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 cranial nerves responsible for touch perception on the face and mouth. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganize its operation in response to new information sources, new functional needs, or new communication pathways.

In sensory substitution, one human sense can be used 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.

We are also exploring the use of external tactile stimulation to intentionally change and regulate the internal electrochemical environment of the brain, called neuromodulation. Practical application of this 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 Tactile Communication and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory (TCNL) Fund was established to support the general operations of the TCNL, established in memory of Prof. Paul Bach-y-Rita, colleague, mentor, friend, and pioneer in brain plasticity research. In particular, funds will support the salary, scholarship, professorship, research, equipment, travel, symposia, workshops and other functions as they directly relate to the TCNL. The TCNL currently resides within the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, in the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

If you are interested in contributing to the TCNL Fund, please contact:

Marilyn S. Rhodes, Director of Development
Corporate and Foundations Relations
University of Wisconsin Foundation
1848 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53708-8860
Phone: 608-265-6119 FAX: 608-263-0781

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)

Scientific or technical questions concerning the TCNL fund may be addressed to Kurt Kaczmarek, administrative director of TCNL.

The UW Foundation also established an annual lectureship fund in honor of Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita. This is separate from the TCNL Fund.