Atlas logo

ATLAS

Assistive
Technology 
Laboratory
at
Stanford

 
 
Design, Technology , and Engineering benefitting individuals with disabilities and older adults in the local community
September 27, 2019    
2 columns of images relating to assistive technology

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

Webinar & Local Events

This issue continues to solicit student project suggestions and
announces a webinar and new upcoming local events.

Perspectives in Assistive Technology is a Winter Quarter Stanford course - preparing for its fourteenth year - that explores the design, development, and use of assistive technology that benefits people with disabilities and older adults. It consists of semi-weekly classroom discussions; lectures by notable professionals, clinicians, and assistive technology users; tours of local medical, clinical, and engineering facilities; student project presentations and demonstrations; an Assistive Technology Faire; and a film screening.

This course relies on community involvement,
so please suggest a project based upon an identified problem or challenge.

"Make a Suggestion"

Student Project Suggestions

Previous newsletters described the benefits of student projects, the project suggestion submission process, the project requirements, the project statement format, and the activities expected of project suggestors.

Briefly, what is the process for considering and submitting project suggestions? - First identify a specific challenge or problem experienced by a person with a disability or older adult. Then perform an internet search to confirm that the problem has not already been adequately addressed. Then carefully review the project requirements to make sure the idea complies with all the criteria. Finally submit a short email - text format is ok - that identifies the user or population affected and briefly describes the nature of the problem. Include desirable features of a solution, but do not specify how the device should appear, be built, or solve the problem - as those are tasks for the student team to consider. It is ok if the problem affects just one individual.

What happens after a project suggestion is submitted? - Submitted project suggestions will be read, reviewed, and considered. Those that meet all the project requirements and receive my approval will be accepted as candidate team projects. A project Problem Statement describing the challenge will be composed for posting on the course website and disseminated as a handout to students on the first day of class. Refer to this past year's team candidate project list for examples of prior Problem Statements.

Upcoming Webinar

DO-IT logo

Assistive Technology & Design Process
In this University of Washington DO-IT webinar, I will address differences between Accessibility and Assistive Technology, review Universal Design Principles, and provide an overview of the engineering design process for assistive technology devices with slides illuminated with colorful graphics.

When: Thursday, October 10th at 10am
Where: On-line via Zoom
Information: Free - Join via Zoom

Upcoming Local Events

Vista TEC logo

Vista TEC 2019
"Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired believes that a comprehensive definition of diversity, includes people with disabilities. Therefore, integrating diverse needs, perspectives and capability limitations is necessary for the next generation of software tools and technology."

"This day-long conference will build upon the discussions and innovations underway regarding accessibility and inclusion in the work place, in our communities, and in our schools."

When: Saturday, September 28th from 8:00am to 4:00pm
Where: UCSC Silicon Valley Campus
3175 Bowers Ave., Santa Clara - map
Information: Register - $25
Conference Agenda
Contact Alice Turner if you wish to volunteer
UNAFF 2019 logo

International Documentary Film Festival - Scales of Justice
"United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF) is delighted to announce its 22nd film festival. UNAFF was founded in 1998 by Stanford educator and film critic Jasmina Bojic in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

"This year’s theme, Scales of Justice, continues our two decades-long celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing the fight for justice and exploring possible paths emanating from it into the future."

The Session 16 films would be of particular interest to community members of Stanford's Perspectives in Assistive Technology course.

4:00pm - "Scars   Are you afraid to look at a different face? This film tells the tale of men and women that we look at with difficulty. They are our fellows, but at the same time we observe them from the corner of the eye because we lack the courage to look at them in the face. This film gives voice to the destroyed faces, identities riddled with chance or destiny. Malformed figures from birth and faces ravaged by the accidents of life. How does one live under the weight of difference? What can the most disturbing singularity tell us about our common humanity? This film is a face to face. A face to face between the characters and the viewer, but also between the characters and themselves. Scars takes place in the mythical French photography studio 'Harcourt' which, since 1934, has seen some of the biggest movies stars - a temple of glamour and a sanctuary of beauty. During a photo shoot, each character of this film had a chance to recapture the look on themselves and to get revenge when they’re not looked at with respect and consideration."

