Rehabilitation Research Design & Disability Center
Mission
The Rehabilitation Research Design & Disability (R2D2) Center conducts applied research in assistive technology and universal design to improve accessibility, participation, and independence across work, education, and community environments.
About Us
The R2D2 Center performs interdisciplinary basic research investigations, applied research and development, and innovative instruction related to technology and disability.
The Center was established in the College of Health Sciences as the Center for Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology (CRST). The Center’s name was changed to the Rehabilitation Research Design and Disability (R2D2) Center in November 2003 to more accurately describe the Center’s overall activities.
The R2D2 Center affiliates with multiple colleges, schools, and service programs in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Currently, key linkages exist with the Department of Occupational Sciences and Technology in the College of Health Sciences, Teaching and Learning in the School of Education, the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and campus programs including the Accessibility Resource Center, University Information Technology Services, and Campus Planning and Management.
Featured Projects
Home Evaluation System with a Triangulating Integrative Approach (HESTIA)
HESTIA is an in-depth multi-faceted home assessment designed to improve the independence and safety of people with disabilities and individuals who desire to age in place. HESTIA leverages the latest technology to identify problems in the home environment that impede a person’s ability to successfully live at home. HESTIA consists of two applications, MyAccessibleHomePRO and MyAccessibleHome. MyAccessibleHomePRO is an assessment and intervention planning tool for expert rehabilitation service providers. MyAccessibleHome is a simple accessible technology designed for individuals to complete independently to receive home modification suggestions and referrals.
MED-AUDIT
The MED-AUDIT project developed and tested the MED-AUDIT accessibility measurement tool. This project was originally funded through the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Accessible Medical Instrumentation R3 Research Project (2002 – 2008). The purpose of this project was to develop a scientific method to measure the accessibility of medical instrumentation using web-based data collection systems. The project is currently engaging stakeholders including medical device designers, manufacturers, suppliers, people with disabilities and older adults to determine the feasibility and usability of the information obtained from the MED-AUDIT.