The last decade has seen an explosion of new technologies aimed at assessing and improving health. Examples include wearable devices, communication aids, robotics and e-textiles, just to name a few. During this period, there have also been enormous advances in technologies that were not created for health-related purposes, but that have potential applicability to health assessments and interventions, including mobile device applications (“apps”) and social media platforms.
However, most of these technologies were originally developed for use in adults with typical cognitive and motor function. As a result, there is currently a relative paucity of valid and reliable technological tools for individuals with intellectual, developmental (IDD) and physical disabilities.
This notice therefore invites small business applications specifically aimed at developing or building upon existing technological tools to improve assessments, interventions, and outcomes for children and individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.
Applications responsive to this Notice will address tools and/or technologies and target populations of interest. Proposals must address one or more target populations of interest:
- Infants, children, adolescents and adults with IDD
- Infants or children, adolescents at risk for IDD, such as those with birth ischemia, cerebral palsy, inborn errors of metabolism, genetic conditions associated with cognitive impairment, or traumatic brain injury
Applications proposing tools and/or technologies may include, but are not limited to, home monitors, point-of-care diagnostic technologies, mobile devices, mobile device apps (including social media apps), and wearable sensors and monitors. They may also include tools that help share information between caregivers, or between families and clinicians, including tools that interface with electronic health record (EHR) platforms. These tools and/or technologies may enhance access to information or promote accessibility for marginalized or underrepresented groups with IDDs.
NOT-HD-22-009
Expiration Date: April 06, 2023
Technological areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Tools and technologies for assessing health and functional status among target populations. These may include:
- tools and technologies that identify physical, mental health, or behavioral comorbidities among individuals with IDD, such as seizures, sensory impairments, sleep impairments, or metabolic disorders
- tools and technologies that aid in monitoring and promoting optimal physical, mental health, or nutritional status (Quality of Life) among individuals with IDD
- tools and technologies that support activities of daily living and independence
- Tools and technologies that identify robust and reliable clinical outcome measures or biomarkers or validate existing measures for use in treatment trials and assessments for those with IDD
- Tools and technologies to deliver interventions to target populations. These may include:
- tools and technologies that aim to improve compliance with interventions such as medications
- tools and technologies that allow interventions to be delivered remotely
- tools and technologies that aid caregivers in caring for individuals with IDD