Creating assistive devices for individuals with disabilities through collaboration
Official title: Inspiring Biomechanical Engineers through Collaborative Clinically-Immersive Design
Funded at University of Dayton · NIH-10669181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about creating helpful devices for kids and adults with disabilities, so they can do everyday tasks more easily and enjoy life in their communities, with occupational therapists and engineers working together to make sure these devices fit each person's unique needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Dayton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dayton, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $21,492 |
| NIH project number | 5R25HD101096-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10669181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults and children with disabilities, such as those with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, who require assistance with daily living activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have disabilities or those who do not require assistive devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing assistive devices that help adults and children with disabilities perform daily activities, enhancing their ability to participate in community life. By fostering collaboration between occupational therapists and biomechanical engineers, the project aims to design devices tailored to individual needs, overcoming the limitations of commercially available options. The methodology involves hands-on design sessions where therapists share insights on patient needs, and engineers apply their technical expertise to create functional prototypes. This collaborative approach seeks to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of assistive technologies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more affordable and personalized assistive devices, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in collaborative design approaches for assistive technologies, indicating a promising avenue for innovation in this field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Dayton
Dayton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kinney, Allison L — University of Dayton
- Study coordinator: Kinney, Allison L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.