Our Vision
˿Ƶ is creating a state of the art facility with advanced technology and physical therapy equipment that will improve health outcomes of people with mobility challenges; provide specialized training and education for students, faculty, physical therapy providers, healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers; and contribute to rehabilitation research and advocacy.
The Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology
˿Ƶ's Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology (IMIT) brings to Western New York an advanced post acute physical therapy clinic for people with neurological diagnoses, as well as opportunities for those with orthopaedic issues, sports injuries, and other mobility challenges. IMIT will be located in an under-resourced neighborhood on Villa Maria College’s campus. The Institute will provide:
- The world’s leading robotic devices and assistive technology, making WNY a destination for post rehabilitative care
- Diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, robotic-assisted gait training, patient education, and research with highly-trained clinicians
- Improved mobility, balance, and walking for people with diminished capacity to move due to a negative health diagnosis or traumatic injury
- Equity in access for underserved and high need populations
- Advanced research on optimal usage of technology
- Advocacy for post rehabilitation opportunities
- Learning opportunities for students, researchers, community-based physical therapists, and other clinicians
Advanced Technology and Proven Outcomes
IMIT will help a wide range of people with walking and mobility challenges, including those impacted by stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological, pediatric, and orthopedic conditions.
IMIT’s full complement of equipment addresses a continuum of needs as patients progress in their rehabilitation and promotes recovery for children and adults with diverse challenges.
The world’s leading robotic medical device, known as an exoskeleton, provides highly repetitive, highly intensive physiological gait rehabilitation. This leads to:
- Improved functional mobility, balance, walking capacity, and motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or following a stroke
- Improved mobility, cardiorespiratory, urinary, musculoskeletal, neuronal, and somatosensory systems for patients with a spinal cord injury
- Improved gait speed and distance for children with cerebral palsy
Uses NASA differential air pressure technology to support low-impact, pain free movement. This means:
- Faster recovery from sports injuries and orthopedic surgeries
- Symptomatic relief for patients with cerebral palsy
- Improved spasticity, muscle strength, coordination, and gait speed in pediatric populations
- Decreased contractures in hip and knee and increased abilities standing, walking, and gait velocity in children with spina bifida
Provides safe support for patients with equilibrium challenges assisting with practice walking, balance tasks, sit-to-stand maneuvers and even stairs.
Additional Equipment will allow for vestibular neurological analysis, movement and balance therapy, and other specialty services.
A Strong Commitment to Community
˿Ƶ’s mission combined with our sustained, collaborative health partnerships contribute to our success as a leader in education, research, and medical treatment. With a demonstrated history of excellence in the allied health sciences since 1974, over 50% of ˿Ƶ alumni currently living in WNY majored in health
professions or sciences.
˿Ƶ faculty possess expertise in orthopedics, wound care, motor learning, neurology, vascular injury, and pediatrics.
“IMIT will be a game changer for many,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at ˿Ƶ. “By using advanced technologies to improve mobility, balance and performance, IMIT will help people of all ages and abilities achieve optimal outcomes—and become a rehabilitation and training destination in the region.”
IMIT’s CARE Model
Clinical care, Advocacy, Research, and Education
IMIT’s multi-faceted CARE model - Clinical care, Advocacy, Research, and Education - will impact people with debilitating conditions and devastating injuries and their caregivers, students who will carry cutting edge skills forward, researchers who will advance scientific knowledge, and health providers seeking the best care for their patients.
Thank You to Our Supporters
- Odd Fellow & Rebekah Benefit Fund
- Foundation 214
- John R. Oishei Foundation
- Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
- Empire State Development
- The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation
- Scott Bieler Family Foundation
- George I. Alden Trust
- James H. Cummings Foundation
- The Children’s Guild Foundation
- Garman Family Foundation
- Little-Kittinger Foundation Inc.
Support This Initiative
You can contribute to this important project and help us ensure that rehabilitation capabilities are made accessible to those who need them. Click on the donate now button to contribute and to help us step into the future.
Step into the Future with ˿Ƶ
Michael Brogan, DPT, PhD
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of the University
Professor, Physical Therapy
mbrogan@daemen.edu | 716.839.8227
Laura Edsberg, PhD
Professor, Natural Sciences
Director, Natural and Health Sciences Research Center
ledsberg@daemen.edu | 716.839.8351