DETROIT — Preethy Samuel, Ph.D., associate professor of occupational therapy at the Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, has been awarded the inaugural Barbara W. LeRoy Research Initiative by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI). The award’s namesake, Dr. Barbara LeRoy, served as director of MI-DDI at Wayne State from 1993 to 2015.

This initiative is a research grant, offered every three years, that awards up to $15,000 of funding to support pilot projects that address the following:

•  Focus: Community inclusion across the lifespan (e.g., day care, school, sports, employment, community living, etc).
•  Population: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
•  Inclusion: The research must include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — or their families, if minors are the focus — in its design, implementation and evaluation.

Samuel’s proposal touches on the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they strive to live independent, self-determined lives. A major challenge to persons with IDD living independently is the growing direct support professional (DSP) crisis that many states, including Michigan, have been experiencing. A significant portion of adults with IDD rely on DSPs to assist them in daily living activities such as cooking, hygiene and transportation.

The project proposes a technology-based strategy to address the reduced availability of DSPs.  Known as “Enabling Technology,” the proposed solution includes a system of smart home and communication technology devices and applications. Past studies indicate that Enabling Technology can improve the functional independence of people with disabilities and other complex health care needs.

Samuel notes that 22 states have adopted Technology First, an initiative that allows for technological options to be considered and funded when developing an individual’s plan of service. The proposed study will be a first step in testing the feasibility and efficacy of Enabling Technology for emerging adults with IDD in Michigan who desire to move out of their family homes and into homes of their choice.

Applications for this award began on Jan. 1 and closed April 1. Samuel’s project commenced in July and is slated to finish by June 30, 2025.

Samuel has been affiliated with WSU Applebaum's Occupational Therapy program since 2008. She has received other notable awards, including the 2008 Merit Switzer Research Fellowship of the National Institute on Disability and Independent Living Research and Rehabilitation and the 2012 Wayne State Faculty Research Award Program. She is a fellow of the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association.

About MI-DDI
MI-DDI’s mission is to contribute to the development of inclusive communities and quality of life for people with disabilities and their families. This is done through a culturally sensitive statewide program of training and education, community support and services, research, and information development and sharing.

Learn more at: https://ddi.wayne.edu/