NY Times op-ed cites mobility aid invented by UMaine professors

A mobility aid that was invented by University of Maine professors was mentioned in the New York Times opinion piece, “Designing for access.” The Afari Mobility Aid was co-invented by UMaine professors Stephen Gilson, Elizabeth DePoy and Vincent Caccese. The Afari is one of 70 products that will be on display as part of the “Access+Ability” exhibition opening Friday at the Cooper Hewitt design museum in Manhattan, according to the article. The exhibit “highlights the beneficial ways design and technology are transforming the lives of people with different physical, cognitive and sensory abilities,” the article states. The article describes many of the pieces that will be on display, including the Afari. When in use, the aid “just looks as if you’re walking your bike instead of riding it,” the article states.