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A multimodal input device for individuals with upper limb impairment. The multimodal input device can be controlled with the tongue or operated with the thumb in handheld mode.

Award Number: 90BISA0098
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY, INDEPENDENT LIVING, AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH
OPDIV: ACL
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: OTHER
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/30/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/29/2027

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A multimodal input device for individuals with upper limb impairment. The multimodal input device can be controlled with the tongue or operated with the thumb in handheld mode. - This Phase I SBIR proposal (CFDA #93.433) entitled “A multimodal input device for individuals with upper limb impairment” aligns with NIDILRR’s near and long-term positive outcomes for people with disabilities in the domain of Community Living and Participation, with secondary application to Employment through the development of technology to increase access to employment, promote sustained employment, and support employment advancement for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Kurt Manal, president of KTM LLC, successfully developed and tested a tongue-controlled Bluetooth computer mouse in prior SBIR programming. The Mouth Mouse is formed from two separate components: (1) an electronic control module, and (2) a custom fit dental guard. The control module snaps into the dental guard for in mouth use. It was designed to give people with complete upper limb paralysis the ability to interface with computers, tablets, and smartphones using their tongue. The goal of this project is to expand the tongue-controlled Mouth Mouse to be operated as a hand-operated isometric joystick. The multimodal input device (i.e., tongue and handheld control) can be switched between modes of operation with a single setting change. The objectives of this proposal are to: (i) modify the existing control module, (ii) design and develop a supporting hand appliance, and (iii) conduct a small study to assess the feasibility of handheld operation by people with upper limb impairment. The expected outcomes of this 6-month project will be a control module that is more durable, has greater operational runtime, and will be easier to charge for people with upper limb impairment. We anticipate that handheld control will be feasible with the use of a supportive hand appliance to secure the control module for stable operation. Products generated will include an improved control module, a supportive hand appliance, social media outreach materials, and dissemination of research findings at professional meetings and in scientific publications. An easy-to-use multimodal controller would benefit people in academic settings, the workplace, at home and in the community.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $100,000 )
2026	2026	KTM LLC	404 Apple Rd	Newark	DE	19711	NEW CASTLE	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	1	9/23/2026	NEW	$100,000
														Subtotal = $100,000

Grand Total All Awards = $100,000

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A multimodal input device for individuals with upper limb impairment. The multimodal input device can be controlled with the tongue or operated with the thumb in handheld mode.

Award Number: 90BISA0098

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY, INDEPENDENT LIVING, AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH

OPDIV: ACL

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: OTHER

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/30/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/29/2027

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