Saturday, May 10, 2025
5/10/2025
Power of Play - Abstract: RERC on Power of Play for People with Disabilities The RERC on Power of Play for People with Disabilities serves to expand access to and promote use of regular/consistent physical activity, sports participation, and active recreation for persons with disabilities (PwD) through research and development of novel technologies, advanced training and educational techniques, and dissemination strategies. The long-term strategy of this RERC is to remove barriers to participation in recreational, exercise, and adaptive sports often encountered by persons with disabilities, with particular emphasis on equity of access among underserved communities. Our objectives are clear and consistent with the priorities of RERC as we target the domains of community living and participation and health and function of persons with disabilities through research and development of novel recreational technologies, health related products and equipment, and advanced training and educational techniques. Power of Play will specifically address: 1) inclusivity; 2) Incorporating proven and emerging technologies and strategies; and 3) making adaptive sports and recreation equipment safe, available, affordable, and reliable to children, adolescents and underserved people. To achieve the mission, the RERC will take full advantage of the capacity, experience, and multidisciplinary collaborations among researchers at University of Pittsburgh and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as well as health system and community partners serving people with disabilities. The RERC will conduct research and development projects as well as training and dissemination efforts that are responsive to the RERC priorities to support successful expansion of regular/consistent physical activity, sports participation, and active recreation for persons with disabilities (Research Projects): Expanding Inclusive Accessible Fitness Activities R1.1 Pneumatic Powered Mobility Device Impact and Usability. Targeting a wide range of persons, from children to adults and persons in less-resourced communities, we will examine the impact and usability of an air powered wheelchair (PneuChair) capable of navigating outdoor environments previously hazardous and/or inaccessible to power mobility users R2.1 Off-Road Wheelchair and Hand-Cycle “Safe Limits of Use Assessment”. Will develop and examine safe limits of use for off-road wheelchairs and hand cycles through using safe clinical limits of use tools (CLOUT) methodology & R4.1 Examining functionality usability and enjoyment of an inclusive home based smart connected arm cycle for improved overall function and quality of life in wheelchair users. Will examine the functionality and performance of a smart connected variable resistance arm cycle trainer, that can be used in the home and that will be effective in delivering exercise in engaging ways. Innovation and Access to Equipment R3.1 Usability and Acceptance of Kirigami-Based Adapted Sports Equipment. This study will examine the usability, enjoyment, and effectiveness of a revolutionary new process for constructing customized adapted sport equipment which cuts costs upwards of 40%. Basketball, rugby, and racing wheelchairs, and handcycles will be produced. (Development Projects): Innovation and Access to Equipment D1.1 Kirigami Design and Advanced Manufacturing Process for Transforming Adaptive Sports Equipment. The purpose of this project is to provide higher quality and lower cost wheelchairs for adaptive sports that better meet user needs and reduce costs through a revolutionary process. This project will benefit manual wheelchair users, engineers, and manufacturers. D2.1 Rapid Prototyping Simple Devices to Facilitate Inclusion in Sport and Recreation. The outcome of this project will be a repository with at least 30 pieces of sport and recreation activity assistive technology for PwD of all ages to promote participation. D3.1 An inclusive home-based smart connected a
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).