Rehabilitation Engineering

 

The University of Michigan Rehabilitation Engineering Program (UMREP) is a division of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan Medical Center.

Mission Statement

UMREP is committed to improving the lives of the patients in our care through the application of technology and engineering accommodations that can enhance function, performance, and independence. We strive to partner with our patients and families to meet these needs in a manner that is respectful and compassionate to their individual needs. With a passion towards innovation, collaboration, research, and quality assurance we look to the future.

Introduction

The University of Michigan Rehabilitation Engineering Program (UMREP) provides services for:

  • Adult Inpatients at University of Michigan Medical Center
  • Pediatric Inpatients at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
  • Adult and Pediatric Outpatients at various locations, including:
    • UMREP Clinic in Med Inn Building
    • UMHS Outpatient Clinics
    • Home
    • Workplace
    • School
    • Neuro Centers
    • Day Treatment Centers
    • Extended Care Facilities
    • Sub-Acute Facilities
    • Group Homes

UMREP Service Mission

Inpatient Service Goals:

Our goals during the inpatient stay are:

  • To introduce and provide successful experiences using assistive technology to accommodate loss of function.
  • To plan how our services can help you through your stay.
  • To foster an environment of safety, care, and independence by ensuring that every patient has the accommodation necessary to call the nurse and have access to the television controls.
  • To start the process of sifting through the myriad of accommodation solutions through evaluation, education, and first-hand experience.
  • To help identify and partner with patient, family, and community resources for assistive technology needs after discharge.

Outpatient Service Goals:

Our goals when working with outpatients are:

  • To introduce the role of the rehabilitation engineer.
  • To recognize our patient's existing medical team and coordinate services.
  • To work with our patients to best understand their goals and preferences so that technology can be successfully executed.
  • To sift through the myriad of accommodation solutions through evaluation, education, and first-hand experience.
  • To establish a team to support the use and upkeep of the accommodations.

UMREP Services

Computer Access & Applications

  • Alternative Access Methods
  • Ergonomic and Safe Workstations
  • Enhancements for Ease of Use
  • Enhancements for Improvement of Efficiency
  • Applications to Meet Special Needs
  • Computer Access with Therapeutic Cognitive Benefits
  • Computer Access with Therapeutic Physical Benefits
  • Accessible Tablets
  • Installation and Training (Home, School, Work, Facility) 

Electronic Aids for Daily Living (ADLs)

  • Accessible Home Controls for Function and Safety
  • Attendant Call Systems
  • Accessible Phone Systems
  • Accessible Controls for Facilities
  • Specialized Mounting Systems for Wheelchair and Bedside
  • Installation and Training (Home, School, Work, Facility)

Augmentative & Alternative Communication

  • Technology Expert for the AAC Team
  • Alternative Access Methods
  • Ergonomic and Safe Communication Device Mounting Systems
  • Enhancements for Ease of Use
  • Enhancements for Improvement of Efficiency
  • Applications to Meet Special Needs
  • Installation and Training (Home, School, Work, Facility)

UMREP Referral Sources

UMREP has many referral sources ranging from medical center physicians to self-referrals:

  • UMHS Physicians
  • Patients and Families
  • Case Managers
  • Outside Rehabilitation Services and Organizations
  • Home Service Agencies
  • Schools
  • Employers
  • Community Services
  • Day Treatment Centers
  • Neuro Centers
  • Extended Care Facilities
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
  • Veterans Affairs

Contact Us

Rehabilitation Engineering Program
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
University of Michigan Hospital, Room C640 MIB
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5841

Phone: 734-936-7170, Fax: 734-936-7515

Clinical Director 
    Donn Hilker, M.S., ATP: [email protected]

Rehabilitation Engineers 

    Seong-Hee Yoon, B.S., ATP: [email protected]
    Jeffrey Ruffing, M.S., ATP: [email protected]
    Donn Hilker, M.S., ATP: [email protected] 

Locations

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
University of Michigan Hospital, Room C640 MIB
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5841

734-936-7170