powered mobility

HA Feldner, K Keithley, KA Ingraham, A Fragomeni, N Zaino, A Sinclair, AN Meltzoff, PK Kuhl, KM Steele (2026) “Learning powered mobility: caregiver perceptions of young children’s capabilities and device impact”

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Journal Article in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

Self-initiated mobility experiences are critical for young children with disabilities and may be augmented through powered mobility.

(A) A child participant driving the Permobil ® Explorer Mini (photo courtesy of the IMPACT Collaboratory). (B) Specifications of the Explorer Mini device.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to understand caregiver perceptions of powered mobility intervention following a 12-session trial of a novel powered mobility device.  

Methods: Ten caregivers (4 M/6F) of children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System IV-V) and other developmental disabilities (21.8 ± 5.9 months). Children participated in 12 in-lab driving sessions (exploratory or goal directed) using the Explorer Mini (Permobil AB, Sweden). Exit interviews were conducted with caregivers at the final visit, transcribed verbatim, coded inductively, and analysed until themes emerged.

Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Changing views of capability and adaptability; (2) Emerging autonomy; new skills in and out of the device; (3) Clear need and benefit with some drawbacks; and (4) Lingering stigma and uncertainty 

Interpretation: PM trial positively shifted caregiver’s perceptions of both PM in general and their child’s capabilities, with a desire for greater access to PM at home to support development. These beliefs remained juxtaposed with lingering stigma for some caregivers about PM devices, and a stated desire for more modifiable PM options for children with different positioning or access needs.

Introducing Dr. Mia Hoffman!

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Congratulations to Dr. Mia Hoffman on earning a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering!

Dr. Hoffman’s PhD dissertation was titled “Pathways to self‑initiated mobility: Adoption and use of mobility aids by young children with developmental disabilities.” Her work advanced understanding of how early mobility supports can promote exploration, participation, and development for children with disabilities.

Congratulations and best of luck as Mia moves forward as a President’s Postdoctoral Scholar at The Ohio State University, working with Dr. Jill Heathcock in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Medicine!

Congrats to Mia Hoffman, Named to the Husky 100

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We were excited to celebrate Mia Hoffman, who was named to the University of Washington Husky 100, recognizing students who made an exceptional impact during their time at UW.

Mia was honored for work focused on accessibility, mobility, and play for children with disabilities, combining impactful research with community‑engaged advocacy. As a member of the Neuromechanics & Mobility community, Mia exemplified leadership, innovation, and a commitment to inclusive design.

Congratulations, Mia, on this well‑deserved recognition!

  • Studio portrait shows Mia Hoffman standing in a black blazer and blue dress against a gold gradient background; the Husky 100 logo is visible at the bottom of the image.
  • Person stands in a classroom in front of gold “100” balloons and purple balloons, posing for a photo to celebrate Husky 100 recognition.
  • Five people stand together in a conference room, smiling for a group photo in front of gold “100” balloons and purple balloons, celebrating Husky 100 recognition.

Reimagining Mobility Aids: Mia Hoffman Presents at APTA Pediatrics 2025

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  • Two presenters stand in front of a large projection screen displaying the session title “Reimagining Mobility Aids: Collaborative Innovations Between Engineering and Physical Therapy” at the APTA Pediatrics 2025 Conference. The slide includes names, credentials, and affiliations for Mia Hoffman and Bethany M. Sloane. The background shows patterned carpet and a dark curtain framing the screen.
  • A selfie-style photo taken from the front of a large conference room, showing two presenters in the foreground and a large seated audience in the background.
  • A presenter stands beside a podium with a laptop and water bottles, holding a microphone and a small device while speaking. The podium has “Broadmoor” signage, and the background shows a patterned carpet and plain wall.
  • Two presenters stand at the front of a conference room. One is holding a microphone and a colorful book while speaking to the audience. The other stands near a podium with a laptop. The room has patterned carpet and neutral walls.

Mia Hoffman of the Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab, along with Bethany M. Sloane, Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Washington’s Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences (CREATE), presented a session at the APTA Pediatrics 2025 Conference titled “Reimagining Mobility Aids: Collaborative Innovations Between Engineering and Physical Therapy.”

The session explored how interdisciplinary partnerships can transform traditional mobility aids into creative, user-centered solutions. Real-world examples included 3D-printed joystick adaptations, sensor-integrated systems, and community loaner programs. Attendees engaged in design thinking activities and left with practical tools to reimagine mobility for young children.

Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab Shines at SWE 2025 in New Orleans!

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We’re proud to celebrate Ally Clarke, Madeleine (Maddie) McCreary, and Alisha Bose, who attended the Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference 2025 in New Orleans!

Ally and Maddie represented the Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab in the “Rapid Fire” Collegiate Competition, showcasing their innovative research:

  • Maddie’s talk: “Kicking It Off: Do toddlers with disabilities activate leg muscles when driving with a joystick?”
  • Ally’s talk: “The Effect of Body Weight Support on Motor Control in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy.”

A huge congratulations to Ally for earning First Place in the SWE Collegiate Graduate Rapid Fire Competition!

We also want to recognize Alisha, an undergraduate researcher in our lab, who kicked off her role as Collegiate Working Group Chair-Elect at WE25, helped organize leadership meet-ups, represented Break Through Tech at the career fair, and even had two articles featured in SWE Magazine.

We’re thrilled to see members of our lab engaging and being recognized at this incredible event!

  • Two individuals standing in front of a large white gear-shaped display with ‘SWE25’ printed on it, inside a spacious convention center with patterned carpet and overhead lights. Both are wearing conference badges and lanyards.
  • Presenter standing at a podium with a SWE25 sign, next to a large screen showing a ‘Thank You’ slide featuring photos of team members and colorful illustrations of children using assistive devices. Audience members are seated facing the screen.
  • Presenter standing at a podium with a SWE25 sign, next to a large screen displaying a slide titled ‘Quantifying Motor Control’ with diagrams, graphs, and mathematical formulas. Audience chairs are visible in the foreground.
  • Group of individuals standing together in front of a podium with a SWE25 sign, posing for a photo in a conference room with blue patterned carpet and beige wall panels. All are wearing conference badges and lanyards.
  • Two individuals peeking playfully through the center opening of a large white gear-shaped display with ‘SWE25’ printed on it, in a brightly lit convention center hallway.