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ATLAS |
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Assistive
Technology
Laboratory
at
Stanford |
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Technology
and design benefitting individuals with disabilities and older adults in the
local community |
February 20, 2019 |
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Perspectives is the newsletter of the
Stanford course,
Perspectives in Assistive
Technology.
Field Trip to the Magical
Bridge Playground
This issue invites you
to attend a field trip to the Magical Bridge Playgound,
issues a last call
for vendors for the course's Assistive Technology Faire,
and reminds you of
two upcoming local events
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Perspectives in Assistive Technology is a Winter
Quarter Stanford course - preparing for its thirteenth year - that
explores the design, development, and use of assistive technology that benefits
people with disabilities and older adults. It consists of semi-weekly classroom
discussions; lectures by notable professionals, clinicians, and
assistive technology users; tours of local medical, clinical, and
engineering facilities; student project presentations and demonstrations; an
Assistive Technology Faire; and a film screening. |
Next class session - Thursday, February 21st at
4:45pm at the Magical Bridge Playground (directions and
map)
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Field Trip to the Magical
Bridge Playground
Olenka
Villarreal
Founder of the Magical
Bridge Playground |
Abstract: Of the 34 existing public parks in Palo
Alto today, not one has been built with everyone’s unique physical and
cognitive needs in mind. Most of the playground designs are similar and do not
reflect the many different types of people living in the community - those with
autism, visual and hearing impairments, cognitive challenges, and even older
adults. The urgent need to create a playground that would surpass ADA standards
was the drive behind the vision for a new kind of playground - one designed for
everyone. The $4 million needed to create such a place was raised privately in
less than two years. Created by a team of inclusion experts and located in Palo
Alto’s Mitchell Park, the Magical
Bridge Playground broke ground in June 2014. Now that it is completed, it
is the nation's most innovative inclusive playground.
Biosketch: With an undergraduate degree from
Pomona College and MBA from Golden Gate University, Olenka Villarreal spent 18
years working with start-up and technology companies in Silicon Valley. When
her second daughter was born with disabilities in 2003, she turned her focus on
improving the quality of life of those with disabilities. Olenka serves on the
Board of Directors for the Palo Alto Unified School District's
Community Advisory Committee for Special
Education, on Life Services
Alternatives in San Jose, and is Vice President of
Friends of the Palo Alto Parks.
In June 2014, Olenka was presented with the prestigious Jefferson Service Award
in recognition of her efforts to make the Magical Bridge Playground a
reality.
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You are invited to attend this field trip
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. |
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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. |
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Cookies and Chill - Disability
Community Mixer - The theme for this networking event is "decorating
(and eating)
cookies".
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Wednesday, February 20th from 2:30pm until 4:30pm |
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Stanford University,
Women's
Community Center, 433 Santa Teresa St. |
| Information: |
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Open to students and community
members |
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Last call to participate in the
Assistive Technology Faire as a vendor- 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 - rain or shine.
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"Save the Date" for Stanford's
Inaugural Disability Studies Conference - Mediations: Disability, Technology,
and the Arts - This day-long conference will host research
presentations alongside workshops. In addition to academic panels and
discussions, the venue will be filled with artwork and exhibitions by the local
Stanford disability community. In the spirit of infrastructural and cultural
accessibility, Mediations:
Disability, Technology, and the Arts is open to public participation, and
presenters are encouraged to prepare to speak to both colleagues and
non-specialists. Conference participants should look forward to a unique
experience that brings together critical discussion and public
engagement.
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Saturday, May 18th - all day |
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Campus location to be announced |
| Information: |
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Registration fee to be
announced |
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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
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To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please email
Dave. |
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