Welcome to this edition of Perspectives, the e-newsletter of the
Stanford course Perspectives in Assistive Technology.
What
is the course? - Perspectives in Assistive Technology is a
Winter Quarter course at Stanford that explores issues surrounding the design,
development, and use of assistive technology for people with disabilities and
seniors. More information can be found on the course
website.
Invitation to attend - You are invited to attend
all class lectures. They will be held in the
Main Quad, Building 370, Classroom 370 on
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 4:15 to 5:30pm and are free and open
to the public.
Next class session - Thursday, January 27th at
4:15pm:
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Tools and Techniques for
Individuals with Visual Impairments William
A. Gerrey, BSEE Rehabilitation
Engineering Center, Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute |
Abstract: A good
problem statement often leads to simple devices and alternate procedures that
require very little adaptations. A set of tools and instruments serving the
job-related and daily-living activities of individuals with vision impairments
will be displayed and described including techniques for electronic and
mechanical measurement.
Biosketch: Bill Gerrey
has worked as an electrical engineer at the Rehabilitation Engineering Center
of the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute in San Francisco for over 35
years where he designs vocational assistive devices, including measuring
instruments and devices relating to job modification.
Bill was born in Reno, NV in
1947 and has been totally blind since a very early age. His interest in devices
for the blind goes back to his early childhood. His father, who was also blind,
kindled his passions for radio and early recording machines. His father's
collection of The Braille Technical Press which dates back to 1950
became an integral part of Bill's education. With the encouragement of Robert
W. Gunderson, the editor of the magazine, the Technical File, a
publication of technical information for blind enthusiasts, was born and
continues to be supported by Smith-Kettlewell.
He got his amateur radio
license (WA6NPC) in 1960 as a teenager and now holds an Extra Class
license.
Bill earned a Bachelor's
degree in Electronics Engineering from California State Polytechnic College in
San Luis Obispo in 1971.
Bill is a member of many
professional organizations including IEEE, RESNA, AAAS, and NFB.
Do
you have a question or comment? - David L. Jaffe, MS, the
course organizer, can be reached by email or at 650/892-4464.
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