Todd and Leslie Shatkin Institute for Mobility, Innovation, and Technology logo

The Challenge

Western New York lags behind the rest of the world in rehabilitation capabilities.


The Solution

African American child wearing harness working with two therapists on walking rehabAnnounced in June 2021 and slated to open in 2022, Daemen University's Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology (IMIT) will become Western New York’s most comprehensive advanced rehab facility of its kind in the region.

Featuring the world’s leading robotic devices and assistive technology, IMIT will help a wide range of people with mobility and walking challenges, specifically addressing the special health needs of the elderly, disabled, chronically ill, disadvantaged, children, and veterans. The Institute will provide:

  • The world’s leading robotic devices and assistive technology
  • Diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, robotic-assisted gait training, patient education, and research with highly-trained clinicians
  • Improved mobility, balance, and walking for people with diminished capacity to move due to a negative health diagnosis or traumatic injury
  • Access for individuals, local health care systems, insurers, researchers, colleges and universities, community-based physical therapists, and other clinicians
Andrew Mangan speaking at a podium

Andrew Mangan, advisor and inspirational leader, at the press conference, June 29, 2021, announcing the development of the Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology at Daemen University.

The Vision

Hope for people impacted by traumatic injury or a negative health diagnosis.
IMIT will:

  • Ensure equity in access for underserved and high need populations
  • Advance research on optimal usage of assistive technology
  • Provide advocacy for post rehabilitation opportunities
  • Educate the next generation of AT, PT, PA, MD, RN, MSW and others
  • Make Western New York a destination for post rehabilitative care
A Strong Commitment to Community

Daemen’s mission combined with our sustained, collaborative health partnerships contribute to our success as a leader in education, research, and medical treatment. With a demonstrated history of excellence in the allied health sciences since 1974, over 50% of Daemen alumni currently living in WNY majored in health
professions or sciences.

Daemen faculty possess  expertise in orthopedics, wound care, motor learning, neurology, vascular injury, and pediatrics.

“IMIT will be a game changer for many,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, dean and senior vice president for academic affairs at Daemen. “By using advanced technologies to improve mobility, balance and performance, IMIT will help people of all ages and abilities achieve optimal outcomes—and become a rehabilitation and training destination in the region.”

Advanced Technology and Proven Outcomes

Thank You to Our Supporters

  • Mark & Mariana Chason (Chason Affinity Companies)
  • Odd Fellow & Rebekah Benefit Fund
  • Foundation 214
  • John R. Oishei Foundation
  • Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
  • Empire State Development
  • The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation
  • Scott Bieler Family Foundation
  • George I. Alden Trust
  • James H. Cummings Foundation
  • The Children’s Guild Foundation
  • Garman Family Foundation
  • Little-Kittinger Foundation Inc.

Support This Initiative

Donate Now

Interested in supporting the Institute for Mobility Innovation and Technology (IMIT)?

You can contribute to this important project and help us ensure that rehabilitation capabilities are made accessible to those who need them. Click on the donate now button to contribute and to help us step into the future.

Step into the Future with Daemen

Michael Brogan, DPT, PhD
Michael Brogan, DPT, PhD

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of the University
Professor, Physical Therapy
mbrogan@daemen.edu | 716.839.8227

Laura Edsberg, PhD
Laura Edsberg, PhD

Professor, Natural Sciences
Director, Natural and Health Sciences Research Center
ledsberg@daemen.edu | 716.839.8351