About the LIFE Laboratory
The LIFE Laboratory’s mission is to support aging in place for individuals with disabilities by modifying their environments and utilizing advanced technologies to meet their evolving needs. Our goal is to develop and implement innovative, tailored environmental interventions for adults and older adults with mobility disabilities and chronic conditions. Led by Jaewon Kang, Ph.D., we provide evidence-based occupational therapy interventions that enhance functional independence and improve quality of life. Through our work, we aim to make your LIFE more independent and fulfilling, empowering you to live confidently in your own space.
Currently, our focus is on raising awareness and improving access to home assessments and modifications to make home environments safer and more accessible for individuals living with disabilities.
Selected Recent Publications
Kang, J., Kreider, C., LeBeau, K., Mburu, S., Lee, M., Findley, K., Myers, K., & Romero, S. (In Press). Occupational therapists’ insights on family involvement in videoconferencing-based home assessments and modifications in the Veterans Health Administration: A descriptive qualitative study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(3).
Kang, J., Lee, M., Kreider, C., LeBeau, K., Findley, K., Myers, K., & Romero, S. (2024). Beyond videoconferencing: Enhancing remote home assessments with 3D model technology. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2424873
Lee, M., Kreider, C., Kang, J., Lebeau, K., Mburu., S., Findley, K., Myers., K., & Romero, S (2024). Home assessments and modifications: Comprehensive guide (v1). Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Rural Health (ORH). https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHA-OT-Connections/emerging_practice/Holistic Home Safety Evaluations
Kang, J., Lachs, E., Huang, K., Rice, L., & Rogers, W. A. (2024). Supporting older adults with mobility disabilities through voice-activated digital assistants and smart home technologies. Gerontechnology. 23(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2024.23.1.1055.12
Parab, K., Arora, A., Kang, J., & Mahajan, H. (2024). Exploring indoor home environment factors influencing fear of falling: A systematic review. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648241286332
Kim, D., Lee, M., & Kang, J. (2023). Exploring differences in home modification strategies according to household location and occupant disability status: 2019 American Housing Survey Analysis, Journal of Applied Gerontology, 43(3), 231-241. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648231202678
Selected Media Coverage
Martin, B. (2024, December 1). Navigating smart home tech. PN Magazine. 18-23. https://www.pvamidatlantic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024_PN_12-1.pdf
Vicente D. (2024, August 29). Translating international skills in occupational therapy into accessibility-focused research and instruction. Colorado State University College of Health and Human Sciences. Retrieved October 9, 2024, from https://chhs.source.colostate.edu/jaewon-kang-translating-international-skills-in-occupational-therapy-into-accessibility-focused-research-and-instruction/