AOTA Poster Presentation
March 23, 2024
Dr. Lindsey Morris and OTD students, at Johnson & Wales University, Nia Monteiro, Palma Foschi Walko, and Chapin Graham presented "Tech-Ready Therapists: Embracing Mainstream Technology for Enhanced Occupational Engagement" at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 2024 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Read more about the poster presenters.
KenCrest Smart Home Open House Recap
March 13, 2024
Dr. Gina Novario attended the Smart Home Open House organized by KenCrest’s Enabling Technology Department. KenCrest, a nonprofit organization that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities and autism, showcased a residential property that underwent extensive renovations. These renovations aimed to integrate universal design elements, home adaptations, and smart home technology, demonstrating innovative solutions for enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
Read the full KenCrest smart home open house recap.
NIDILRR ARRT Fellows Symposium
March, 2024
We are delighted to share that Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Fellow Gina Novario was selected as one of only five ARRT Fellows to present at the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) ARRT Fellows Symposium during the upcoming 2024 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Conference (ACRM) in Dallas, Texas from October 31 to November 3.
MoDAT Focus Groups & Testing
February, 2024
The Mobile Device Assessment Tool (MoDAT) team conducted two focus groups at the Ocean State Independent Living Center in Warwick, RI. The first session consisted of 10 assistive technology (AT) professionals who provide services to individuals with disabilities, while the second session included seven individuals with diverse disabilities to ensure both providers’ and end-users' feedback is included in the development process.
Read more about the MoDAT team's focus groups and testing.
Scoping Review Publication
February 13, 2024
The Wireless RERC published a scoping review in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. The review addresses facilitators, barriers, and proposes education and training strategies for clinicians to integrate technology into their practices.
Dicianno, B., Salh, A., Morris, L., Xiang, Y., & Ding D. (2024). Rehabilitation clinicians’ use of mainstream wireless technologies in practice: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2316891
Mourning the Loss of Brooke Ellison
February 5, 2024
The Wireless RERC team mourns the loss of Brooke Ellison, one of our Scientific Advisory Board members, who passed away on February 4. Her passion for research and innovation, as well as her kindness and wisdom, will be missed. We are saddened by this news but are grateful for her contributions. We would like to encourage you to learn more about her through her two memoirs, Miracles Happen (2002) and Look Both Ways (2020).
FCC’s Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) In-Person Meeting
January 30, 2024
Lindsey Morris represented the Wireless RERC at the FCC's DAC quarterly meeting in Washington, DC. The meeting included accessible emergency communication discussions, AI in live video captioning best practices, and more. You can stay informed about FCC news related to accessibility with AccessInfo Announcements.
Read the full DAC in-person meeting recap.
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATiA) 2024 Conference
January 25 - 27, 2024
Paola Esquivel and Julie Faieta presented, "Smart Speaker and Skill Use: What do We Know?" at the ATiA 2024 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. The session highlighted preliminary results from our study on smart speaker use among individuals with disabilities, overviewed the Voice Assistance Hub, our innovative smart speaker application review database, and more. Learn more about our ATiA 2024 Conference session.
Introducing Our Clinical Research Operations Director
January, 2024
We are delighted to announce that Andrea D. Fairman-Laferrier has been appointed Assistant Director of Clinical Research Operations in the Rehabilitation Science & Technology (RST) Department at the University of Pittsburgh. Andrea brings a variety of skills related to clinical practice, administration, and advocacy. We encourage you to learn more about her.
CES 2024: Inclusive Innovation with the CTA Foundation
January 9 - 12, 2024
Dan Ding and Lindsey Morris were honored to be a part of CES 2024, thanks to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation. Lindsey was also privileged to speak on the "Driving Innovation Through Inclusive Design" panel.
Beyond tech trends, CES 2024 emphasized inclusive design, innovation, and AI in various panel discussions geared toward improving the lives of people with disabilities and older adults through technology.
Read the complete CES 2024 recap.
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Award
October 30 - November 02, 2023
We are thrilled to share that Julie Faieta received the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine's (ACRM) Women in Neurodegenerative Disease Rehabilitation Science Award at the 100th ACRM Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Congratulations, Julie, on this achievement!
Open Minds Technology & Analytics Institute Recap
October 25 - 27, 2023
Dr. Dan Ding presented “Solutions for Independence: Smart Homes Made Simple” alongside Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation’s (PATF) Wendy Davis and Tracy Beck at the Open Minds Technology & Analytics Institute in Philadelphia, PA.
The event featured a Smart Home Expo dedicated to recent advancements in smart home technology that support independent and community-based living for persons with disabilities and older adults.
CLASS Acts: 30th Annual Awards Dinner
October 18, 2023
Mark Schmeler, Stephanie Vasquez Gabela, and Ali Kemmerer attended Community Living and Support Services’ (CLASS) 30th Annual Community Heroes Awards Dinner, which celebrates everyday heroes who help support individuals overcome barriers to access in their communities. Congratulations to all the awardees!
Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association (RCPA) Conference
October 10 - 13, 2023
Lindsey Morris presented “Reveling the Potential of Smart Home Technologies for People with Disabilities through Research and Resources” alongside the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation’s (PATF) Ben J. Laudermilch at the RCPA Conference in Hershey, PA.
M-Enabling Reflection
October 10 - 12, 2023
Lindsey Morris and Tesla Knight attended the M-Enabling Summit in Washington, D.C. Tesla Knight shared her key takeaways, "At M-enabling, discussions highlighted the risks and potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of disability and diversity. Concerns were raised about the discriminatory nature of standardized AI processes. AI was [also] acknowledged for its ability to enhance assistive technology apps like Be My Eyes, offering alternatives to requiring human interaction."
The conference emphasized the need for industry professionals to address AI-related accessibility issues and establish inclusive standards through collaboration by involving people with disabilities and advocates. "Inclusive user research was stressed as a collective responsibility, with a requirement for continuous engagement of people with disabilities and older adults in the design process to improve accessibility and bridge the age gap between designers and users," she said.
Inaugural Scientific Advisory Board Meeting
September, 2023
We are pleased to have held our first Scientific Advisory Board meeting. We would like to thank each of our board members for the valuable feedback provided.
Thank you again to our board members: Brooke Ellison, Stony Brook University and United Spinal Association; Allen Heinemann, Northwestern University; Sabine Lobnig, Mobile and Wireless Forum (MWF)/GARI; Roger O. Smith, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and Gregg C. Vanderheiden, University of Maryland.
FCC’s Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) In-Person Meeting
September 7, 2023
Lindsey Morris, OTD, OTR/L, representing the Wireless RERC, attended the annual in-person DAC meeting in September at the FCC’s headquarters in Washington, DC. The Wireless RERC is honored to play a role in supporting the FCC’s efforts to enhance accessibility in modern communications, video programming, and emergency communications for people with disabilities across the nation. Learn more about the DAC.
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 2024 Conference Accepted Poster Presentation
September, 2023
We are excited to share that the Wireless RERC team had a poster presentation accepted for the upcoming AOTA 2024 conference, March 21 - 23, in Orlando, Florida.
Morris L., Knight T., Fairman-Laferrier A., Ding D., Monterio N., and Foschi Walko P. Tech-Ready Therapists: Embracing Mainstream Technology for Enhanced Occupational Engagement. Learn more about this conference.
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2024 Conference Accepted Poster Presentations
September, 2023
We are excited to announce that the Wireless RERC team had two poster presentations accepted for the upcoming ATIA 2024 conference, January 25 - 27, in Orlando, Florida.
Knight T., Esquivel P., Morris L., Ding D., and Isenberg A. Development of an Interdisciplinary Mainstream Smart Technology Training Course. Learn more about this presentation.
Faieta J., Esquivel P., Ding D., Cheng-Shiu C., and Gill K. Smart Speaker and Skill Use: What do We Know? Learn more about this presentation.
11th Annual Wheelchair Wash and Tune-Up
September 29, 2023
The Wireless RERC team will be volunteering at the upcoming UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s 11th Annual Wheelchair Wash & Tune-Up on Friday, September 29 from 4:00—7:00 PM at 100 Technology Drive Suite 210, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
2023 AAATE Conference – Assistive Technology: Shaping a Sustainable and Inclusive World
September 1, 2023
Sabine Lobnig, one of our Scientific Advisory Board members, co-hosted a Special Thematic Session titled “The Assistive Potential of Digital Consumer Technology” at the 2023 Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) Conference in Paris, France. Andrea D. Fairman-Laferrier from the RERC team joined the session as a panelist and discussed our work on the application of cognitive training strategies in the service delivery of mainstream smart home technologies. Learn more about the AAATE conference.
Mainstream Smart Home Technology Publication
August, 2023
The Wireless RERC is excited to announce the publication of our team's work on the Assist Functional Performance Index (AFPI) was recently published in Assistive Technology, the official journal of RESNA. Fairman, A. D., Foschi Walko, P., Ding, D., Morris, L., Boateng, J., Murphy, K., and Terhost, L. (2023). Reliability and Validity Testing of ASSIST Functional Performance Index. Assistive Technology.
Disability Pride Pittsburgh
August 26, 2023
The Wireless RERC exhibited at Disability Pride Pittsburgh on Saturday, August 26 at Schenley Plaza, and shared information on the center's projects, recruitment opportunities, and resources. Check out Consumer Advisory Committee Chair, Libby Powers' video about what disability pride means to her.
