Épisodes

  • Opening Doors to Independence Part 2
    Sep 30 2025

    Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh
    Guest(s): Mike Soniat and Wayne Newitts

    IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
    DOOR-E | Website, Facebook

    Discussion Topics (time stamp)

    • Technical hurdles in developing Door-E 1:13
    • Engineering and manufacturing challenges 4:18
    • Community-building and user feedback 7:34
    • Stories of impact and user needs 14:07
    • Next steps: beta testing, scaling, and distribution 17:02

    Transcript | Word Doc, PDF

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    22 min
  • Opening Doors to Independence
    Sep 10 2025

    Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh
    Guest(s): Mike Soniat and Wayne Newitts

    IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
    DOOR-E | Website, Facebook

    Discussion Topics

    • The origin story of DOOR-E, inspired by helping a friend with mobility needs
    • Feedback that shaped product development
    • Community validation and emotional impact of connecting with users
    • How DOOR-E works: portable, affordable, and zero-installation door automation
    • Target users: individuals with mobility challenges, caregivers, and therapists
    • Broader applications beyond accessibility, including everyday convenience

    Transcript | Word Doc, PDF

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    20 min
  • Precision in Motion Part 2
    Aug 19 2025

    Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh
    Guest(s): Student Design Team - HAT, University of Washington: Yuka Fan, Emily Boeschoten, Adria Gonzalez, Sasha Portnova

    IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
    HAT Team Information | Video, Website, Publication

    Discussion Topics

    • RESNA Student Design Challenge Experience
    • Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Real-World Use
    • Next Steps for the Hand Assessment Tool (HAT)
    • Advice for Other Student Innovators
    • Vision for Real-World Impact
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    16 min
  • Precision in Motion
    Jul 29 2025

    Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh
    Guest(s): Student Design Team - HAT, University of Washington: Yuka Fan, Emily Boeschoten, Adria Gonzalez, Sasha Portnova

    IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
    HAT Team Information | Video, Website, Publication

    Transcript | Word Doc, PDF

    Discussion Topics

    • Intro & Episode Overview
    • Team Formation and Backgrounds
    • Clinical Motivation Behind HAT
    • How HAT Works
    • Tech Design Choices (Leap vs Webcam)
    • Reliability Testing Insights
    • Inclusivity and Accessibility in Design
    • OT Perspective on Disability Representation
    • Closing & Teaser for Part 2
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    25 min
  • Exploring the Future of Blindness Tech: Insights from Brandon Biggs and John McInerney (Part 2)
    Apr 4 2025

    Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Josh Anderson, Program Director, Assistive Technology Specialist for Easter Seals Crossroads, and Host of Assistive Technology Update
    Guest(s): Brandon Biggs, CEO of XR Navigation; John McInerney, IMPACT Mentor and Board Member

    IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
    Easter Seals Crossroads | Website
    Assistive Technology Update | Website, Podcast Apple Page
    XR Navigation | LinkedIn, Website

    Transcript | Word Doc, PDF

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    27 min
  • Exploring the Future of Blindness Tech: Insights from Brandon Biggs and John McInerney (Part 1)
    Mar 28 2025

    Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Josh Anderson, Program Director, Assistive Technology Specialist for Easter Seals Crossroads, and Host of Assistive Technology Update
    Guest(s): Brandon Biggs, CEO of XR Navigation; John McInerney, IMPACT Mentor and Board Member

    IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
    Easter Seals Crossroads | Website
    Assistive Technology Update | Website, Podcast Apple Page
    XR Navigation | LinkedIn, Website

    Transcript | Word Doc, PDF

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    28 min
  • Success for Steadiwear
    Jan 28 2025

    Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh
    Co-Host: Dr. Michelle Zorrilla, Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director of Technology Translation, IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh
    Guest: Emilie Maamary, CMO of Steadiwear

    IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
    Transcript | PDF

    Some abbreviations used during the episode:
    B to B to C: business to business to consumer
    MVP: minimum viable product

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    22 min
  • Steady Advisors for Steadiwear
    Dec 20 2024

    Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh
    Co-Host: Dr. Michelle Zorrilla, Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director of Technology Translation, IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh
    Guest: Emilie Maamary, CMO of Steadiwear

    Use the code "IETF" to get an additional $50 off the pre-order of the Steadiwear Three device, which is currently available at a 40% discount through the end of the year 2024.

    IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
    Transcript | PDF

    Timestamps:
    1:43 Steadiwear's Origin and Personal Inspiration
    3:47 Challenges and Initial Steps
    4:45 User Testing and Product Development
    8:40 Navigating the FDA Process
    16:53 Seeking Consultants and Mentors
    18:37 Collaborations and Connections
    21:40 Promotions and Final Thoughts

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    25 min