The Ohio State University Nisonger Center receives $600,000 grant from NIDILRR
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) awarded a $600,000, 3-year grant to The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, part of the Wexner Medical Center and Ohio State’s Neurological Institute. “This grant will fund a study of the effectiveness of using in-home remote services technologies on enhancing independent living, participation, self-determination, and overall quality of life of adults with intellectual disability (ID) and other developmental disabilities (DD),” said principal investigator Marc J. Tassé, professor of psychology and psychiatry and director of the Nisonger Center.
“As a Technology First state, Ohio continues to look for new and innovative approaches to measure the positive ways that technology can be used to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities by providing them with more opportunities for independence in their lives. I would like to congratulate Dr. Tassé and the Nisonger Center on being awarded this grant and we are very excited to work with them throughout the grant cycle.” – Kimberly Hauck, director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
This 3-year research project will compare the outcomes of a group of adults using same-as-usual ID/DD Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver services PLUS also using remote support services technologies in their home for at least one year to the outcomes of a comparable group of adults who are using same-as-usual ID/DD HCBS waiver services only. This study will use the National Core Indicators in-person survey interview protocol to assess and compare relevant outcomes of the participants focusing on key personal autonomy and independent living outcomes.
“Remote Support is the #1 reason that our son can live independently! Research like this brings an understanding of the value of remote support. This service was what we needed to feel more confident in the areas of health and safety.” – Carol Collins, parent.
“States are increasingly leveraging technology as an important component to supporting people with I/DD in a manner that optimizes independence and autonomy while protecting their privacy and choice. As the first empirical study of the outcomes associated with the use of remote support services and technologies, this work will be essential to inform state decisions on the design and deployment of technology solutions in support of people with I/DD and their families.” – Mary P. Sowers, executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services.
About The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
The Nisonger Center strives to cultivate an inclusive environment for all individuals, especially those with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to empower and support all people with developmental disabilities and their families through interdisciplinary training, research, and service. The center is designated a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) by the United States Office on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. www.nisonger.osu.edu
For more information, please contact Darlene Byler at (614) 685-3222 or darlene.byler@osumc.edu ###