The Assistive Technology
Projects require adaptation to the existing technology or design of new
devices to meet the specific needs of a disabled person. Requests for these
devices come to the Department of Electrical Engineering from Special-Care
institutions, Rehabilitation Facilities, and Private Individuals across New
England.
"We Work on Real World Solutions to Real World Problems for the Disabled."
-director Professor Donn A. Clark
Our clients are disabled people. The students talk with them, interact with
them, and are motivated by them. The way the students interact so
successfully and naturally with their clients, it may be changing people
perception of Engineers.
Students have already developed at no cost to the client a number of
devices that improve the quality of life for the disabled. One successful
project, a voice-activation system, allows a quadriplegic man to turn his
lights on and off, regulate the temperature, and gives him a great deal more
control over his home environment.
Our projects serve the needs of disabled individuals and clients from
organizations such as the Franciscan Children's Hospital, the Perkins School
for the Blind and Citizens Leagues for Adult Special Services.
