T1. Blended Learning

T1. Blended Online and In-Person Learning

Principal Investigator

Team Members: Jon Sanford, M.Arch., D. McDonagh, Ph. D.


Partners: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology

The increasing prevalence of older adults with long-term disabilities necessitates innovative educational approaches to support their health, well-being, and independence. This project aims to bridge the gap in training for researchers, professionals, and students by developing comprehensive in-person and online programs that focus on Universal Design, Accessible & Empathic Design, Health Technology Utilization, and Research Engagement. The specific aims include creating a 9-credit interdisciplinary Universal Design certificate program for STEM students, developing empathic design training for researchers, offering workshops on health technology utilization for healthcare professionals, and enhancing the TechSAge internship program. These initiatives will increase professional competency, promote evidence-based practices, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Long-term goals include empowering older adults with long-term disabilities to actively engage in their health and well-being, fostering a knowledgeable workforce capable of innovative design and technology solutions, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life and independence of this target population.

Current Activities

  • Drs. Rice and McDonagh will be hosting a workshop at the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals 2024 Annual Meeting on Empathic User Centered Design of Assistive Technology.  The workshop will provide practical resources for healthcare providers to support the needs of older adults aging with SCI using technology, techniques to enhance initial acceptance of technology, and minimize the potential for technology being misused, underused, or abandoned.

Select Publications

  • Rice, L.A., McDonagh, D. (2024, September 1-4). Empathic User Centered Design of Assistive Technology: Consumer Inspired Innovation. 2024 Conference of the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, Chicago, IL.