Lessons learned on using adaptive devices for the disabled to teach design

At FIE94, the authors describe their first efforts at using the design and construction of devices for the disabled as the focal point for a junior-level Mechanical Engineering design course. This program has been expanded to include senior capstone projects and summer support for two undergraduates to work on extended projects. The construction costs of the projects have been funded through an NSF REU grant. In this paper the authors will describe projects which students have undertaken to illustrate the problems and potential of assistive technology as the source of design projects. Sources of information and networking through RESNA, the Center for Assistive Technology, and NSF will be given. There is a great satisfaction in providing a device for someone who cannot find an affordable solution to his/her problem. But these projects are not without their problems. Each project is a lesson for the students, as well as the instructor on effective design and project management. For the instructor the lesson is how to design and manage a course to teach design.