Wireless RERC Student Researcher 2023 RESNA Student Scientific Paper Poster Presentation
July 24, 2023
Wireless RERC student researcher Firdaus Indradhirmaya, BS, presented his paper “Mobile Device Assessment Tool (MoDAT) to Capture Functional Capacity of Persons with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities” at the 2023 RESNA Annual Conference in the RESNA Student Scientific Paper Competition at the New Orleans Marriott.
RESNA 2023 Conference
July 24 - 25, 2023
The Wireless RERC exhibited at the RESNA 2023 Annual Conference at the New Orleans Marriott located at 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Advanced Rehabilitation Research and Training (ARRT) Grant Awarded
June, 2023
Dan Ding, PhD (RERC Director) and Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP (Project Lead) received the Advanced Rehabilitation Research and Training (ARRT) grant from the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). This five-year post-doctoral training grant titled Career Advancement in Assistive Technology Practice, Research & Policy (CAT-PReP) aims to improve the capacity of clinicians with research skills to advance evidence-based practice and to inform equitable policies for access to assistive technology devices and services in order to further support people with disabilities for community living and participation. Learn more about the CAT-PReP.
Healthy Homes Resource Fair
June 24, 2023
June is the National Healthy Homes Month. The Wireless RERC joined forces with the Healthy Home for the Healthy Homes Resource Fair. We would like to thank the Women for a Healthy Environment for inviting us to connect with the community and share information on fostering healthy and smart environments for all.
Grant Awarded to Develop Open Online Smart Home Tech as Assistive Technology Course
May, 2023
The Wireless RERC's Director, Dan Ding, PhD., was one of four recipients chosen to receive the provost’s Open Online Short Course Development Grant for "Harnessing the Potential of Smart Home Technology for Assistive Technology."
Singapore Assistive Technology Conference
May 21, 2023
The Wireless RERC presented "Smart Home Technology for People with Disabilities" at the Singapore Assistive Technology Conference.
Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) Spring Speaker Series Event
May 20, 2023
The Wireless RERC would like to thank the FFB for inviting us to present and connect with the community by sharing the latest in mainstream wireless tech for individuals with low vision and blindness at the Monroeville Public Library. Lindsey Morris, OTD, OTR/L, and S. Andrea Sundaram, MA, shared tech resources that can help promote independence and participation.
Wireless RERC Research Sheds Light on Smart Home Tech Service Delivery
April, 2023
The Wireless RERC is excited to announce the publication of our research in Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits: Volume 17. Ding, D. and Morris, L. (2023). Provider Perspectives on Providing Mainstream Smart Home Technologies as Assistive Technology, Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 17, 43-56.
Wireless RERC Student Researcher McMurtry Family Undergraduate Research Award Runner-Up
April, 2023
The Wireless RERC would also to congratulate our student researcher, Yifan Xiang, on being selected as a runner-up for the McMurtry Family Undergraduate Research Award. She will be working on the Voice of Providers project this summer!
Wireless RERC Student Researcher 2023 RESNA Student Scientific Paper Competition Runner-Up
April, 2023
The Wireless RERC would like to congratulate our student researcher Firdaus Indradhirmaya, BS, on being selected as a runner-up in the 2023 RESNA Student Scientific Paper Competition! He will present his paper “Mobile Device Assessment Tool (MoDAT) to Capture Functional Capacity of Persons with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities” at the 2023 RESNA conference in July.
Wireless RERC Joins the FCC’s Disability Advisory Committee
April, 2023
The Wireless RERC's Director, Dan Ding, PhD., and Strategies & Operations Lead, Lindsey Morris, OTD, OTR/L, were selected as members for the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) Fifth Term (2023-2024). The DAC helps the FCC ensure that people with disabilities have access to and use of communication services and technologies.
International Seating Symposium (ISS)
April 13 - 15, 2023
The Wireless RERC team exhibited at the 38th International Seating Symposium (ISS) at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Smart Tech Talk: Live with Lindsey
March 17, 2023
The Wireless RERC hosted a live session on Smartphone Access which aimed to help individuals with disabilities effectively interact with their smartphones by answering questions about accessibility features, apps, and any general questions regarding mobile access from a wide audience—persons with disabilities, families/caregivers, and practitioners.
Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) Partnership
March, 2023
The Wireless RERC is excited to collaborate with GARI on mobile device accessibility. GARI has a user-friendly database to help consumers find mobile devices with accessibility features that fit their needs.
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATiA) 2023 Conference
January 31 - February 4, 2023
The Wireless RERC team presented three sessions at the ATiA 2023 Conference. Learn more about each presentation:
Application of a Service Delivery Model for Mainstream Smart Home Technology
Unlocking My AAC to Control My Home
Development of the Mobile Device Assessment Tool (MODAT)
A PROMISE Made
December, 2021
Wireless technologies have transformed how we interact with the world, and for people with disabilities they promise new ways to solve problems and overcome barriers. It is a PROMISE which University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) researchers plan to keep—Promoting Mainstream Wireless Inclusion through Technology Services (PROMISE). Learn more about the grant.