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.

Student Enrollment by the Numbers:

• 30 = Enrolled Students
•  7 = Project Teams
• 26 = Students working on team projects
•  3 = 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.

Tuesday, January 20th at 4:30pm PST

Perspectives of Stanford Students with a Disability Lance A. Keneley, Heloise Hoffman, Sydney Elise Barta & Emily Madison Ocasio

Abstract: In this panel discussion, several Stanford students with disabilities will discuss their disabilities, the challenges they have faced, why they chose to attend Stanford, their academic and career goals, the resources Stanford provides them, and the assistive technology they employ to be successful students.

Lances' Biosketch: Lance Keneley is a mechanical engineering coterminal student concentrating in biomechanical engineering. He played on the football team at Stanford for 4 years as well as one additional year at the University of Arizona. For his senior capstone, he worked on a team in partnership with Kyaro Assistive Technologies that designed a postural support seat for children with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus in Tanzania. Lance is interested in continuing research in assistive technologies particularly for people with fine motor skill impairment. Outside of class, he describes himself as an adventurer. Lance values new and fun experiences that challenge his perceptions about people and the world. He also freedives, skis, and cooks.

Heloise's Biosketch: Heloise Hoffmann is a senior in bioengineering on the pre-MD / PhD path. She is passionate about translational research for rare neuromuscular disorders, specifically focusing on FSH muscular dystrophy (FSHD), with which she is personally affected. Her current research in the Stanley Qi Lab focuses on developing a novel therapeutic approach for this condition. Heloise feels inspired by the intersection of patient advocacy and scientific progress, and she strives to use her voice to raise awareness about the experiences of patients living with FSHD and other rare (and often invisible) degenerative conditions. Outside the lab, Heloise plays guitar in the student band Denim in Distress and loves to explore the outdoors!

Sydney's Biosketch: Sydney Barta is a Team USA Paralympian specializing in the T64 sprints. She won gold in the 200 m at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, where she set the Games record. She is the Americas Record holder in the 200 m T64 and one of only four women with a running blade ever to break 27 seconds in the event. She most recently represented the United States at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, earning a bronze medal in the 200 m T64. Sydney is currently training toward the next Paralympic cycle while pursuing research in biomechanics and musculoskeletal innovation.

Emily's Biosketch: Emily Ocasio is a junior studying data science. On campus, she is the ASSU’s director of disability advocacy, the executive representative for the Vaden Student Health Advisory Committee, a co-founder of the DisGo Student Advocacy Group and a consultant for SMG. Outside of school, you can find her playing with her 14 year old rabbit, eating her family’s Puerto Rican food, or making handmade merch. Emily has multiple chronic illnesses.

Thursday, January 22nd at 4:30pm PST

Abstract: "Have you ever considered how someone who cannot see a screen uses a mobile app? Or how someone who can't use a mouse navigates a website? Technology has the power to connect, but it can also create unintentional barriers that exclude millions."

"Together we will explore how people with disabilities can use assistive technologies - including screen readers, alternate mice, adaptive keyboards, and braille displays - to navigate digital content. Understanding user experiences along with existing digital accessibility standards (WCAG) can help translate design and development decisions into accessible web and mobile app development. We will also discuss how the increased reliance of AI tools represents a 'double-edged sword' for digital accessibility and access for people with disabilities."

Biosketch: Sean J. Keegan is the Director for the Office of Digital Accessibility at Stanford University and leads a team in providing technical expertise, training, and resources to the campus community on accessible websites and digital solutions for people with disabilities. He is also the program lead for Accessible IT at Stanford emphasizing accessibility awareness, allyship, and accountability for institutional digital accessibility efforts. Sean currently serves as Treasurer for the non-profit Teach Access organization.

• Tuesday, January 27th - From Idea to Market: Eatwell, Assistive Tableware for Persons with Cognitive Impairments
• Thursday, January 29th - Brain-Computer Interfaces for Communication

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.