State program approves robotic 'legs' for severely injured children – IAM Network

An innovative technology could soon greatly expand the world of some of Florida's most vulnerable children. The Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), a state program that provides lifetime support and care to families with children affected by catastrophic birth-related neurological injuries, has agreed to purchase Trexo Robotics gait trainers for all qualified children. The robotic "legs" offer newfound mobility, allowing them to be upright and walk extended distances, a step forward for children mostly limited to a wheelchair and/or passive movement through therapy. So far, three NICA children have received the new gait trainers and another seven are currently going through the approval process to receive this cutting-edge technology. "Meeting the needs of these vulnerable children and helping them live a more normal life is at the forefront of NICA's mission, so after reviewing the initial trial period for 10 families, we hope to provide the equipment for free to all qualifying families," said NICA Executive Director Kenney Shipley.