Digital solution for kids with cerebral palsy
Summary
Often, kids with cerebral palsy – a group of disorders that affect movement, balance, and posture – need daily sessions with a physical therapist to build strength and improve motor skills. The result was BUDI – the Biofeedback Upper-limb Device for Impairment – a bulky bracelet built with sensors that tracked motion and provided feedback on how the user might want to adjust how they are moving. Aalami worked with Santiago Gutierrez, who was then an undergraduate studying computer science, and Mike Hittle, a PhD student in epidemiology, to build the CardinalKit software. In the fall of 2021, Shideler enrolled in Stanford School of Medicine and planned to start a program that would give children with cerebral palsy the opportunity to try technologies for improving mobility. “A single device utilizing modern technology while also combating gaps in equity and accessibility AND promoting user autonomy is an exciting and very welcome innovation!” O’Malley said.