REAR Lab: Courses and Research Opportunities
Graduate Courses
Human Centered Design: ID 6101
Fall semester 2008-9, 3 credits
The design of products and/or environments that are inclusive of persons with different abilities can be a difficult endeavor requiring an understanding of function and means to collect design-specific information. This course seeks to expose students to 1) aspects of disability and aging and 2) the tools commonly used by designers to collect stakeholder input. Course content includes an overview of disability and aging, anthropometry, survey and focus group design and qualitative inquiry.
Assistive Technology: APPH 6997
1 credit, Fall semester
Assistive Technology is any device or system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the function of persons with disabilities. This class will expose students to various technologies and how they are designed to address particular functional needs. General areas include wheelchairs, wheelchair seating, environmental modification and computer access.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities:
Creating Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Experiences (cREATe): APPH 4699
3 credits
Typically offered during Spring semester with alternative offering during Summer
Description: Rehabilitation Engineering applies scientific principals to address the needs of persons with disabilities. The design of assistive technology requires a user-centered design approach in order to correctly meet the functional need in question. Students will work in teams to address a specific assistive technology need of a person with a disability. Projects are identified through our clinical partners including Shepherd Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Students should have basic fabrication and design skills or be willing to learn fabrication skills. Students must be willing to dedicate 8-10 hours per week on researching solutions to specific functional needs.