Add an Obi Robot to TTAP's Device Loan Program!

$745

Donated

6% of $11,000 goal

Donors

This campaign ended on October 03, 2025, but you can still make a gift to University of Texas at Austin by clicking here!

Updates❗

Thanks so much Donors!

We will add this stack o' cash to the equipment budget line item and get that Obi in cue!

245 days ago by Angela Standridge

Profile of an Obi user

The Obi is designed to be adaptable for individuals across the lifespan, from youth to older adults. Its activation can be customized through a variety of switch options, allowing personalization to meet each user’s unique abilities. Supporting the ability to feed oneself is a dignity-affirming experience, and with Obi, users can enjoy greater independence and autonomy in their daily lives.

263 days ago by Anita Swanson

Impact of paralysis

According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, in the US, 1 in 50 or 5.4 million people live paralysis of some kind. Paralysis is usually caused by stroke (33.7), spinal injury (27.3), and multiple sclerosis (18.6). Additionally, congenital motor disabilities like cerebral palsy may have motor difficulties. Many of these people have difficulty eating independently. TTAP's device loan closet lets Texans with these challenges check out equipment (we pay shipping both ways) like the OBI and try it out. This can help in deciding which tools are best for that person and often facilitates funding from medical insurance.

273 days ago by Angela Standridge

Woohooo! Our first donation!

Thanks TTAP fans. You are making lives better for people with disabilities and those who are aging :)!

274 days ago by Angela Standridge

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About 🤘

The Obi is a robotic arm that allows people with limited mobility to feed themselves. Robots are cool already, but even better, this device allows a person to be more independent, allows caregivers to enjoy a meal with the user, and teaches the use of alternative switch access to control things.

One caregiver noted the Obi allowed her to sit down and eat with the whole family rather than managing her son's meal and feeding- for the first time EVER!

We have one in our device loan closet. TTAP's Device Loan Program allows Texans to check out the device for 35 days to try it and gather data, so funding sources like medical insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and the VA will fund the purchase of a personally owned device.

Sadly, we have a very long waitlist to borrow our one device with some consumers having to wait months to try this super cool tool.

Can you help us buy two more so we won't have a waitlist?