Mission
The mission of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technologies to Support Aging for People with Long-Term Disabilities (RERC TechSAge) is:
- to meet the evolving needs of people with long-term disabilities where they live, work, and play by conducting advanced engineering research
- through developing innovative technologies, and producing transformative technical and scientific knowledge that will increase use and access to technologies
- that enable individuals to sustain independence; maintain health; engage safely in basic activities at home and in the community, and fully participate in society
Goals
User Technology Needs
Investigate facilitators and barriers experienced by individuals aging with long-term vision, hearing, and mobility disabilities during performance of everyday activities where they live, work, and play to guide meaningful advancements in technology innovation.
Developing Technology-Based Tools and Interventions
Enhance the safety and support in performing daily activities in the home and community through innovative technologies that address gaps in support needs for individuals aging with long-term disabilities.
Deploying Technology-Based Interventions
Increase the accessibility and availability of technology-based interventions (e.g., evidence-based exercise program) to support independence and health of people aging with long-term disabilities.
Training
Conduct educational activities for students, professionals, and consumers to increase awareness of the needs of individuals with long-term disabilities and provide learning opportunities in advanced engineering research and development of useful and usable technologies for this population.