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

Wheelchair Fabrication in Developing Countries

This issue invites you to attend the next class session
and the remaining class sessions.

Next class session - Thursday, March 5th at 4:30pm

Abstract: Ralf Hotchkiss will track the design of the Whirlwind Wheelchair from its beginning thirty years ago to the present and on into the future. From the first design breakthroughs of barefoot blacksmiths to the high tech testing and manufacturing methods of today, surprise breakthroughs in basic wheelchair design have come from the backyard inventors of some forty developing countries. These inventors, along with several graduates of the Stanford d.school, form the Whirlwind Network of wheelchair riders and designers. Their goal is not only to make wheelchairs available in the poorest of countries; it is to radically improve the durability and rough-ground mobility so that wheelchair riders can live and work in environments that they can only dream of visiting today. Ralf will show unfinished designs that open wide opportunities for new developments, and he will make a plea for the innovative designers of Stanford to enter into one of today's most fulfilling areas of invention and international development work.

Biosketch: 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.

You are invited to attend this and the remaining class sessions - Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:50pm and are open to the greater Stanford community. You need not be a Stanford student to attend, no signup is required, and there is no charge. The full schedule can be found here

Same 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.

Remaining class sessions:

• Tuesday, March 10th - Student Team Project Final Presentations
• Thursday, March 12th - Student Project Demonstrations

Research study:

Microsoft Research is running an online survey to collect information from people with disabilities who telework. "We’re seeking people with disabilities who regularly telework to learn more about their experiences. The goal of this study is to understand how teleworking helps people with disabilities make their work accessible. We want to understand people’s current work practices, what challenges they face, and what opportunities there are for improvement. To be eligible to participate, you must fit the following conditions:" Telework: Work from home or another remote site as part of making your work more accessible for any disabilities that you have. Use collaborative technologies such as video calling, chat, the phone, shared file directories, collaborative editing tools, screen sharing, etc. to collaborate with remote colleagues. Telework at least once per week Are an adult over 18 years of age "You will be asked to complete an online survey to describe your experiences. The survey is expected to take about 30 minutes to complete. You will receive a gratuity of a $25 electronic voucher at Amazon." "If you qualify, please fill out the online survey." "Feel free to forward this message to others who might be interested. If you have any questions, please contact John Tang."

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