Engineering student design projects in a rehabilitation setting.

E ngineering students in '.:heir senior year are anxious to translate theory into application. Most engineering curricula require a design course that accords senior students this practical experience, and design course faculty strive to offer a variety of projects to their students. Most of these projects, however, are not directly related to human needs; therefore, suggestions for projects that stress human factors in engineering are welcomed. Through their work with patients, occupational therapists encounter a variety of situa tions where technological innovation plays a role in the solution of problems, many of which would make excellent engineering student projects. In addressing these problems, students gain practical experience in design, the opportunity to work with a variety of people, and the chance to solve the challenges they