Sunday, May 11, 2025
5/11/2025
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Physical Access and Transportation - SUNY Buffalo, in partnership with the University Health Network, the University of Michigan, and relevant stakeholders, will advance accessibility and universal design (UD) across built environments (i.e., commercial buildings, community infrastructure, housing) and along the travel chain, through an integrated research, development, and deployment (RD&D) program. The goal of the proposed RERC on Physical Access and Transportation is to engage consumers, designers, service providers, and policy makers in designing, using, and evaluating innovative accessible physical environments, transportation systems, and information technologies. The objectives of this RERC are to address key knowledge gaps, leverage innovative software technology, and demonstrate the value of evidence-based practice through improved building regulations and voluntary UD standards. The projects build from successful prior work and deployed solutions with attention to both high priority, near-term needs and long-term solutions. Desired outcomes are (1) universal designs and enabling technologies that support independent community engagement, including for employment, social participation, and community mobility; and, (2) expanded professional capacity in the domains of accessibility and UD across the built environment and transportation systems. Expected products of the RD&D plan include new research findings, tools, standards, and products that advance physical access across built environments and transportation. These include (1) research findings on the effectiveness of UD practice, including the health and performance benefits of and business case for UD, (2) knowledge on how street infrastructure and emerging transportation systems can address mobility challenges, (3) software tools to assist designers in implementing accessibility and UD standards, and (4) industry partnerships to improve community wayfinding. These initiatives will all be developed with ongoing and extensive input from disability, professional, policy, and industry stakeholders.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).