Grant: Engage Grants Program

Squeezease Therapy (ST) is a product development company commercializing wearable products to benefit the lives of children with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders such as autism. They are focused on medical assistive devices that administer Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) to the sides, back, and shoulders of the torso. Pressure on the body regulates the sensory system and eases anxiety, thereby allowing increased focus, attention, and improved behaviours. ST has recently developed the BearHug vest concept to many accolades such as the 2011 Red Dot Concept Award. This product is anticipated to launch in the fall of 2012. The product uses a hand-pump to inflate a vest with an air bladder that is compartmentalized with ""welds"". This vest administers relatively-evenly distributed and adjustable pressure to the torso. The use of air pressure allows easy control of the pressure being applied to the body. In collaboration with BCIT rehabilitation engineering researchers, ST proposes to develop a new 'smart' vest technology that aims to incorporate air pressure measurement using sensors and pressure control electronics. This pressure monitoring system will serve three important purposes: 1) enable a feedback control system of the pressure level being applied; 2) help mitigate sensory habituation, creating a much longer-lasting calming effect; and 3) add data recording capability to monitor a child's daily use of the vest. A ""pressure profile"" could be documented over time, providing valuable feedback to therapists and parents, and helping them to configure the vest to a particular child's specific needs and/or daily fluctuations. The end point of this project would be a validated prototype that ST can use for further evaluations and to demonstrate the technology as a prerequisite to bringing the new product to market. Success with this project has a large potential to lead to company growth and the creation of new products to benefit children living with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders in Canada and around the world.