Perspectives in Assistive Technology  

ENGR 110/210
Winter Quarter 2013
Tue & Thu  4:15 - 5:30pm
  Thornton Center - Classroom 110  

Explore the design,development, and use of technology
that benefits people with disabilities and seniors

Designed for ME, PD, BME, CS, EE, HumBio, and STS students

Objectives:
  • Learn how technology helps people with disabilities and seniors
  • Engage in a project design experience that includes need finding, brainstorming, iterative design, fabrication, user testing, report writing, and project presentation
  • Interact with users of assistive technology, coaches, and project partners
  • Enhance critical thinking and communication skills through in-class discussions, eport writing, and presentations
  • Apply engineering and design skills to assist individuals with disabilities in the local community increase their independence and improve their quality of life
Themes:
  • Disability and Rehabilitation
  • Research and Development
  • Personal Perspectives
  • Engineering Product Design
Lectures:
  • Designing for Developing Countries
  • Assistive Technology Overview
  • Needfinding Techniques
  • Communication Aids
  • Home and Worksite Accommodations
  • Rehabilitation Robotics Research
  • Prosthetics & Orthotics
  • Views of Former Students
  • Designing Beyond the Norm
  • Senior and Student Perspectives
  • Computer Accessibility
  • Insight into the Design Process
Tours:
  • Spinal Cord Injury and Clinical Gait Lab
  • Willow Garage Robotics
Projects:
  • Guide Robot for the Blind
  • Robotics & Prosthetics Applications
  • Brain-computer Interface
  • Mobility Projects
  • Aids for Kids, Seniors, Veterans
  • Speech Feedback Device
Tasks:
  • Pursue a team-based or individual project
  • Mid-term presentation and report
  • Final presentation and report
  • Personal reflection & Course evaluation
  • Work with technology users
  • Collaborate with project partners
  • Meet with project coach
  • In-class discussions
No:
  • No studying, problem sets, or exams
  • No out-of-pocket project expenses
  • No required books or readings
  • No boring lectures
Flexibility:
  • Continue project in ME113 or CS194
  • Continue project as independent study
  • Lecture-only options
  • Open to all disciplines
Rewards:
  • Apply engineering expertise to help others
  • Sharpen communication abilities
  • Develop project design skills
  • End of term celebration
Info:
ENGR110 is a certified Service Learning class that satisfies the optional course requirement for the BSME degree and is an approved course for the Program in Science, Technology & Society.