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

Improving Indoor Environments for Older Adults

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

Course News

Do you have a suggestion for a film about disabilty and assistive technology? - I am looking for suggestions for a film to screen on Tuesday, March 5th during classtime. The film must not be over 60 minutes in length and must be available on DVD for no or low cost.

Next class session - Thursday, January 31st at 4:30pm

Abstract: As the world's population ages and internet-connected devices proliferate, older adults are facing increasing difficulties understanding and using these new technologies. Assistive Technology, Ergonomics, and Usability principles can be applied to create friendlier interfaces and interactions. This lecture will offer an overview of the main challenges as well as guidelines and examples for designing accessible and inclusive indoor environments for older adults, including state-of-the-art sensing technologies and ways to demystify technology issues.

Biosketch: Dr. Matteo Zallio, is a Fulbright Scholar at Stanford University. Previously a research fellow at the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), he is an Italian award-winning architect and designer. Dr. Zallio, after earning a PhD from University of Genova (IT) and Loughborough University (UK), joined the Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute at DIT and focused his research and work on User Experience Design as a tool for improving people’s quality of life. During his career he has developed two patent applications, received six international awards, and has been a guest lecturer and speaker worldwide.

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 until Thursday, March 14th 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.

New 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 seventh 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 28th in the Lathrop Library, Classroom 282. Here are my photos from last year's Faire.

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