1. W.C.Mann, “Smart Technology for Aging, Disability and Independence”,
Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, USA, 2005.
2. R.A.Cooper, H.Ohanabe, D.A.Hobson(Eds.), "An Introduction to
Rehabilitation Engineering", CrC press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca
Raton, FL, USA, 2007.
3. M.Akay (ed.), Wiley Encyclopedia of Biomedical Engineering, Wiley ed.,
2006
4. E.Biondi, P.L.Emiliani, P.Morasso, “Protesi e Ausili per la
Comunicazione”, Patron, Bologna, IT, 1995.
5. R.Bissi, M.Cannao, G.Cossu, M.L.Gava, G.Moretti, M.Somalvico,
G.Stella, “La Comunicazione Alternativa”, F.Angeli, Milano, IT, 1991.
6. T.W.King, “Assistive Technology”, Allyn&Bacon, Needham Heights, MA,
USA, 1999.
Learning Objectives
The course aims at presenting to students the main bioengineering
technologies to support disability in various areas such as:
motor disabilities
visual disabilities
hearing impairment
phonation disabilities
neurocognitive disabilities
each of these topics will be preceded by an introductory part related to
the system's or apparatus anatomy and physiology
Prerequisites
basics of physiology
Teaching Methods
The course will mainly take place with slides of the lessons. If possible, some lessons will be replaced by visits to specialist clinics and operating
rooms where students will be able to interact directly with medical staff. Some semnars given by researchrs in the rehabilitation field will integrate the course.
Type of Assessment
The examwill consist of a part aimed at verifying the knowledge acquired
by the student during the course regarding:
- Ability to analyze the engineering aspects of rehabilitation devices
- ability to make a bibliographic search of the state of the art related to
the specific problem under study
- ability to interact with the clinical environment
- in general, develop a critical attitude to address a wide range of issues
in the field of rehabilitation bioengineering
Course program
Rehabilitation - Introductory concepts
Disability, Disability and Independence
Assistive Technologies and Rehabilitation Engineering
Rehabilitation and Society
Technology transfer
Standard for assistive technology
Research and development models.
Cognitive impairment:
memory devices
localization and guidance devices
other devices
Visual impairments:
anatomy and physiology of the eye
portable electronic reading / writing devices
aids for travel
Accessible pedestrian signage
other devices
Hearing disorders:
anatomy and physiology of the ear
the sound
acoustic frequencies and information encoding
hearing loss
auxiliary hearing aids
implantable devices
available for assistive listening.
Speech impairments:
anatomy and physiology of the vocal apparatus
voice quality parameters
disturbances of voice: dysphoniae, stuttering, aphasia, dysarthria,
dementia, dyslexia, tremor, paralysis of vocal cords, malformations, etc.
Rehabilitation techniques
Assistive technologies
Advanced Technologies:
Smart house
sensors
wireless technology
Internet
Possible future developments
The point of view of the user: psychological and social problems