Clinicians and SmartTech professionals from the SmartTech for Paralysis Care program held a two-day EmpowerSCI training to help equip clinicians and rehab professionals with the practical knowledge and confidence to integrate mainstream smart technology into care. Day 1 sessions focused on foundational concepts and applications of smart tech for independence and rehabilitation, while Day 2 introduced adaptive gaming, including hands-on training with clients.
Pre-training assessments revealed that:
- Over 90% of participants reported little to no confidence in assessing, selecting, or training clients on smart tech.
- Key barriers identified included lack of training, limited awareness of available devices, and uncertainty around implementation.
After the training, 100% of participants reported feeling better equipped to assess needs, select appropriate devices, and train clients in smart tech use. Confidence levels increased across all domains:
- Confidence in assessing smart tech needs rose from 25% feeling moderately confident to over 85% feeling very or extremely confident.
- Confidence in training clients increased significantly, with over 70% rating themselves as very or extremely confident post-training.
Participants reported valuing the hands-on experience, client interaction, and resource-rich instruction.
- “Working with an actual patient to do the assessment and training was incredibly helpful.”
- “The depth and breadth of tech options surprised me—so many adaptable solutions!”
- “I plan to bring this knowledge back to my school and explore more ways to support students through smart tech and gaming.”
This training successfully addressed knowledge gaps and built clinician capacity, laying the groundwork for broader clinical adoption of smart tech and greater independence for individuals with SCI/D.