About TCNL

The Tactile Communication & Neurorehabilitation Laboratory (TCNL) is an interdisciplinary academic center studying the theory and application of neuroplasticity for sensory substitution and nonvasive neuromodulation.

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganize its operation in response to new information sources, new functional needs, or new communication pathways. Neuroplasticity is a process underlying all learning, training, and rehabilitation.

Sensory substitution is using one human sense to receive and process information normally communicated by a different sense. Familiar examples are a long cane for navigation, or Braille for reading by a person who is blind. The TCNL focuses primarily on the research and development of devices that use the tactile sense (touch) to substitute or augment information for applications to loss of vision, balance control, hearing, and situational awareness. More on sensory substitution...

Neuromodulation is the use of external tactile stimulation to intentionally change and regulate the internal electrochemical environment of the brain. Practical application of noninvasive neuromodulation may significantly improve and sustain functional brain rehabilitation for recovery from neurological disorders of traumatic, degenerative, developmental, chemical, or unknown origin. Target applications under investigation include enhanced rehabilitation for head trauma, stroke, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, autism, dyspraxia, Alzheimer’s, and mental disorders. More on neuromodulation...

Please also see our background section for more information about sensory substitution, tactile displays, neurorehabilitation, and neuromoduation, including our new method called cranial-nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM).

Why TCNL research may be of interest to you

Most of the above applications are still experimental and not available for clinical use. However, if you have a balance disorder or blindness you may wish to contact Wicab, Inc. for information on their BrainPort™ Balance Device and BrainPort™ Vision Device.

Please watch our contact and support pages for opportunities to participate in experimental research at TCNL as a volunteer subject/patient, student, or supporter. TCNL research activities are summarized on the projects page.