Washington State University’s Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience will open its Adaptive Technology Center by appointment only starting Monday, Oct. 4. The center—located at 325 E. Sprague Ave.—serves as an information and exploration space for patients of neurodegenerative diseases and their families to explore ways to incorporate adaptive technology into their lives. 

The center features home automation products that are controlled through voice and/or eye gaze technologies. The center also includes a wheelchair simulator and gaming stations.

Patients and their families and/or caregivers can make an appointment by reaching out to gleason.institute@wsu.edu.

The Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience integrates three disciplines: Clinical research, discovery research and adaptive technology. Scientists at WSU Spokane have been exploring neurodegenerative diseases for many years and will continue to do so under the Gleason Institute, and WSU will partner with Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center for clinical research. 

WSU Spokane established the Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience in January 2019, naming it after the former WSU and NFL star who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Gleason founded Team Gleason, which is also a partner of WSU’s Gleason Institute. 

The Avista Foundation and the Health Sciences and Services Authority (HSSA) of Spokane County have each contributed substantially toward the Institute. Fundraising continues to expand operations and continue research. 

“The Gleason Institute is working collaboratively with WSU researchers and health care providers from St. Luke’s and Providence to bridge the gaps between care and potential treatments of neurodegenerative disorders and their impact on patients and caregivers,” said WSU Health Sciences Spokane Vice President and Chancellor Daryll DeWald. “The opening of the Adaptive Technology Center is a physical manifestation of the work of many people and I’m excited to showcase it for the community.”

Learn about the Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience at gleason.wsu.edu.