Beneficial Design with Assistive Technology

When planning classes to take this coming year, please consider the Winter Quarter course:

Perspectives in Assistive Technology

It is open to all undergraduate and graduate students including ME, PD, BME, CS, EE, and HumBio.

You should take this course if:

  • You are interested in learning how technology is being used to help people with disabilities and seniors
  • You would like to apply your engineering and design skills to benefit others
  • You want an opportunity to engage in a team-based design project that improves the lives of individuals with disabilities and seniors

Sample of Previous Projects

photo of vest for rechargable stimulator

A recharging vest for users of implanted Deep Brain Stimulators (2010)

photo of standing and walking aid

A standing and walking aid for improved balance and stability (2010)

Photo of device for wheelchair uses that facilitates opening doors

A wheelchair-mounted system that makes it easier for users to open doors. (2009)


Photo of a device for wheelchair users that aids in shopping

A device that facilitates shopping by wheelchair users. (2009)

Perspectives in Assistive Technology (ENGR110/210) is a Winter Quarter course for engineering students to learn about issues surrounding the design and use of technology that benefits people with disabilities and seniors.

This three-credit course consists of twice-weekly presentations by guest lecturers and tours of local medical facilities and engineering labs. Students pursue team-based projects that address problems faced by users of assistive technology.

Lectures are open to all students
and community members.

For students whose schedule does not permit working on a project, one-credit lecture-only options are offered.

The course objectives are to:

  • Expose students to the engineering, medical, and social issues facing engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, clinicians, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in the design, development, and use of assistive technology

  • Engage students in a team-based project experience that exercises team working skills and applies an engineering design process to tackle difficulties experienced by individuals with disabilities and seniors

  • Provide an opportunity for students to interact with users of assistive technology in the local community along with health care professionals, coaches, and project partners

  • Enhance students' communication skills, with specific emphasis on in-class discussions, report writing, and presentations

  • Encourage students to use their engineering skills and design expertise to help individuals with disabilities and seniors increase their independence and improve their quality of life

Students can continue working on their projects into the Spring Quarter - engaging in prototyping, fabrication, user testing, and iterative design for credit as an independent study or senior design project.

ENGR110 is a certified Service Learning course that satisfies the optional course requirement for the BSME degree.

The teaching staff invites motivated undergraduate and graduate students from all majors and backgrounds to enroll in Axess and attend the first class session in the Winter Quarter of 2011.

To learn more about this course, browse to the class website or contact:
David L. Jaffe, MS - dljaffe@stanford.edu