Michael A. MacDowell accepts check from Pride Mobility.

ATRI was established at Misericordia University in 2004 with the assistance of a $190,000 grant from the federal Administration on Aging. Under the guidance of Denis Anson, director of research and development, the institute modifies new and enhances existing assistive technology devices to allow people with limited function to participate in their personal lives and communities to the greatest extent possible.

It is also a regional resource for information and education in the application of assistive technology. Misericordia faculty and students majoring in the health sciences, including speech-language pathology, nursing, medical imaging and physical and occupational therapy, conduct studies and work closely with technology and manufacturing firms as well as government entities on the local, state and federal levels to develop real-world data that helps this segment of society live full and productive lives.

The institute is currently engaged in research projects that increase accessibility to the Internet by redesigning the computer interface to accommodate special needs, and demonstrate the value of powered mobility.

Anson and his colleagues are also conducting a study to determine if augmentative communication devices improve the quality of life for people who use the technology and whether communication fluency corresponds with improved quality of life. The Assistive Technology Efficacy Tool (ATET) is being developed and marketed in an effort to lower the cost of assistive technology devices for consumers, developers and health insurance providers. ATET is computer software that measures the functional independence of a person before they acquire the device and periodically afterward. Since assistive technology is designed to increase function for people, the best way to measure its effectiveness is to see if using the device makes a person more or less functional.

ATRI is a natural extension of Misericordia University’s 83-year history of serving those in need. “Pride Mobility has joined with Misericordia University in helping to create new assistive technology to serve people,’’ said Michael A. MacDowell, president of Misericordia University. “Misericordia’s path-breaking work in assistive technology and Pride’s sophisticated product development have proven to be a good match.

“One of this region’s most productive resources is the ability of our colleges and universities to pair campus-based research with forward-thinking companies. We are pleased that Pride Mobility recognizes our efforts in assistive technology and are delighted they are supporting us,’’ MacDowell added.

Pride’s top executives shared MacDowell’s enthusiasm. “Pride Mobility is happy to help fund this important program. As a company that serves people with disabilities, we share their goal of advancing assistive technologies and bettering the lives of those we service,’’ said Scott Meuser, Pride’s chairman and CEO.

“We’re fortunate to have a university here in our community that is dedicated to developing technologies that push back boundaries for people with disabilities,’’ added Dan Meuser, President, Pride U.S.A. “Pride employs several alumni and we can speak first hand of the quality education and training provided by ATRI and Misericordia University.’’

Pride Mobility Products Corp. is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of personal mobility equipment including power chairs, travel mobility products, scooters, lift chairs, and vehicle lifts. The company’s corporate offices are located in Exeter, Pa., with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Caption:

Participating in the check presentation at Pride Mobility Products Corp. in Exeter are, from left, Michael A. MacDowell, president of Misericordia University; Dan Meuser, president, Pride U.S.A.; Scott Meuser, chairman and CEO, Pride Mobility Products Corp.; Denis Anson, director of research and development, Assistive Technology Research Institute; Jay Brislin, MSPT, general manager, Quantum Rehab Applications; and Megan Kutch, MS OTR, Quantum Rehab Key Account Manager.