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

Student Team Project Demonstrations

This issue invites you to attend the student team project demonstrations.

Attend the student project demonstrations - You are invited to attend this quarter's student team project demonstrations. They are open to the greater Stanford community. You need not be a Stanford student and there is no required signup, enrollment, or charge. This event will start at about 5:00pm, in Lathrop Library, Classroom 282.

Nine student teams have been addressing problems experienced by individuals with disabilities or older adults and have been working to understand, research, brainstorm, design, fabricate, and test prototype devices to meet an identified challenge. Teams will describe and demonstrate their projects in an informal trade show setting. Take advantage of this opportunity to view and try out the students' prototypes and ask questions. Please note that this was a seven-week team project effort and the students' devices are not intended to represent commercial offerings.

Just prior to the demonstrations, at 4:30pm, there will be an opportunity to fill out a course evaluation form. If you have attended one or more class sessions as a community member, you are welcome to provide your thoughts, comments, and suggestions about the course.

Teams and Projects:

1. Elevator Pitch - Elevator Button Pusher Project
2. Buckle Up - Service Dog Harness Buckle Project
3. Travola - Danny’s Lap Tray Project
4. Big Three - Danny’s Pick-up Project
5. Kitty Kat Meow - Zirpolo Hide-Away Lap Tray Project
6. Tray-lblazers - Tray for Tony Project
7. Abby's Assistants - Grocery Shopping with Abby Project
8. Magical Bridge Team - Magical Bridge Playground Project: Caterpillar
9. Mean Machine - Danny's Wheelchair Cup & Phone Holder Project

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.

Upcoming Local Events

Center on Longevity Design Challenge Finals Event The Stanford Center on Longevity Design Challenge offers cash prizes and free entrepreneur mentorship in a competition open to all university students around the world who want to design products and services which optimize long life for us all. This year’s challenge - Contributing at Every Age: Designing for Intergenerational Impact - focuses on building longevity solutions with cross-generational teams. Cash prizes will be awarded, and finalists will receive paid travel to Stanford, where they will present their designs to renowned industry, academic, and government leaders. "Join us on April 16th as our finalist judges choose the winners of the sixth annual Stanford Center on Longevity Design Challenge! This year the Challenge attracted 97 submissions from teams representing 24 countries across the globe. Finalists were selected by a panel of 32 expert judges drawn from industry, academia, and non-profit foundations. Teams will be awarded $1000 to develop their designs further and will travel to Stanford for the Finals. They will compete for a $10,000 first prize and present their designs to companies and investors." When: Tuesday, April 16th from 9:00am to 3:00pm Where: Paul Brest Hall, 555 Salvatierra Walk, Stanford Admission: Register for free

"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. When: Saturday, May 18th - all day Where: Campus location to be announced Information: Registration fee to be announced

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