title: University of Wyoming College of Engineering undergraduate design projects to aid Wyoming persons with disabilities, a mid-program review.
abstract: In Spring 2002 the University of Wyoming received National Science Foundation funding from the Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Systems to provide a meaningful design experience for University of Wyoming, College of Engineering students that will directly aid individuals with disabilities within the state of Wyoming. At the 2003 RMBS we presented a paper on the value of starting such a program. We have found that students receive a much richer capstone design experience when developing a project for direct use by a challenged individual. We are now approximately midway through this project. Since its inception the program has blossomed to include serving individuals in several regional states, outreach short courses to the community, projects have become of increasing difficulty and involve interdisciplinary teamwork, and many challenged individuals have been provided specialized one of a kind assistive devices. In this paper we will report on these advancements, lessons learned, and benefits received by participating in this vital program.
authors.affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department 3295, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA. steveb@uwyo.edu
authors.forename: Steven F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.forename: J Renee
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Gray
mesh_terms: D001698:Biomedical Engineering / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003479:Curriculum; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004517:Education, Professional / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000379:methods*; D006077:Government Agencies; D006078:Government Programs; D006801:Humans; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D014495:Universities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014959:Wyoming