Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
opportunities for those in the social sciences and in education to evaluate the
benefits that accrue from the provision of assistive technologies from social
or economic perspectives.
The CanAssist program provides a myriad of opportunities to engage stu-
dents across all disciples, either through courses and practicums for which
they can receive credit, or through the provision of volunteer projects. Thus,
whole classes that undertake design courses (e.g., in mechanical engineering,
computer science, and mechatronics) have been recruited to assist in the de-
sign of customized devices. In the process, students are introduced to the
individuals who will receive the technology and their caregivers, thus giving
a much better insight into the challenges faced by those with disabilities. Re-
cently, commerce students and MBA students have been engaged in projects
to investigate licensing and marketing of specific technologies.
Additionally, students are recruited for co-op work terms, honors projects
and graduate studies. Students have the opportunity to work with individual
clients on a one-on-one basis (mentoring the client and teaching them how
to use a particular device) or as part of an interdisciplinary team.
We believe that local communities will continue to embrace opportunities
to partner with the universities to address the needs of disabled people. Apart
from the establishment of institutional partnerships and collaborations, a key
element of community engagement is the recruitment of volunteers (many of
these are retirees with a wide range of experience and background, includ-
ing retired engineers, physicians, academics, machinists, seamstresses, and
health care providers) to work in every facet of CanAssist activities, such
as administrative tasks, research and development, and fundraising. We be-
lieve that with a well coordinated and professionally run program, volunteer
contributions could account for up to 20% of a centre's activities.
7.5 Conclusion
CanAssist has engaged more than 3,000 students, over 200 faculty and staff,
and approximately 200 community volunteers in its activities. In the process,
it has developed over 150 novel technologies and provided direct assistance
to many hundreds of clients. Thousands of others have benefited through the
widespread distribution of software and computer programs. CanAssist has
been able to flourish because the university has recognized that community
service brings tremendous benefits not only to the community but also to the
university itself, by creating outstanding experiential learning opportunities
for students and also a myriad of research opportunities.
