Center for Innovative Design and Engineering

10/19/2026

People with disabilities and those aging into disability have an opportunity to make their voices heard by participating in the National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD).

As one of the largest national surveys of people with disabilities, the NSHD gathers valuable information about healthcare access, housing, transportation, health insurance, community participation, and more.

Your experiences can help researchers and policymakers identify barriers, improve services, address health disparities, and create policies that better support people with disabilities.

Anyone 18 or older with a physical, mental, emotional, or health condition. That includes people who don’t identify as having a disability. ASL support is available. Deaf representatives from 360 Direct Access can help participants complete the survey or answer questions.

Take the survey: https://kuhealthsurvey.org

Partners and organizations can find flyers, images, and videos here: https://ihdps.ku.edu/nshd-2026

You are not invisible. Share your story! Participate in the 2026 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) conducted by the Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies at the University of Kansas. NSHD 2026 Accordion Take the Survey Click to expandTake the 2026 National Survey on Health...

10/08/2026

Special thanks to all the amazing exhibitors who shared their expertise at the 2026 Colorado Assistive Technology Expo!

3D-PT, Volksswitch, SafeinHome, Dose Health, Global Talk LLC, PRC-Saltillo, Forbes AAC, Smartbox, Tobii Dynavox, BoundaryCare, Everway, Lifeway Mobility, Colorado Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind, Communications Technology Access Program (CTAP), HapWare, Good Health Will, Action Seating and Mobility, Westpeak Mobility, JW.org, NanoPac, and MagniSight of the Rockies, Heart Speak Journeys, Talkido, Numotion, Adaptive Gaming Consulting, Bravo, United Access, Voice to Visual, GenX Medical Equipment and Supply and Doorbotics.

Hope to see you again in 2027!

10/05/2026

A fancy communication device stays in its box. A power wheelchair sits unused in a garage. When expensive, assistive devices are forgotten about, it is often because nobody asked the right questions early enough in the design process.

A device may be too big for the person's apartment. An interface may assume fine motor control they don't have on hard days. None of those issues will show up in a lab. CU's Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology & Inclusive Engineering pairs engineering fundamentals with human factors, usability testing, and clinical context, plus fieldwork on real rehabilitation engineering problems. We solve the problems that show up in a person's lived experience.

🔗 Learn more and apply today: https://www.ucdenver.edu/center-for-innovative-design-and-engineering/academics

15 graduate credits | For working professionals and graduate students | CU Anschutz

10/05/2026

Sharing for our followers.

Whether you’ve participated in Santa’s Little Hackers by MaxMods before or you’re just discovering our program for the first time, we encourage you to take a few minutes to read through our FAQs before registration opens.

If you’re new to the program, the FAQs explain how Santa’s Little Hackers works, who can apply, who the program is designed for, and what to expect during registration.

If you’ve participated before, you’ll want to review them too. We’ve updated information for 2026, including our selection process, international shipping, and how teachers, therapists, and other professionals can help with an application.

2026 toy registration is open for ONE WEEK ONLY: October 15–21.

Reading the FAQs ahead of time can help you be ready when registration opens and make sure you have the information you need before starting an application.

Read the FAQs: https://www.santaslittlehackers.com/faqs

Know someone who may be interested in an adapted toy? Share this post with them!

10/01/2026

See you tomorrow at the Colorado Assistive Technology Expo!

Join CIDE on Friday, October 2 for a free, public event with over 30 assistive technology vendors. Try new tools hands-on, meet the people behind them, and connect with the AT community. There will also be swag, door prizes, and a certificate for your time.

We are also hosting a Make & Take workshop where you can create your own assistive technology tools to take home. Sign up when you arrive. Spots are first come, first served.

📅 Friday, October 2, 2026
🕙 10 AM to 3 PM
📍 The PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker, CO 80138
🔗 https://www.ucdenver.edu/center-for-innovative-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/assistive-tech-in-k-12/professional-development/colorado-assistive-technology-expo

09/29/2026

Winter storms, high winds, and wildfire risk can all knock out power. Most electric companies offer outage alerts by text, phone, or email.

Check your provider's website or call and ask:
📳 How do I sign up for outage alerts?
🚸 Can I get alerts for another address, like a family member I care for?
♿️ Do you have a medical priority program for customers who rely on powered medical equipment?

That last question matters if someone in your home uses a ventilator, home dialysis, or other powered medical equipment. Registering usually won't keep the power on, but it can mean earlier notice and extra outreach.

Xcel Energy customers in Colorado: update your contact preferences in your Xcel Energy account. If you rely on powered medical equipment, you may also qualify for the Backup Battery Rebate, which offers up to $10,000 toward backup power.

Learn more and apply: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/wildfires/power-shutoffs/backup-battery-rebate

09/22/2026

Are you an Xcel Energy customer who depends on powered medical equipment in Colorado wildfire country? You may qualify for up to $10,000 toward a backup battery system.

You are likely eligible if all three are true:
1) You are an Xcel Energy residential customer in Colorado.
2) Your service address is in Wildfire Risk Tier 2 or 3.
3) Someone in your home is enrolled in Xcel Energy's Medical Certification Program or the Colorado Medical Exemption Program.

Learn more and apply: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/wildfires/power-shutoffs/backup-battery-rebate

09/18/2026

Wildfire season carries significantly more risks for people relying on assistive technology and medical equipment. When a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is implemented to stop a fire, a person’s ventilator, oxygen concentrator, or medication fridge can immediately turn off. Xcel Energy’s PSPS Backup Battery Rebate Program can help those in Colorado facing this scenario. Eligible Colorado households can get up to $10,000 towards a backup battery system.

Learn more and apply at: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/wildfires/power-shutoffs/backup-battery-rebate

09/17/2026

We are expecting a great turn out at this amazing annual event! If you or someone you support uses or is interested in learning about assistive or adaptive technology, med tech, accessibility tools, or just gadgets to make daily life a little easier, we would love to see you there!

Join us at the Colorado Assistive Technology Expo 2026—free registration!

• 📍 Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center (Parker, CO)
• 🗓 October 2, 2026 | 10 AM – 3 PM

Register today → https://cvent.me/8oXg4E

Hosted by CIDE & SWAAAC


[Image: Top reads “Colorado Assistive Technology Expo 2026.” Photo of an expo hall scene with people milling in front of a tablecloth display with a representative. Text highlights read Free, open to the Public, 35+ vendors, Assistive tech products & services, Live demos + resources. Bottom reads October 2, 2026. 10 am – 3 pm. The Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center.]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

08/26/2026

🎮 Did you know CIDE offers Adaptive Gaming Evaluations and Training?

Gaming should be accessible to everyone. Our clinic works with individuals with disabilities to find the right adaptive equipment and controls so they can play, connect, and have fun on their own terms.

Want to learn more? Reach out:
📧 [email protected]
📞 303-315-1280
🕐 Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm (MST)
🌐 ucdenver.edu/cide

Breaking Barriers, Changing Lives.