Here is the current line up and slides from last year's Faire.