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The primary objective of this course is to introduce biomedical engineering students to the challenges of engineering solutions for persons functioning with disabilities and apply that knowledge to the development of a new, improved device to be used for measurement or treatment of an impairment or disability. In order to achieve this goal, the objectives of the fall semester include: gaining a basic appreciation of the modalities used to treat impairments, the opportunities for application of engineering to improve treatment delivery, understanding the science and engineering applied to helping persons with disabilities function in the everyday world and an basic knowledge of the legal, ethical issues and employment opportunities in rehabilitation engineering. By the conclusion of this class, students should be able to: • Understand the breadth and scope of physical impairment and disability, including its associated pathophysiology • Characterize the material and design properties of current evaluation tools for assessment of impairments and adaptations for disability • Characterize the material and design properties of current modalities of treatment of impairments and adaptations for disability • Apply engineering analysis and design principles to critique current solutions for persons with disabilities in order to suggest improvements In the spring semester (in course EN.580.457), students will learn the biomedical engineering design process and its application to persons with disabilities. Working in groups of four to five, teams will work on a project derived from a needs analysis based on their visits to rehabilitation centers in the fall semester. Project will require instructor approval before the beginning of the spring semester. Each project will consist of a proposal for design of a new device or solution to a problem faced by persons with disabilities, preliminary “virtual” (e.g., CAD), and actual proof of concept working prototype.