WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)—Wichita State University is taking a step forward to help those with physical or cognitive disabilities. It’s launching the Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology (IRMAT).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adult Kansans has a disability. That is more than 630,000 people.
IRMAT will focus on cutting-edge research and technologies, such as body sensors and 3D printing, and aim to change lives.
It’s more than just research. This collaboration brings together Wichita State`s College of Health Professions, College of Engineering, and Industry and Defense Programs, along with clinical partners Ascension Via Christi`s Rehabilitation Hospital, Heartspring`s Outpatient Services, and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.
“Our ability to gather data and do that in real-time and get it individualized so that we can provide therapies that are designed to help you and just you,” said Pierre Harter, Associate Vice President for Research and Industry Engagement at Wichita State. “It’s a great way to bring those technologies out of the lab and get them proven out and then tested on a variety of different patients in clinical settings so that they can ultimately make it to the market and make an impact on people’s lives.”
IRMAT collaboration focuses on assistive technologies and conducting clinical trials and interventions.
“It allows us to do the research within the walls, within our facilities that are rich with technologies. We have a long, rich, deep history in rehabilitation,” said Laurie Labarca, the president of Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital.
Some here say this project offers hope by creating tools that help give people with varying abilities more independence.
“Whether they’re suffering from cerebral palsy or autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders, that this could bring some advanced technology to help them have a more independent life,” said Dan Soliday, the president and CEO of Heartspring.
Some say it’s important to think about barriers for these individuals to fix the problem.
“We realized that the veterans did not have access to clinical trials, and so were particularly excited about the increased number of opportunities that will come up with collaboration,” said Christine Faulk, the chief of staff for research at Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.
“My biggest hope is really, at the end of the day, to see the smiles on people’s faces when we’re able to impact their lives and make their lives better,” said Harter.