Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

The current population is aging and with aging comes an increase in disability and a restriction of mobility, due to physical disabilities confining people to wheelchairs. There are several types of wheelchairs available on the market, but they primarily provide the individual with wheeled movement along flat terrain. The goal of this project is to develop a wheelchair that enables the disabled and the less abled to enjoy mobility similar to the able bodied population. Specifically, the wheelchair will allow individuals to roll out of bed, pick up objects from the floor and at shelf height, ascend over obstacles such as curbs, and enter a minivan without the aid of a ramp or a lift. In addition to increasing the mobility of wheelchair bound people, the design of the wheelchair will accommodate a range of body sizes and shapes, resulting in a comfortable long term seated experience. The increased mobility and the increased comfort will provide individuals with greater independence to age at home.