Exploring the NIDILRR-funded Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs). Estimating power wheelchair electronics lifespan based on real-world data. INside the OUTcomes podcast. 2026 KT Conference registration is open. nTIDE Lunch and Learn. Webinar: Career Opportunity Readiness Experience. World of Possibilities Study. Captioning guidelines.
NARIC News:
Have you explored the NIDILRR-funded Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs)? These researchers and developers use science and engineering principles to design, build, and adapt technology that enables people with disabilities to live fully and independently in their communities. The RERCs cover the spectrum of disability and technology, large and small, from personal mobility devices to built environments. Meet the current RERCs and learn about some of the resources from this remarkable community in our Spotlight blog!
This Just In:
Estimating power wheelchair electronics lifespan based on real-world data. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. NARIC Accession Number: J94364.
New to the NARIC collection, this NIDILRR-funded study investigated the lifespan of power wheelchair (PWC) electronics as a measurement of time until repair or replacement and identified factors associated with variability in the estimated lifespan in two types of PWCs (group 2 and group 3). Group 2 PWCs are operated using a joystick and can only accommodate one power seat function such as tilt, recline, elevating leg rests or seat elevator. Group 3 PWCs offer additional customization and features for people who require more complex seating and postural management and can accommodate alternative drive controls, such as eye-gaze, and multiple power seat functions. Analysis of data from more than 1,200 PWCs showed that 29.2 percent of PWCs experienced electronics-related repairs, with a median survival of 32.2 months. Significant predictors of reduced electronics survival included device type, distribution year in 2017, and distribution year in 2018. The findings underscore the importance of proper maintenance and design in enhancing PWC reliability and user quality of life. Future research should expand data inclusivity and consider broader implications for global PWC users. Access the full abstract and ordering information in REHABDATA.
Resource Highlight:
INside the OUTcomes Podcast: Cancer Rehabilitation
The NIDILRR-funded DRRP on KT to Promote Patient-Centered Care Through Use of Standardized Assessments (90DPKT0007), Home and Community-Based Services for Person-Centered Outcomes and Measurements (90RTGE0004), and the Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System Center (MRSCIS) (90SIMS0015), released an episode of the INside the OUTcomes podcast, Cancer Rehabilitation. Presenters discussed the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and other conditions caused by cancer and its aggressive treatments. Presenters discussed how cancer rehabilitation can help patients maintain and/or restore their function and quality of life.
News from the NIDILRR Community:
Registration is Open for the 2026 Virtual KT Conference
Registration is now open for the 2026 Virtual Knowledge Translation Conference, Evolution in Knowledge Translation, hosted by the NIDILRR-funded Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (KDTRR) (90DPKT0010), October 19th, 20th, and 22nd. The conference features sessions and speakers representing a wide range of practices, roles, and methods used to move research evidence into practice. Attendees will learn how KT changes across contexts and practical strategies that support resilient, effective KT efforts. Registration is free and attendees can earn up to 9.5 continuing education credits.
Events:
Webinar: The Career Opportunity Readiness Experience (CORE)
The NIDILRR-funded Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Improving Employment Outcomes for Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities (90RTEM0004) will host a webinar, The Career Opportunity Readiness Experience (CORE), September 2nd, 1 - 2 pm ET, part of the Making Sense of Employment Research series. Presenters will introduce CORE, a model which combines career-readiness learning, individualized support, and paid internship experiences to help young people with serious mental health conditions strengthen entry-level job skills, workplace cultural knowledge, emotional self-regulation, self-efficacy, and confidence in their ability to succeed at work. Registration is free and required.
nTIDE Lunch and Learn
The NIDILRR-funded Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics (STatsRRTC) (90RTGE0005) will host the next episode of the National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) Lunch and Learn, September 4th, 12 - 1 pm ET. Presenters will discuss trends in employment participation for people with disabilities, including the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics Jobs Report, along with news and updates from the field of disability employment. Guest speakers will offer an in-depth discussion of current disability employment research findings and events. Registration is free and required.
Opportunity to Participate:
World of Possibilities Study
The NIDILRR-funded Temple University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Community Living and Participation of Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses (90RTCP0008) seeks participants for the World of Possibilities study. Participants will join an 8-week, peer-led, online group program focused on storytelling and community participation and will complete study activities and surveys over 16 weeks. Participants must be over 18, trained as a peer support specialist, have an interest in increasing their community participation in at least three areas, and live in the US. Participants may receive up to $75 for their time and effort. To participate, interested individuals may complete a brief survey or email stories@temple.edu.
Elsewhere in the Community:
Consumer Guide: FCC Captioning Display Requirements for Equipment
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published a consumer guide, Closed Captioning Display Requirements for Equipment. The guide explains a new rule designed to improve accessibility by making caption settings easier to find, access, and use. It describes what equipment must do to display captions under the new rules and what equipment is covered by the FCC rule, and defines what makes captioning settings readily accessible. The guide also explains what kinds of equipment is not subject to the new rules.