Daemen University, Villa Maria College, and Buffalo Rehab Group celebrated the official opening of the Daemen University Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology (IMIT) at Villa Maria College with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 30.
Dr. Gary A. Olson, Daemen University President; Dr. Matthew Giordano, Villa Maria College President; and Jeff Woodrich, Buffalo Rehab Group Chief Executive Officer; were present to commemorate the opening of the 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art physical therapy clinic, which provides advanced post-acute physical therapy rehabilitation to those impacted by stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological, pediatric, and orthopedic conditions through advanced robotic devices and assistive technology.
Over five years in the making, the IMIT was brought to fruition through $3 million in external funding, including a $1.2 million state grant procured by U.S. Congressman Timothy Kennedy—who was in his former New York State Senator role at the time—as well as additional grant funding from Empire State Development and eleven foundations.
Olson, Giordano, and Woodrich lauded Kennedy in their remarks for his faith in the project and his invaluable support, without which the IMIT wouldn’t have been possible. Olson stated, “We are all fortunate to have him represent us in Congress.”
The IMIT is one of a limited number of facilities across the country that features state-of-the-art equipment and technology, including the Hocoma Lokomat®, the world’s leading robotic exoskeleton; the Alter G® anti-gravity treadmill, which uses NASA differential air pressure technology; Bioness Systems Vector®; and Restorative Therapies Xcite®; among others.
Dr. Laura Edsberg, Professor of Natural Sciences and Director of Natural & Health Sciences Research Center, at Daemen—one of the visionaries of the IMIT—was instrumental in making the facility a reality. “We identified a crucial need in the Western New York community for patients facing mobility challenges,” Edsberg said, adding, “After a traumatic injury or diagnosis impacting mobility, many patients don’t have access to critical post-acute care, which can impact their overall wellbeing. We want to give every patient hope through compassionate, world-class care that continues to propel them forward during their recovery and beyond.”
To learn more about the IMIT or to make an appointment, visit this link.