Support: Your Support
Research at TCNL is inherently paradigm-shifting and challenging to support. Private support is an esential part of our strategy to acquire pilot data preceding application for significant grant funding. Like many laboratories, our ability to conduct research in any particular area is largely dependent on our ability to fund it. We therefore established the TCNL Fund, administered by the University of Wisconsin Foundation. Below appears the official description of the TCNL Fund.
Tactile Communication & Neurorehabilitation Laboratory Fund
The TCNL is an interdisciplinary academic center studying the theory and clinical application of neuroplasticity for sensory substitution and neuromodulation, using non-invasive methods to stimulate the nerves responsible for tactile (touch) perception. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganize its operation in response to new information sources, new functional needs, or new communication pathways.
TCNL focuses on two primary kinds of research and development. One is the use of touch to substitute or augment information for applications such as loss of vision, balance, hearing, and situational awareness. A familiar example is Braille for reading by a person who is blind; TCNL R&D expands the technological means of substituting one sense for another.
The second thrust of TCNL R&D is external tactile stimulation coupled with behavioral methods to intentionally change and regulate the internal electrochemical environment of the brain, called neuromodulation. Practical application of noninvasive neuromodulation may significantly improve and sustain functional brain rehabilitation for recovery from a host of neurological disorders, including trauma/stroke, degenerative (Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis), developmental (autism, dyspraxia), aging (Alzheimer's, falls), and potentially mood and behavior (depression, ADD).
The TCNL currently resides within the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.If you are interested in contributing to the TCNL Fund, please contact:
Marilyn S. Rhodes
University of Wisconsin Foundation
PO Box 8860
1848 University Avenue, Madison WI 53708-8860
Alternatively, you may make a secure donation online through the University of Wisconsin Foundation. If you choose to make an online donation, please ensure the the online form specifies “Tactile Communication & Neurorehabilitation Lab (12586183)” Thank you for your support.
A third option is to complete and mail the donation form: Donation form (PDF)
A fourth option is to complete and mail a pledge form: Pledge form (PDF)
Programmatic questions concerning the TCNL fund may be addressed to Kurt Kaczmarek, administrative director of TCNL. For other questsions, please contact one of the senior staff according to your area of interest.
The UW Foundation also established an annual lectureship fund in honor of Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita. This is separate from the TCNL Fund.