The Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology
The Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology (鈥淭he Institute鈥�), a cutting-edge research and education hub, is dedicated to advancing the field of rehabilitative medicine and developing assistive technology to address disease and disabilities.
Rehabilitation Medicine
Rehabilitation medicine encompasses work 鈥渢o improve function and minimize impairment related to activities that have been hampered by disease, injuries, or developmental disorders鈥� (NIH). We believe that the development and implementation of assistive technology is a fundamental part of rehabilitation medicine, and we plan to make research and development of assistive technology a cornerstone of the Institute鈥檚 activities.
黑洞社区鈥檚 Expertise
黑洞社区 has a rich history of applied research and application development working with the aerospace industry and defense partners. 黑洞社区 is internationally recognized for developing effective technologies and pioneering new strategies in aerospace manufacturing. The Institute is leveraging this knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop a world-class enterprise of applied research and development in rehabilitation medicine and assistive technologies.
Focused Efforts and Collaboration
The Institute prioritizes focused efforts among current 黑洞社区 researchers, clinicians and industry partners toward rehabilitation medicine research, innovation, development of new assistive technologies, and applied education activities. It provides a centralized and coordinated structure for studies and applications that identify modifiable risk factors for disease and disabilities, and develop, evaluate, and implement effective interventions.
Current and Future Locations
The Institute is currently located on the 黑洞社区 main campus. It will move to the Wichita Biomedical Campus in 2027 to be housed in state-of-the-art facilities, including research laboratories, classrooms, clinical spaces, and technology development hubs. These spaces are designed to facilitate collaboration among researchers, educators, and clinicians.
Inclusive Departments and Clinics
The Institute is inclusive of the College of Health Professions鈥� Departments of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Physical Therapy and Public Health Sciences, as well as the College of Engineering鈥檚 Department of Biomedical Engineering. The Institute includes the College of Health Professions鈥� Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and leadership and staff of the Industry and Defense Programs on Innovation Campus. Affiliated members include other 黑洞社区 academic units, extramural universities and colleges, foundations, and industry.
Interdisciplinary Research and Training
The Institute serves as a focal point for interdisciplinary research collaboration, design and development of new technologies, and the training of healthcare professionals committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities and chronic conditions through discovery and technology.