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Board Member of the Assistive Technology Center at Harborview Medical Center
The Assistive Technology Center's advisory board brings together a unique coalition of rehabilitation professionals, local technology experts, and individuals with spinal cord injury experience. This dynamic collaboration leverages medical expertise from Harborview, innovation from Seattle's tech industry, and invaluable insights from those living with disabilities.
Our mission centers on creating accessible technology solutions that enable independence and meaningful participation in daily life activities. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical rehabilitation applications, we're revolutionizing how patients transition from hospital to home.
Key Accomplishments & Impact
Center Development
Co-developed the Assistive Technology Center supporting independent living through accessible Microsoft technologies, helping patients integrate solutions into daily routines.
Cross-Sector Partnerships
Built collaborative relationships with therapists, nonprofits, and tech companies to expand assistive technology education programs.
Patient-Centered Design
Led co-design sessions with Microsoft developers, created Xbox Adaptive Controller gaming configurations, and launched a monthly Xbox Game Night program to empower individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Co-Design Sessions: Putting Users First
I facilitated co-design sessions bringing Microsoft product developers directly to Harborview patients. These sessions created an ongoing feedback loop that influenced product roadmaps for Windows Eye Control and Xbox Adaptive Controller teams.
Direct Developer Engagement
By connecting Microsoft's Windows Eye Control and Xbox Adaptive Controller teams with patients, we ensured that real user needs drove product development. These sessions empowered patients while providing invaluable insights to designers.
Patient Impact Stories
"Working one-on-one with people who have spinal cord injuries gives us insight into how we can make our software more accessible"
- Microsoft Enable Team Member
"I have never had much success with eye control because of nystagmus, but tonight it worked so well and gave me confidence I could do this at home"
- Harborview Patient
Gaming as Rehabilitation: Xbox Adaptive Controller Innovation
Custom Gaming Configurations
I designed personalized gaming setups for patients based on their mobility levels, using third-party switches, buttons, pedals, sip-and-puff controls, and mouth joysticks with the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
Therapeutic Gaming Experience
Gaming became a form of rehabilitation that felt fun rather than clinical. Patients could move and engage in ways that promoted healing while enjoying meaningful entertainment experiences.
Control Mapping Strategy
Developed comprehensive lists matching optimal controls to specific body parts and mobility capabilities, ensuring occupational therapists could efficiency create the most optimal setup for each gamer.
Monthly Xbox Game Night: Building Community Through Gaming
Ongoing Program Success
I established a monthly Xbox Game Night program that brings together Harborview patients, Microsoft representatives, and family members for therapeutic gaming sessions.
These events serve multiple purposes: providing essential social interaction for patients, demonstrating the real-world capabilities of assistive gaming technologies, and creating valuable feedback opportunities for Microsoft's product development teams.
"Watching car races is a huge passion for my father and Xbox has allowed him to engage in therapy that excites him"
- Family Member of Harborview Patient
"I had a patient who refused to get out of bed except for Xbox"
- Harborview Therapist
"This was the best gaming experience since my injury"
- Harborview Patient