Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technologies to Support Aging among People with Long-Term Disabilities (RERC TechSAge). design/tech/engage

Champaign, IL
Joined February 2017
We have been awarded a third, 5-year, $4.6 million grant from #NIDILRR to continue our work on technology innovation to support aging with disability. The new center will be based at @UofIllinois @GeorgiaTech & @GeorgiaStateU Press release: ahs.illinois.edu/blog/laura-…
2
1
8
775
Bethany Moss presenting TechSAge work on AccessBot - exploring the potential of robots to support individuals with vision impairment with everyday household and health-management activities. @HFES #ASPIRE26 in Reno, NV @UTK_TCE
6
TechSAge presentations @HFES #ASPIRE26 conference in Reno last week. Shafiqul Islam presented findings from the SmartBathroom project on optimal toilet seat and grab bar configurations for older adults @AHSIllinois
5
Join Eliza Baby at #ASHA2026 in Indianapolis to learn about communication challenges and practical strategies for supporting late-deafened older adults. 📅Fri, November 20 | 3:00 PM– 3:30 PM In-Person Technical: 4623L | Virtual Technical: 4623V @ASHAWeb @AHSIllinois
18
Such a cool research spotlight on KeyStroke - a piano-based music rehab tool for stroke survivors. Learn more about this creative project, that started as a TechSAge seed grant, making a real impact on stroke recovery. @GsuTherapy Story from @GSU_Research news.gsu.edu/research-magazi…
1
25
Michael Issa is a graduate student pursuing a dual DPT/PhD @GeorgiaStateU Dept. of Physical Therapy. On TechSAge, he is supporting the development of MSafe – a fall risk mobile health application for people aging with #MultipleSclerosis #MS. Learn more: techsage.ahs.illinois.edu/
1
112
Join us for an online @geronsociety workshop offering practical "how-to” guidance for conducting research at the intersection of aging and disability #GSA2026 📅 Thursday 10/08 | 12–2 PM (EDT) GSA members: Free Non-members: $25 Students: $15 Register ow.ly/hMfJ50ZPMQG
23
New infographic on our recent publication in The Gerontologist on the everyday challenges of aging with vision, hearing, and mobility disabilities. 🔗View the full infographic: ow.ly/6hCj50ZPQkv 🔗Accessible version: ow.ly/QkG150ZPQkw @AHSIllinois @geronsociety
19
Don’t miss Eliza Baby at #ASHA2026 in Indianapolis presenting communication challenges and practical strategies for supporting late-deafened older adults. 📅Fri, November 20 | 3:00 PM– 3:30 PM In-Person Technical: 4623L | Virtual Technical: 4623V @ASHAWeb @AHSIllinois
27
It’s #FallsPreventionAwarenessWeek #FPAW26. Did you know Tai Chi can help reduce falls? Learn more about our Tele Tai Chi program that delivers the evidence-based program by @taichihealth. 🔗Watch the video here: ow.ly/Al0w50ZQPCa @NCOAging
1
23
Did you know that existing fall detection and alert systems are not designed for wheelchair users? Learn how Laura Rice and her team @UofIllinois are developing a custom smartwatch & app system for #WheelchairSafety on our website: ow.ly/OoWr50ZPNTj @AHSIllinois
1
20
Did you know that MSafe is helping older adults with #MultipleSclerosis assess and monitor their fall risk? Learn how this user-friendly app supports self-assessment and awareness through simple questions and assessments 🔗 Full article: ow.ly/UWX650ZPOPp @GsuTherapy
49
Join us for a @geronsociety Online Workshop #GSA2026 to learn about practical guidance for conducting research on aging with disability. 📅 Thursday 10/08 | 12–2 PM (EDT) Register here: ow.ly/MMnW50ZNwYs
2
2
46
Noah Olivero is a Public Health graduate student @UofIllinois. He is a research assistant on the R1 User Needs project, interviewing participants and analyzing data to better understand the needs of older workers with disabilities. @AHSIllinois @IlliniHealthKin
1
117
Staff Spotlight: Lina Gil is a student @UofIllinois double majoring in Psychology and Spanish. As a 2026 Community Academic Scholar, she is working this summer with TechSAge & community partner @PACE_CIL to study unmet needs of people aging with disability. @LASillinois
1
155
Want to learn more about how small businesses and university researchers can collaborate on aging and disability research grants? Join us on 8/11 (2-3:30 pm CDT) for a webinar on #SBIR and #STTR pathways Register here: go.illinois.edu/SBIR_STTRInd… @AHSIllinois
1
1
63
Washington post article on tech to support independence of older adults highlights research by Wendy Rogers and the story of how an @AmazonAlexa was potentially life-saving for one TechSAge participant. washingtonpost.com/wellness/… @ahsillinois
2
44
Jehanna De Los Reyes is studying Interdisciplinary Health Sciences @UofIllinois. She is a TechSAge research assistant, supporting work to better understand the needs of older workers with disabilities. She plans to pursue further medical education. @AHSIllinois @IlliniHealthKin
1
33
Sharing this story about our new post-doc: Mengzhao Yan. This news story from @USCLeonardDavis highlights his recent completion of his PhD in Gerontology and Masters in Aging Services Management. We are excited to have him join our team! @AHSillinois ow.ly/Egij50Zjmt8
1
3
71
TechSAge Director Laura Rice featured in episode of RealTalkMS - a podcast on #MultipleSclerosis news. Tune in to learn about her recommendations for exercising safely in a wheelchair. ow.ly/pr7n50Zh3vF @AHSIllinois @RealTalkMS_jon
1
2
28