Brief Summary
This project will complete the development and commercialization of a much needed and innovative accessibility system for homes and assisted living environments that will improve the safety and independence of individuals with mobility impairments. The Mobius system can easily be installed and adapted by the end user, caregiver or a handyperson and is comprised of ergonomic, aesthetically pleasing grab bars, handrails and assistive technology attachments that solve a range of mobility problems.

Objectives

1. Perform a comprehensive Mobius design review and establish priority for developing attachments using a focus group research approach.
2. Design and optimize the Mobius rail and grab bar components, taking into account feedback from the design review and focus groups.
3. Build a production ready prototype.
4. Perform studies to evaluate the usability of the product from the perspectives of various stakeholders.

Results
A production ready prototype has been developed and is being tested in a field implementation with professional mobility product installers.

Community Impact
10% of houses in the US having the accommodations needed for safe mobility and only 5.8% of the homes in Pennsylvania are considered “aging-ready.” Mobius will help address this gap in housing accessibility by providing a novel and cost-effective solution to allow more older adults to remain at home and successfully age in place.

Funding Source
Department of Veterans Affairs Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology grant, U.S. National Institute on Aging SBIR Phase II Grant

Partners