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ImpacTech

Author: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Dr. Jon Pearlman, Nancy Augustine, Dr. Michelle Zorrilla

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IMPACT Center's ImpacTech with Dr. Mary Goldberg. Join us as we delve into the stories of assistive technology researchers and entrepreneurs. What does it take to get an assistive technology to market? What is happening across the country and around the world? Listen to their journeys and hear about some really neat technologies helping to improve people's daily lives.
36 Episodes
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Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest(s): Shay Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO of Verbali and innovator behind Ma-TalkIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Verbali.io | WebsiteDiscussion Topics (time stamp)The Tech Behind Ma-Talk   2:26Data Privacy and Child Safety  11:32Lessons & Future Directions   19:07Transcript | Word Doc, PDF
Finding Their Voice

Finding Their Voice

2025-12-1218:14

Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest(s): Shay Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO of Verbali and innovator behind Ma-TalkIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Verbali.io | WebsiteDiscussion Topics (time stamp)The inspiration  1:15Their experience with AAC  5:45Early Development  10:37Transcript | Word Doc, PDF
Designing Dignity

Designing Dignity

2025-11-1831:25

Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest(s): Taylor Allen and Sreejith Ravi, REAR LAB at Georgia TechIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter REAR Lab | WebsiteDiscussion Topics (time stamp)What sparked the idea  2:05Design challenges  6:06Different features  13:09Future applications and the market 19:58RESNA student design challenge 22:01Transcript | Word Doc, PDF
Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest(s): Mike Soniat and Wayne NewittsIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter DOOR-E | Website, FacebookDiscussion Topics (time stamp)Technical hurdles in developing Door-E  1:13Engineering and manufacturing challenges  4:18Community-building and user feedback  7:34Stories of impact and user needs  14:07Next steps: beta testing, scaling, and distribution  17:02Transcript | Word Doc, PDF
Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest(s): Mike Soniat and Wayne NewittsIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter DOOR-E | Website, FacebookDiscussion TopicsThe origin story of DOOR-E, inspired by helping a friend with mobility needsFeedback that shaped product developmentCommunity validation and emotional impact of connecting with usersHow DOOR-E works: portable, affordable, and zero-installation door automationTarget users: individuals with mobility challenges, caregivers, and therapistsBroader applications beyond accessibility, including everyday convenienceTranscript | Word Doc, PDF
Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest(s): Student Design Team - HAT, University of Washington: Yuka Fan, Emily Boeschoten, Adria Gonzalez, Sasha PortnovaIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter HAT Team Information | Video, Website, Publication Discussion TopicsRESNA Student Design Challenge ExperienceBridging the Gap Between Technology and Real-World UseNext Steps for the Hand Assessment Tool (HAT)Advice for Other Student InnovatorsVision for Real-World Impact
Precision in Motion

Precision in Motion

2025-07-2925:04

Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest(s): Student Design Team - HAT, University of Washington: Yuka Fan, Emily Boeschoten, Adria Gonzalez, Sasha PortnovaIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter HAT Team Information | Video, Website, PublicationTranscript | Word Doc,  PDF Discussion TopicsIntro & Episode OverviewTeam Formation and BackgroundsClinical Motivation Behind HATHow HAT WorksTech Design Choices (Leap vs Webcam)Reliability Testing InsightsInclusivity and Accessibility in DesignOT Perspective on Disability RepresentationClosing & Teaser for Part 2
Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Josh Anderson, Program Director, Assistive Technology Specialist for Easter Seals Crossroads, and Host of Assistive Technology UpdateGuest(s): Brandon Biggs, CEO of XR Navigation; John McInerney, IMPACT Mentor and Board MemberIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Easter Seals Crossroads | WebsiteAssistive Technology Update | Website, Podcast Apple PageXR Navigation | LinkedIn, WebsiteTranscript | Word Doc,  PDF
Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Josh Anderson, Program Director, Assistive Technology Specialist for Easter Seals Crossroads, and Host of Assistive Technology UpdateGuest(s): Brandon Biggs, CEO of XR Navigation; John McInerney, IMPACT Mentor and Board MemberIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Easter Seals Crossroads | Website Assistive Technology Update | Website, Podcast Apple PageXR Navigation | LinkedIn, WebsiteTranscript | Word Doc,  PDF
Success for Steadiwear

Success for Steadiwear

2025-01-2822:17

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghCo-Host: Dr. Michelle Zorrilla, Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director of Technology Translation, IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Emilie Maamary, CMO of Steadiwear IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDFSome abbreviations used during the episode:B to B to C: business to business to consumerMVP: minimum viable product
Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghCo-Host: Dr. Michelle Zorrilla, Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director of Technology Translation, IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Emilie Maamary, CMO of Steadiwear Use the code "IETF" to get an additional $50 off the pre-order of the Steadiwear Three device, which is currently available at a 40% discount through the end of the year 2024.IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDFTimestamps:1:43 Steadiwear's Origin and Personal Inspiration3:47 Challenges and Initial Steps4:45 User Testing and Product Development8:40 Navigating the FDA Process16:53 Seeking Consultants and Mentors18:37 Collaborations and Connections21:40 Promotions and Final Thoughts
Catalyst for Change

