Researchers at CIDE are pioneers in the development of user-centered technologies for improving accessibility, enhancing independence, and fostering human potential -- tackling challenges in aging, disability, and healthcare.
This project advances SMILEi (Social Multimodal Interface for Learning and Embodied Intelligence), a platform that uses Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) to help older adults live independently and thrive at home. The platform allows caregivers to interact with older adults remotely in real-time, while the system learns from each interaction to better respond to the individual's needs. The goal is to develop and test these technologies in real-world settings to provide affordable, ongoing support that enhances quality of life and extends independent living.
This project develops SPIN (Sensing Propulsion In Natural environments), a tool that tracks real-world mobility patterns of manual wheelchair users over multiple days. In clinical settings, SPIN will be used to collect data and generate a summary dashboard to help clinicians tailor wheelchair training and prescriptions to individual needs. In research settings, this data can guide updates to clinical assessments like the Wheelchair Skills Test by reflecting how users move in daily life.
This project develops ARMS (Augmented Reality Measurement System), an augmented reality tool that speeds up and improves the accuracy of wheelchair measurements. The ARMS replaces the traditional slow, manual methods like rulers and goniometers, instead using marker-based video capture to take quick and precise measurements. Faster and more accurate measurements help clinicians and manufacturers ensure a better fit for users, reducing the risk of health issues and increased daily fatigue caused by poorly fitted wheelchairs.
The purpose of this study is to understand how clients, caregivers, and healthcare providers experience person- centered care (PCC). PCC focuses on encouraging client choice and individuality, team decision- making, and effective communication. For two years, data was collected at a seating and wheeled mobility clinic in Colorado where complex rehabilitation technologies are provided through extensive observations, interviews, and participation at the study site. Ongoing data analysis is being completed to better understand what helps or gets in the way of providing PCC, explore the impact of PCC services on clients and service providers, and suggest ways to improve PCC in practice and through policy reforms.
For more information, contact Becky Breaux at becky.breaux@ucdenver.edu.
Abstract and dissertation for Dynamic Wheelchair Seating and User Perceptions
Funded by
