Innovating Assistive Robotics for Daily Life in Iowa
GrantID: 63737
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $100,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Barriers to Independence for Disabled Individuals in Iowa
Iowa's disabled population faces significant barriers to independence, particularly in areas related to daily living and access to assistive technology. With over 350,000 Iowans living with disabilities, the demand for tools that facilitate independent living is critical. However, many existing assistive technologies are often prohibitively expensive or not adequately tailored to meet diverse individual needs, leaving residents under-supported. The state's rural geography further complicates access to services and technology, particularly for those living in remote areas.
Who Faces These Barriers Locally
Individuals with disabilities in Iowa, particularly those in rural communities like the far northern and southern parts of the state, often struggle with limited access to affordable assistive devices. This impacts various aspects of daily living, from mobility to communication and even basic self-care. Families often bear the financial burden of sourcing appropriate technologies without sufficient support, leading to emotional and economic strain that can hinder quality of life.
How Funding Addresses These Barriers
The funding initiative aims to innovate assistive robotics tailored specifically for individuals with disabilities in Iowa. By focusing on creating affordable robotic tools that assist with daily living tasks, the initiative seeks to enhance autonomy and improve quality of life. The grant will support research and development efforts focused on identifying and meeting the unique needs of the Iowan disabled population, ensuring that the solutions offered are relevant and widely adoptable.
Eligibility for the Grant in Iowa
Eligible applicants for this initiative include small, for-profit businesses and research institutions that demonstrate expertise in technological innovation geared towards disability support. These entities should illustrate the capacity for collaboration with local stakeholders, including healthcare providers and disability advocates, to effectively meet community needs.
Application Requirements and Realities
Proposals submitted for this funding must provide a detailed outline of the proposed assistive robotics, including design specifications, expected impact, and implementation strategies. Organizations will also need to demonstrate a commitment to ensuring affordability and user-friendliness in their products, as well as a pathway for scalability. Comprehensive evaluation metrics must also be included to assess the effectiveness of solutions put into place.
Fit Assessment for Iowa’s Context
Iowa's unique demographic and geographical challenges necessitate solutions that are innovative and responsive to the specific barriers faced by its disabled residents. Unlike neighboring states, where larger populations may allow for different kinds of support models, Iowa funding must focus on practicality and accessibility, ensuring new technologies are developed with the aim of improving daily living experiences for individuals with disabilities throughout the state.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
