Executive analysis, grounded insights and community-focused efforts.

The 30,000-square-foot James M. Cox Foundation Innovation Institute, located inside the new Marcus Center for Advanced Rehabilitation, strengthens the Shepherd Center’s ability to deliver cutting-edge healthcare research and unparalleled clinical care. It also allows for greater collaboration, bringing existing research and technology teams from throughout the hospital into one space. By integrating next-generation research and clinical practice, Shepherd can continuously find better solutions – and better futures – for patients.

Three new spaces are included in the Innovation Institute ecosystem, featuring a state-of-the-art Human Performance Lab to help Shepherd Center develop precise, data-informed rehab plans for each patient. The Innovation Institute also houses a new tech showroom to bridge the digital divide between patients and product developers, allowing people with physical and mental health disabilities to test new technologies, internet services, and smart home solutions before buying them. Finally, a Best Health Suite enables staff to offer live and on-demand wellness and fitness classes to patients, partners, and the broader public.

Shepherd Center is also testing “smart home”-style inpatient rooms that give patients greater control, comfort, and independence. This effort includes Shepherd’s Assistive Technology Team, whose broader services – including adaptive devices and assistive technologies – help people safely and more independently return to home, work, and school. These community support initiatives are open to all, not just Shepherd Center patients.