Perspectives in Assistive Technology is a Winter Quarter Stanford course - embarking on its nineteenth year - that explores the design, development, and use of assistive technology that benefits people with disabilities and older adults. It consists of semi-weekly in-person discussions; lectures by notable professionals, clinicians, and assistive technology users; a tour of an accessible inclusive playground; student project presentations and demonstrations; and an Assistive Technology Faire. Students pursue team-based projects that address real challenges faced by people with disabilities and older adults living in the local community. Check out the course website.

Important Dates:

• Tuesday, January 6th - First class session of Perspectives in Assistive Technology

Current Instructor Tasks:

• Facilitate student enrollment

By the Numbers:

• 12 = Guest Lecturers scheduled
• 17 = Confirmed Team Projects (3 new & 14 renewed)
• 44 = Prospective Students
• 27 = Maximum number of students working on team projects (3 students per team)
•  4 = Confirmed Participants for Perspectives of Stanford Students and Faculty with a Disability
•  2 = Confirmed Exhibitors for the Assistive Technology Faire

Community Attendance - Community members are most welcome to attend class sessions on campus, enrollment is not required. There will not be a Zoom participation option this year.

Student Enrollment - As of today, 33 students have pre-enrolled and 26 have officially enrolled. Of those 26, 2 are Freshmen, 2 are Sophomores, 7 are Juniors, 9 are Seniors, and 6 are Graduate students, with 20 opting to work on team projects. Enrollment will be paused and a Wait List implemented when 7 additional students request enrollment in a team project, resulting in 9 equal teams of 3 members.

Haas Center for Public Service - Cardinal Course Grant - I am pleased to announce that my Cardinal Course Grant proposal request was approved. The grant will fund honoraria for some guest lecturers, supplies and materials for student projects, and general course expenses.

Perspectives of Stanford Students and Faculty with a Disability - Several students have been invited to participate in a panel discussion in the Week 3 class session on Tuesday, January 20th. They will talk about their disabilities, the challenges they have faced, why they chose to attend Stanford, their academic and career goals, and the assistive technology they employ to be successful students.

Product manufactuers and service providers are invited to participate in the Assistive Technology Faire - This fourteenth annual course event is scheduled for Thursday, February 19th and will provide an opportunity for students and community members to get an up-close look at a variety of assistive technology devices and learn about available services. Users of assistive technology products as well as small companies and agencies serving individuals with disabilities and older adults are encouraged to join in on this event. Browse to the Call for Assistive Technology Faire Participants webpage for more information and contact me to register.

Everyone is welcome to attend this event. Here is the current line up and slides from last year's Faire.