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

From Idea to Market: Eatwell, Assistive Tableware
for Persons with Cognitive Impairments

This issue invites you to attend the next class session,
encourages your participation in the course's Assistive Technology Faire, and
invites your attendance at a Tech Talk.

Course News

Next class session - Tuesday, February 6th at 4:30pm:

Abstract: "Inspired by my late grandmother who had Alzheimer's Disease, I created Eatwell, a tableware set to help people with cognitive impairments increase their food intake. After years of research and development, the Eatwell set won first place in the 2014 Stanford Design Challenge in a competition with 52 other teams from 15 countries, and has continued to receive extremely positive feedback from caregivers from different states across the country, and even internationally. I will share my story about my efforts working on the project, the design process I used, the challenges I faced, my experience during the design competition, the latest update on my goal to bring Eatwell to market, and my future plans for the product."

Biosketch: Sha Yao describes herself as a passionate Industrial Designer who likes to challenge herself. She has a diverse background and speaks English, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese. She created a product design studio to help startup companies develop their product ideas, and especially loves to work on projects that help people in need.

Attend a lecture - The schedule of guest lectures has been finalized. Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:50pm and are open to the greater Stanford community. You are most welcome to sit in on any class sessions that interest you. You need not be a Stanford student and there is no required signup, enrollment, or charge. The class will meet in a large, tiered, accessible classroom on campus in the Thornton Center, adjacent to the Terman Fountain and near the Roble Gym, the same venue as last year. Here are the parking options, maps, and directions to the classroom.

You are invited to participate in the Assistive Technology Faire - This sixth 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, March 1st just outside the classroom, Thornton 110. Here are Dave's and Arne's photos from last year's Faire.

Upcoming class sessions:

Thursday, February 8th Designing Beyond the Norm to Meet the Needs of All People Tuesday, February 13th Field Trip to the Magical Bridge Playground Thursday, February 15th Mid-term Student Team Project Presentations

Upcoming Local Event

Avenidas Generations Lab Tech Talk The Avenidas Generations Lab invites you to attend a fireside chat with Dr. Manjula Waldron and Richard Adler as they examine "The Impact of Technology on Intergenerational Values and Morals". When: Friday, February 9th from 11am to noon Where: Cubberley Community Center, Building "I", Second floor, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Suite #I-2, Palo Alto Admission: Ages 15 and above - Free

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 Team 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