Welcome to the first edition of the second year of Perspectives, the e-newsletter of the Stanford course Perspectives in Assistive Technology.

Why are you getting this? - This newsletter provides you, a community member who has expressed an interest in this course, with information about upcoming class events including lectures, tours, and student project presentations. It also solicits your project suggestions, describes opportunities for you to become involved with the class, and announces other assistive technology events around Stanford.

What is the course? - Perspectives in Assistive Technology is a Winter Quarter course at Stanford that explores issues surrounding the design, development, and use of assistive technology that benefits people with disabilities and seniors. Enrollment in this three-unit course is open to undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines and consists of twice-weekly lectures by notable professionals, clinicians, and assistive technology users as well as individual and team-based student projects that address needs of seniors or individuals with disabilities. More information can be found on the course website. Also check out the syllabus, frequently asked questions, and student's comments about their experience.

Are you an interested in attending a lecture? - All class presentations are open to the greater Stanford community - you need not be an enrolled Stanford student. The schedule of class lectures and tours can be found here.

Would you like to be a mentor or coach? - Volunteer participation by experts who can coach student teams on their projects is welcomed. Individuals will be be expected to provide advice and expertise in the specific areas addressed by the project - such as mechanical, electrical, electronic, computer systems, knowledge of fabrication and testing techniques, and sources of materials - and be available in person or by phone and/or email.

Do you have an idea for an assistive technology project? - Although there are already sufficient candidate projects for this year's class, you may submit your suggestions for consideration for next year at any time. Visit the course project solicitation webpage for project requirements and how to best describe them.

Would you like to support the course? - Support for course and project expenses and speaker honoraria in the form of monetary gifts is always appreciated.

Do you have a question or comment? - David L. Jaffe, MS, the course organizer, can be reached by email or at 650/892-4464.