ESD: New Daemen University Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology is open & serving patients

Advanced robotic devices and state-of-the-art physical therapy equipment help provide world-class physical therapy treatment in WNY

Empire State Development Press Release & Photos

Empire State Development announced the Daemen University Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology (IMIT) is open and serving physical therapy patients at its new clinic located on the Villa Maria College campus.

Daemen University, Villa Maria College and the Buffalo Rehab Group worked collaboratively to create a state-of-the-art facility with advanced robotic devices and assistive technology that will improve health outcomes of people with mobility challenges; provide specialized training and education for students, faculty, physical therapy providers, health care professionals, patients and caregivers; and contribute to research and advocacy.

“The impact robotics are having in physical therapy treatment has been life-changing for many patients,” ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said. “The economy will also experience a boost from this health care project, as it attracts out-of-town patients and new students to Western New York who are anxious to experience and learn about the capabilities of the advanced rehabilitation equipment.”

Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "DASNY is proud to administer $1.2 million in capital grant funding to support the Daemen University Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology. This state-of-the-art facility advances Gov. Hochul's vision for transformative health care innovation across New York state by bringing cutting-edge robotic rehabilitation technology to Western New York, expanding health care access and creating new educational opportunities. Through strategic investments like this, we are building a stronger, more equitable health care infrastructure that serves all New Yorkers while supporting the development of our next generation of health care professionals."

“We are incredibly proud to bring our shared vision for the IMIT to life to provide hope, inspiration, and opportunity for patients of all ages,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at Daemen. “Through the generosity of our donors, including Empire State Development, we were able to create a state-of-the-art facility with advanced technology that will improve the quality of life for so many facing mobility challenges.”

The new, 6,000-square-foot IMIT facility is housed in Villa Maria College’s Athletic Center, located at 240 Pine Ridge Road, Buffalo. The clinic treats people impacted by stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological, pediatric and orthopedic conditions.

The physical therapy clinic is devoted to robotic-assisted gait training, patient education and research (including clinics for locomotion/movement), vestibular and balance therapy, wound healing, prosthetics and orthotics.

The equipment purchased and installed includes the Bioness Vector Gait and Safety System, a ceiling-mounted, robotic trolley that mimics a real-world gait experience to allow the patient to practice natural movements, while reducing the risk of injury. The university also purchased the Hocoma Lokomat Pro, a robotic-assisted exoskeleton that provides intensive training for gait rehabilitation.

IMIT will look to improve the quality of life for people with mobility challenges across the region annually with a wide array of walking challenges. It will attract patients from Southern Ontario, Central New York and Northern Pennsylvania, thus generating economic activity for housing, travel, restaurant and retail industries and attract students to receive specialized training.

Once fully operational, the project will create two full-time jobs and provide opportunities for students from Daemen and other area colleges and universities to work in the clinic through work study, internships and clinical placements.

(Submitted)

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The entire project cost of close to $3 million was supported by a $1.2 million grant through DASNY. The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC), through ESD, also provided a $115,000 capital grant for the equipment purchased for this priority project through round 9 of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. Multiple local foundations also support the project.

WNYREDC Co-Chair and Campus Labs co-founder Eric Reich said, “IMIT addresses REDC priorities to grow the health care industry and medical tourism, which requires a highly skilled local workforce. Specialized training and education provided at IMIT will elevate the skillset of students, faculty and research personnel, thereby improving the availability of highly trained professionals in this high-demand sector.”

WNYREDC Co-Chair and Canisius University President Steve Stoute said, “IMIT will also draw patients from outside the region and addresses the REDC statewide initiative to support veterans-related projects by providing our veterans with access to advanced rehabilitation equipment currently not available in WNY.”

To learn more about IMIT, click here.

New York State Sen. April Baskin said, "The new IMIT clinic at Villa Maria College features technology that has evolved in amazing ways, benefiting patients who deserve access to this type of treatment. With students participating from Villa, Daemen and Buffalo Rehab, this collaborative project will help local residents and draw patients from other regions, creating a healthier environment in multiple ways."

Assembly member Karen McMahon said, "Daemen University has a long history as a premier higher education institution and has been a familiar neighbor in our Amherst community for decades. I am thrilled to see this commitment from New York state and Empire State Development to the Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology, putting Daemen on the cutting-edge of physical therapy treatment. This state-of-the-art clinic, emphasizing advanced robotics and other assistive technologies, cements Daemen's reputation as a leader in the field, preparing students and professionals for the future while providing quality care to the public."

Assembly member Patrick Chludzinski said, “By facilitating the intersection of advancements in medical technology with enhanced treatment options, the IMIT project is a tremendous example of how powerful the investment of New York state’s economic development dollars can be. I am proud that Villa Maria College, in my district, will be hosting this state-of-the-art clinic on its campus, and I am excited to see the impact of the IMIT on patients, students, and our local and regional economies in the years to come.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “The new clinic at Villa Maria College will offer cutting-edge technologies to patients, bringing the latest advances in robotics and physical therapies into play and helping provide better outcomes. Erie County is home to an advanced and growing health care sector with a bright future, and the Daemen University Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology adds to that portfolio.”

City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon said, “The opening of the new Daemen University Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology at Villa Maria College in Buffalo is great news for our community. This state-of-the-art facility, with advanced robotic devices and assistive technology, will help a wide range of people throughout our region who have mobility and walking challenges. Addressing the needs of people of all ages and abilities, including those with special health needs, is very important as we continue to build a stronger, healthier and more inclusive community.”

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of New York’s approach to state investment and economic development. Click here to learn more.

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. For more information, visit ESD’s website here, or connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.