Design Innovation and Assistive Living Centre (DIAL) is an intelligent home simulation innovation centre that demonstrates technologies and product innovations, with associated skills, in the healthcare sector alongside promoting, collaborating and driving innovation for health and care sector, through design, engineering and digital technologies.
The DIAL Centre supports innovative product design and skills in assistive technology a range of disabilities including dementia, learning disabilities, autism, sensory disability and physical disabilities. It provides skills and knowledge transfer to businesses, ensuring appropriate solutions and evidence-based clinical guidance are embedded and specialises in upskilling and continuous professional development (CPD) courses for care workforce, family caregivers and allied health staff.
Technology available at the DIAL Centre includes:
- Simulated technology
- Range of hoists
- Pressure relieving mattresses and profile adjustable beds
- Height adjustment kitchen benches and bathroom sink
- Smart toilet
- Electric bath lift
- Eye-gaze technology
- iPads
- Video conferencing technology (for home care use)
- Age simulator suit
- Blood pressure simulation
- Venepuncture simulator
- Blind vision simulated glasses
Connected NI funding (Department of the Economy) has helped to support the development of DIAL, which is an innovation centre at the North West Regional College.
