Welcome to the first edition of the fourth
year 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 the design, development, and
use of assistive technology benefitting people with disabilities and older
adults. The course consists of twice-weekly classroom discussions;
lectures by notable professionals, clinicians, and assistive technology
users; tours of local medical, clinical, and engineering facilities; and
an assistive technology faire. Enrolled students pursue individual or
team-based projects that address the needs of older adults and
individuals with disabilities. More information can be found on the
course website, including the
syllabus, frequently asked
questions, and student's comments. The first
day of class is Tuesday, January 7th.
What
is planned for this academic year's course? - In addition to
reprises of some lectures presented last academic year, several new ones will
be offered: one featuring several Stanford Haas Center
Graduate Public
Service Fellows who will speak about their interests; another on
Exoskeletons; a third on Autism; and a fourth on Starting an Assistive
Technology Company. Finally this year's Assistive Technology Fair will provide
an opportunity for both students and community members to get a close look at
devices brought by companies, medical centers, and users with
disabilities.
Are
you an interested in attending a lecture? - Athough enrollment is
required for students to receive academic credit, all lectures are open to the
greater Stanford community. You need not be a Stanford student to attend, there
is no required signup, and there is no charge. The draft schedule of class lectures will be updated as
the Winter Quarter approaches.
Do you have an idea for an assistive technology
project? - Although there are already many
candidate projects rolled over from last year
and several new projects for this year's class, you are encouraged to submit
your project suggestions for consideration. Visit the
Course Project Solicitation webpage for a
description of project requirements. If your project is accepted, you can
"pitch" it to the class. If a student team
selects it, you will have the opportunity to offer them advice, direction, and
expertise in person or by phone and/or email.
Would you like to 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.
Please contact me if you have
any questions, comments, or suggestions about the course and thank you again
for your interest.
Dave |
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