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

Perspectives of Stanford Students with a Disability

This issue invites you to attend the next class session and encourages your participation in the course's Assistive Technology Faire.

Course News

Next class session - Tuesday, January 21st at 4:30pm

Perspectives of Stanford Students with a Disability Benjamin S. Woodford, Sylvia Colt-Lacayo, Gene Sung-Ho Kim, and Austin Gregory Brotman Stanford University

Abstract: In this panel discussion, four Stanford students will discuss their disabilities, the challenges they have faced, their academic goals, and the assistive technology they employ to be successful students.

Benjamin S. Woodford's Biosketch: Benjamin S. Woodford is a doctoral candidate in the GSE. Having lived for almost 17 years with a T4 complete spinal chord injury, Ben will share a bit of that journey with the class. Research interests currently center around understanding cultural biases towards mathematics learning. Previously a high school math teacher, before that a commercial contractor. Also, he hosts Modern Education, a show on 90.1 KZSU Stanford which addresses learning in the modern age.

Sylvia Colt-Lacayo's Biosketch: Sylvia Colt-Lacayo is a freshman at Stanford Univerity. While she is currently undeclared, she is interested in studying political science or international relations. Sylvia has been making films for the past five years, most of which discuss various social justice topics and her own disability. She wants to involve art in her future studies. Sylvia is passionate about advocacy and did lots of work this summer bringing awareness to the issue revolving around medical care that many physically disabled people face. This Los Angeles Times article - She got a full scholarship to Stanford. But can she afford the care she needs to go? - was published about her journey.

Gene Sung-Ho Kim's Biosketch: Gene Kim is a freshman exploring Symbolic Systems, Creative Writing, and Mechanical Engineering as potential areas of study. Due to a genetic retinal detachment condition, he gradually lost his sight while growing up, and became completely blind during his sophomore year of high school. Although challenging at times, alternative approaches to engaging with the world has enabled him to serve as a summer camp counselor, learn how to speed-solve Rubik's cubes, compete in the National Japan Bowl competition, and pursue his other academic and personal interests. Currently, he serves as secretary for the California Association of Blind Students (affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind of California), which is an activism and support community. For the future, he is interested in helping pioneer new assistive technologies to increase the scope and quality of accessible living for the impaired.

Austin Gregory Brotman's Biosketch: Austin Brotman is a Sophomore studying Symbolic Systems. After a diving accident during the summer before his sophomore year of high school fractured his C6 vertebra and left him paralyzed from the chest down, he found direction in his education and learned to use assistive technology to make up for the limitations imposed by his disability. Hoping to ease the financial burden of these technologies for others hoping to pursue further education, Austin founded the Spinal Cord Injury Scholars’ Fund in conjunction with Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado, to provide education related assistive technology to students following a spinal cord injury. Looking forward, he is interested in exploring the ways the discipline of computer science can improve the lives of those with limited mobility.

You are invited to attend this and all other class sessions - Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:50pm and are open to the greater Stanford community. You need not be a Stanford student to attend, no signup is required, and there is no charge. The full schedule can be found here

Same classroom! - The course will be held in classroom 282 in the Lathrop Library located at the corner of Lasuen Mall and Serra Mall, adjacent to Memorial Auditorium and the Oval. It seats as many as 150 people in a flexible and accessible space. Here is a webpage with maps, directions, and photos.

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.

Upcoming class sessions:

• Thursday, January 23rd - Designing Beyond the Norm to Meet the Needs of All People
• Tuesday, January 28th - Problems of Adaptive Aesthetics and Design
• Thursday, January 30th - Issues of Human Interface Design

Upcoming local event:

SOMArts proudly announces the second exhibition in the 10th Curatorial Residency season, Recoding CripTech. Curated by Vanessa Chang and Lindsey D. Felt, Recoding CripTech reimagines enshrined notions of what a body can be or do through creative technologies, and how it can move, look, or communicate. Working with a broad understanding of technology, from prosthetic tools to the built environment, this multidisciplinary community art exhibition explores how disability - and artists who identify as such - can redefine design, aesthetics, and the relationship between user and interface. Exhibiting artists engage with technology in manifold ways from conception to production and beyond. As the term "crip" reclaims the word for disability culture and recognizes disability as a cultural and political identity, so too do artists hack technologies to make them more accessible and inclusive. When: Opening Thursday evening, January 23rd (6 to 9pm) and running through Tuesday, February 25th Where: SOMA Arts Cultural Center - 934 Brannan St., San Francisco Information: More information

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