EE 502
Electronic Devices for Rehabilitation

Catalog Description

Recent developments in electronic assistive devices and microcomputers for persons with various disabilities; assessment of disabled persons for suitable technological assistive devices.

Credits: 3.0

Class Schedule: One 100 minute lecture and one 2.5 hour lab per week

Prerequisites: EE303 or EE330

Course Objectives      

  • Present the design and application of electronic devices and computers used in rehabilitation.
  • Give an overview of problems of disabled people and the variety of possible solutions to these problems.
  • Understand the needs and problems associated with various types of disabilities.
  • Provide opportunities for students to do hands-on assistive device assessment of individuals with disabilities.
  • Perform careful and well-planned assessments of individuals with disabilities in regard to their cognitive abilities and needs for communication devices.
  • Understand the basic performance requirements for various types of assistive devices and their design issues and tradeoffs.
  • Analyze the needs of a particular individual for assistive devices and the characteristics/features of those devices.
  • Employ systematic multi-disciplinary problem solving approach toward mitigating the problems and needs of people with disabilities.
  • Write formal reports that outline the assessment findings, describe the key features and capabilities of the recommended assistive device(s), and recommend an aciton plan.

Textbooks and  References

Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice 2nd Ed. by Albert Cook and Susan Hussey, Mosby press, 2002.
EE502 Course Reader compliled and updated by Dr. Andrew Szeto
Electronic Devices for Rehabilitation,  Webster, Cook Tompkins, and Vanderheiden (eds.), 1985
The Handbook of Assistive Technology by Church and Glennen, 1992.

Topics Covered            

  1. Introduction to Rehabilitation Engineering [ ½ lecture]
  2. General Concepts [1 lecture]
  3. Aids for Blindness and Low Vision: Visual Aids & Mobility Aids [2 lectures]
  4. Vocational, Educational and Recreational Aids [1lecture]
  5. Aids for the Severely Hearing Impaired: Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants, and Telecommunication and Environmental Aids [2 lectures]
  6. Interfaces for the Motor Impaired: Anatomical Control Sites, Brain Control Interface, and Selection of Transducers [2 lectures]
  7. Computers as Assistive Technology [1 lecture]
  8. Communication Aids : Voice Output and Conversational Aids [2 lectures]
  9. Manipulation and Mobility Aids [1 ½ lectures]
  10. Powered Artificial Arms [1 lecture]
  11. Functional Electrical Stimulation [1 lecture]

Prepared by: Dr. Andrew Szeto
Date of preparation: 10/18/2008