Catalyst for Change

2024-09-2401:03:16

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Leah Marmo, Director of Impact Accelerator at Iglis, Pittsburgh, PAIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDFTimestamps:1:59 Leah's Background Story20:15 Key Lessons Learned Throughout Her Career27:37 Mission and Vision of the Inglis Impact Accelerator 41:07 Sample Clients56:26 Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs in this Space Companies Mentioned in EpisodeTogether International | Website testa-seat | WebsiteCookie Cookie Ice Cream | WebsiteRiver City Growers | WebsiteDisability Media Network | Website 
Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Rose Morris, Founder of Abram's NationIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDFTimestamps:1:45 Rose Morris and Abram's Nation Introduction2:05 Motivation to start Abram's Nation6:57 Challenges of Learning About FDA Registration and Insurance Requirements11:56 Memorable Success Stories18:50 Expansion into International Markets and SBA Exporter of the Year27:25 Future Plans
Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Todd Hargroder and Troy Tesmer, co-founders of Soul Mobility, Inc.IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDF Timestamps:0:58 The IMPACT Award2:31 How they got into the mobility space9:43 Involvement in the field13:02 Building a substantial product17:50 Challenges during development24:05 The future of power-assist34:38 Never give up
Host : Dr. Michelle Zorrilla, Associate Director of Technology Translation, and Dr. Julie Faieta, Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Rehabilitation Science Researcher and Licensed Clinical Occupational TherapistGuests: RESNA Developers' Showcase Teams (see below for more information)Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 02:13 Stephanie - VehiCLE  03:48 Wayne - Wall Storage  05:51 Leslie - Hummingbird  09:46 Karen - Work Access  13:04 Finn - Auli Tech  16:20 Nadine - Kinemo  21:01 Roger - MyAccessibleHome  25:07 Todd - PowerFlex  IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram1. VehiCLE by the Cleveland VA Technology Transfer Program - Stephanie Bailey | Website2. Fully Accessible Wall Storage by Novabiz - Wayne Crowley | Website3. The Hummingbird by the Prism Lab at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto - Leslie Mumford | Website4. Work ACCESS by the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech - Karen Milchus5. Cato by Auli Tech - Finn Biggs | YouTube, Email, 6. Kinemo by Georgia Tech - Nordine Sebkhi | Website, LinkedIn7. myAcessibleHome App by R2D2 Center at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Roger Smith | Website8. PowerFlex by Soul Mobility - Todd Hargroder | WebsiteTranscript | PDF
Room to Dream

Room to Dream

2023-06-0628:55

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Julie Gulick, President and CEO of Bally DesignJulie Gulick - Bally Design | LinkedIn,  WebsiteIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, InstagramTranscript | PDF
Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt, Director of the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), an elite wheelchair racer, a Paralympic ambassador, public speaker, disability advocate, and former assistant professor at Vanderbilt University.Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt | LinkedIn, ACL.gov News,  WebsiteIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDF Info on pursuing NIDILRR funding- View NIDILRR funding opportunities at Grants.gov- View NIDILRR Funding Opportunities on ACL.gov   Tip: When the page is displayed in your browser, choose the "NIDILRR" category from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.
Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt, Director of the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), an elite wheelchair racer, a Paralympic ambassador, public speaker, disability advocate, and former assistant professor at Vanderbilt University.Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt | LinkedIn, ACL.gov News,  WebsiteIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDF Key Mentions- NIDILRR main webpage- NARIC- About NIDILRR video Adaptive sport/exercise RRTC- How to find adaptive sport/recreation: https://www.naric.com/?q=en/FAQ/where-can-i-find-accessible-recreational-activities- NIDILRR funded: https://www.rectech.org/- The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) AT3 and NARIC links on Assistive Tech- https://acl.gov/programs/assistive-technology/assistive-technology- AT3 Center State Assistive Technology Program Directory- https://www.naric.com/?q=en/content/assistive-technology-0- NIDILRR’s Small Business Innovation Research program- Knowledge Translation Centers Program Info on pursuing NIDILRR funding- View NIDILRR funding opportunities at Grants.gov- View NIDILRR Funding Opportunities on ACL.gov   Tip: When the page is displayed in your browser, choose the "NIDILRR" category from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.
Hosts: Dr. Michelle Zorrilla, Associate Director of Technology Translation and Mrs. Nancy Augustine, Project Manager, at the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh,Guests: Madeline Lee and Meghan Mulloy, graduate student entrepreneurs from the University of Pittsburgh’s Masters of Rehabilitation Technology programMeghan Mulloy | LinkedInToothbrush Buddy |  WebsiteRESNA Student Design Challenge 2022 | WebsiteIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Full Transcript | PDFKey Mentions  SHRS Master of Rehabilitation Science https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/mrtRESNA.org www.RESNA.org    
Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Tracey McGillivray, Entrepreneur/Co-founder & CEO at Axtion Independence Mobility Inc.; Liam Maaskant, Mechanical Engineer; Co-Founder & CPO, Axtion Independence Mobility Inc.Tracey McGillivray | LinkedInLiam Maaskant | LinkedIn | EmailAction Independence Mobility Inc. |  TwitterIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Full Transcript | PDFKey Mentionswww.Rise4Access.orgwww.RESNA.org 
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