5:15pm - "Moonlight Sonata: Deafness in Three Movements is a coming-of-age story about a boy growing up, his grandfather, Paul, growing old, and Ludwig van Beethoven, who crafted his Moonlight Sonata as he was going deaf. Director Irene Taylor Brodsky once again turns the camera on her deaf parents and, now, her 11-year-old deaf son Jonas, who has cochlear implants and is discovering a profound world of hearing - and music. As Jonas learns the first movement of Beethoven’s iconic sonata on the piano, his grandparents, deaf for nearly eighty years, watch with deepening awe about what time and technology have bestowed their grandson. But when Jonas struggles with the sound of his mistakes, Beethoven’s own musical journey comes to life in an animated world of watercolor and haunting soundscapes. As the great composer loses the sense that brought him so much music and fame, Jonas’s grandfather loses his grasp on his mind. Their lives weave a sonata over three centuries, about what we can discover once we push beyond what has been lost."

6:45pm - Panel "Creativity and Disability” (Free Admission)

7:45pm - Reception with the filmmakers

When: Thursday, October 24th
Where: Stanford University
Li Ka Shing Center, 291 Campus Drive, Room LK130 map
There is open parking after 4pm in "A" and "C" designated spaces
Information: Free admission for all students with a valid ID, $12 for all others, including seniors
Tickets can be purchased at the Li Ka Shing Center, or in advance online from the Stanford Ticket Office or at the United Nations Association Store on 552 Emerson St., Palo Alto
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to showtime to guarantee admission
Abilities Expo logo

Abilities Expo - Abilities Expo San Mateo Welcomes Northern California’s Disability Community
"Passionate and committed to increasing their independence, people with disabilities in Northern California are poised to take advantage of the game-changing opportunities at Abilities Expo. They’ll come with questions and leave with answers! It could be the products and technology. It could be the chance to scale an all-inclusive climbing wall or play adaptive sports. It could be the workshops or the ability to connect with others in the disability community. It's free, so join us and register today."

"Explore how assistive technology (AT) can help you or your loved ones bridge the gap between ability and disability! Discover an array of AT for people of all disabilities to experience hands-on. Staff will offer suggestions and share their extensive knowledge to help determine the most appropriate technology match for your abilities and situations. Ability Tools (formerly the AT Network), provides a variety of services for Californians of all ages with disabilities including: AT exchange marketplace, device lending libraries, financial loan program for AT, and information & referrals."

When: Friday, October 25th from 11am to 6pm
Saturday, October 26th from 11am to 5pm
Sunday, October 27th from 11am to 4pm
Where: San Mateo County Event Center, Expo Hall
1346 Saratoga Dr., San Mateo, CA 94403
Directions, parking, and transportation
Information: Admission is free, but please register
More information
Age Friendly Expo logo
Anew Vista Logo

Age-Friendly Expo
"Join friends, neighbors, local businesses, and community service providers to celebrate Age-Friendly Redwood City. The Age-Friendly Expo - presented by AnewVista and Redwood City - will connect people with businesses and services that enhance independent living and quality of life for all adults in our community."

"Learn about transportation options, recreation programs, community resources, local services, and age-friendly businesses. In addition to the exhibition hall, there will be an auditorium for product demonstrations and trials. The expo will be providing a book for contacts, coupons, and special deals on products."

When: Friday, November 8th from 10am to 2pm
Where: Veterans Memorial Senior Center
1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City - map
Free on-site parking
Information: Tickets - $7.50
Admission includes: food and beverages, a gift bag, coupons, raffle tickets, product demonstrations, and more
Flyer

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

5 rows of images of course presenters and community members

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