ATLAS

Assistive
Technology 
Laboratory
at
Stanford

Ralf Hotchkiss

Wheelchair Fabrication in Developing Countries - Ralf Hotchkiss is an inventor and the lead designer of Whirlwind Wheelchair International, a non-profit company located in Berkeley. Its mission is "to make it possible for every person in the developing world who needs a wheelchair to obtain one that will lead to maximum personal independence and integration into society". At SFSU, he taught "Wheelchair Design and Construction", a course in which students built a complete wheelchair in a Third World appropriate shop. Ralf is a graduate of Oberlin College (Physics) and a 1989 MacArthur Foundation Fellow.

Peter Axelson, MSME, ATP, RET

Designing Beyond the Norm to Meet the Needs of All People - Peter Axelson is a rehabilitation engineer who sustained a spinal cord injury in a 1975 climbing accident while in the Air Force Academy. He continued his education at Stanford University, where he began applying engineering and design principles to overcome daily living hurdles faced by people with disabilities. In 1981 he founded Beneficial Designs, Inc. an engineering design firm dedicated to designing, developing, and testing assistive technologies. His accomplishments include developing the first chairlift-compatible mono-ski with a shock absorber, working to establish wheelchair testing standards, improving seating systems for wheelchairs, and creating a system to assess trails that will improve access to outdoor trails for people of all abilities.

Gary Berke, MS, CP, FAAOP

Issues of Human Interface Design - Gary M. Berke is a prosthetist and an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Prosthetics in Stanford's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as the owner of Gary M. Berke Prosthetics / Orthotics in San Mateo. He has worked and lectured both nationally and internationally on prosthetic care and has authored multiple publications. He has a keen interest in investigating cost effective technologies that enhance the lives of those who use prostheses and orthoses daily.

Magical Bridge Playground

Field Trip to the Magical Bridge Playground - 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 current playground designs are similar to each other 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 for 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 build such a facility 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.

The Role of Older Adults in Stanford's Assistive Technology Course

Please plan to attend this upcoming presentation at the Cubberley Community Center where I will be speaking about the critical role that older adults and people with disabilities play as they work with teams of Stanford students to design and fabricate prototype devices that address real problems and challenges, as well as soliciting project suggestions. This will be a repeat of my August 4th presentation at Avenidas in Palo Alto.

When: Friday, September 15th from 11:00am to 12:30pm

Where: Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, Building "I", 2nd floor
            Park in the back near the tennis courts

How: No RSVP is required to attend this free presentation.

Silicon Valley Independent Living Center Wine & Cheese Open House

"Come see SVILC's new San Jose office! Enjoy delicious appetizers and a glass of wine or sparkling cider while you learn about our multitude of disability services and advocacy efforts! Meet our new staff and board members. Win a door or raffle prize. End the work week with some merriment!"

When: Friday, September 15th from 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Where: 25 N. 14th St., Suite 1000 - San Jose (map)
            Parking in the surface lot & parking garage from 13th St. and street parking on 14th St.
            Bus lines: 22, 23, 64

Other: Online announcement. Email us at info@svilc.org or call 408/894-9041.

Celebrating a Decade of Redesigning Long Life

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Stanford Center on Longevity will host a one day symposium that features preeminent individuals representing a range of disciplines, industry leaders poised to distribute innovative products and services to the public, and thought leaders who help to shape ideas that influence cultural change. It will be a landmark gathering that shifts attention away from a path laden with myths and stereotypes about aging to one that that offers an agentic and achievable vision of long life. In addition to the esteemed speakers, the symposium will feature activities related to the Center’s longevity research.

When: Thursday, September 21st from 8:00am to 6:30pm

Where: Stanford University, Arrillaga Alumni Center

How: Register for tickets here. $125

Abilities Expo

The Abilities Expo is the go-to source for the community of people with disabilities, their families, seniors, veterans, and healthcare professionals. This event offers new technologies, possibilities, solutions, and opportunities. Discover ability-enhancing products and services, play adaptive sports, and attend informative workshops.

When: Friday thru Sunday - October 27th - 29th

Where: San Mateo County Event Center (new location this year)

How: Register for free