mobility, mounting, seating & positioning
Summary: This article will introduce Kinemo, a wearable hands-free input control solution designed to close the independence gap in digital access for individuals with limited hand function. It will outline current challenges, explain Kinemo’s technology and differentiators, and highlight its benefits through user validation and testimonials. The article will then explore practical implementation steps for clinicians, funding pathways, and future reimbursement opportunities, concluding with a call to expand Kinemo’s reach in rehabilitation settings. Regain Access to Your Digital Life, Hands-free
THE INDEPENDENCE GAP IN DEVICE ACCESS For individuals who have lost hand function, independent access to their digital life is as essential as mobility. It enables communication with loved ones, education, work, entertain- ment, banking, and even home automation. Yet, even the most resourceful users and care teams face persistent challenges:
• Fragmented Control Ecosystems Separate controllers for wheelchairs, computers, and mobile devices create friction, increase costs, and often require caregiver intervention. Switching between control- lers disrupts independence and daily routines. • Outdated Access Methods Traditional access methods such as head arrays, sip- and-puff, push buttons, bite switches, were designed for
DR. NORDINE SEBKHI is an engineer, researcher, and entrepreneur specializing in wearable tech- nology and medical devices. Since beginning his doctoral studies at Georgia Tech, he has pioneered body motion tracking systems for healthcare applications, including non-invasive respiratory monitoring for infants, magnetic-based tongue tracking to enhance speech therapy, and tongue-operated robotic exoskeletons for upper-limb rehabilitation following brain or spinal cord injuries. Dr. Sebkhi is the lead inventor on two patents and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications. His work has been showcased at leading conferences, including ASHA, RESNA, ACRM, and IEEE. In recent years, his focus has shifted to the development and commercialization of Kinemo, an inertial sensor- based gesture control system designed to improve digital access for individuals with mobility impairments. As principal investigator on federal, state, and private grants, he has led pilot testing in collaboration with leading rehabilitation centers such as Shepherd Center and Brooks Rehab Center. He has since launched commercial products that has successfully been deployed at more than 20 rehabilitation centers across North America, including at the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Sebkhi’s transition to entrepreneurship has been fueled by startup accelerators including Georgia Tech Create-X, MIT The Engine Accelerator, and the NIDILRR-funded IMPACT Center. His mission: empower independence for all by bringing innovative assistive technologies from the lab to the market.
February / March, 2026 | https://www.closingthegap.com/benefits-of-membership/ 49 Closing The Gap © 2026 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
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