Evidence-Driven Solutions
Our work is grounded in research, informed by real-world data, and shaped by collaboration with leading academic and community partners.
Why Accessible Hygiene Matters
Bathing is not a convenience — it's a health necessity, a dignity issue, and a fundamental human right. Yet millions of people lack safe access to something most take for granted.
Research consistently shows that inaccessible bathing environments contribute to falls, skin infections, social isolation, depression, and caregiver injury. For people with disabilities, the gap between "available" and "accessible" bathing is a public health crisis.
The need isn't theoretical. It's documented in occupational therapy research, public health data, aging-in-place studies, and the lived experiences of millions of people and their families.
Research Photo Highlights
Our Focus Areas
Accessible Design Research
Studying how adaptive bathroom environments improve safety, independence, and quality of life for disabled users and aging populations.
Materials & Engineering
Testing modular construction techniques, antimicrobial surfaces, water management systems, and portable plumbing for durability and safety.
User Experience & Documentation
Developing clear, accessible documentation and conducting usability testing with diverse user groups including screen reader users and non-English speakers.
Public Health Impact
Measuring outcomes across hygiene access, fall prevention, caregiver burden reduction, and healthcare cost savings.
Beyond ADA Compliance
Moving past minimum standards to research what true accessibility looks like — from anthropometric data to cognitive accessibility.
Inclusive Technical Writing
Researching best practices in plain language, multilingual documentation, and accessible content delivery for diverse user populations.
WSU & TechTown Collaboration
WAT's partnership with Wayne State University brings together students, faculty, and researchers across multiple disciplines.
- Engineering: Structural design, materials science, and mechanical systems
- Occupational Therapy: User assessment, adaptive strategy, and clinical validation
- Technical & Professional Writing: Documentation development, accessibility auditing, and content strategy
- Public Health: Community health impact analysis and population needs assessment
- UX Research: User testing, participatory design, and accessibility evaluation
TechTown Detroit provides the innovation ecosystem — co-working support, business mentorship, and connections to Detroit's adaptive technology community.
"Great adaptive technology doesn't come from any single discipline. It comes from engineers, therapists, writers, designers, and users all building together."
Ongoing Development
WAT is not a finished product — it's an evolving platform. Current and future development work includes:
- Next-generation modular panel materials for lighter weight and improved antimicrobial properties
- Enhanced water recirculation and conservation systems
- Smart sensor integration for safety monitoring
- Expanded accessibility testing with diverse user populations
- Multilingual documentation development for broader global deployment
- Caregiver training resources and certification programs
Interested in Collaborating?
Whether you're a researcher, clinician, student, or institution — we welcome partners who share our commitment to accessible design.
Partner With Us