Dakota State University and LifeScape Collaborate to Develop Innovative Protective Gear
Dakota State University (DSU) and LifeScape have announced a collaborative research project that aims to revolutionize employee safety for direct care staff who work with children diagnosed with developmental disabilities, “Applied research like this is what DSU does best — connecting student and faculty expertise with community needs in a way that creates lasting change,” explains Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University.
The partnership, sponsored by a $50,000 donation raised by the LifeScape Foundation, focuses on developing lightweight, discreet protective clothing that reduces injuries from biting, scratching, or pinching that may occur during maladaptive behaviors, “Partnerships like this are vital. When universities and care organizations come together, we can create solutions that directly improve the safety and well-being of both staff and those we serve,” says Steve Watkins, CEO of LifeScape. “Every dollar we invest in this project goes directly toward protecting the people who provide care every day. That’s a mission worth funding,” states Jessica Wells, President of LifeScape Foundation.
This initiative reflects a growing national focus on workplace safety. In 2023, OSHA launched a formal rulemaking process toward a federal standard. For organizations like LifeScape, this national momentum reinforced the urgent need for practical, real-world solutions to keep employees safe while preserving dignity for the children and adults they support, “Every detail of this project — from materials, to fit, to testing — was guided by one question: how can we better protect our employees and, in turn, better serve our children,” explains Stephanie Sherard, Vice President of Children’s Residential and Education at LifeScape. “Our behavioral support teams be competency-based trained to de-escalate and manage these situations with a supportive approach; however unmet behavioral needs can still happen. This clothing gives our staff an added layer of safety and protection to allow for continued support.”
Creating the protective plates was the brainchild of LifeScape Occupational Therapist Arlen Klamm, who has worked for the nonprofit for over 30 years, “I wanted to create something lightweight and functional that can be worn comfortably and unobtrusively by our direct care staff. The idea that it’s now becoming reality — and will keep people safe — is incredibly rewarding,” says Klamm. Many iterations were developed using 3D printing, various materials, and thoroughly assessed by LifeScape. DSU’s AdapT Lab team, led by Dr. Justin Blessinger, then collaborated with Klamm to refine the design to ensure each plate was able to mold to the contours of the body, while also providing ventilation to prevent direct care staff from overheating. “At DSU’s AdapT Lab, our mission is to use technology to improve lives. This project is a perfect example of applied creativity — turning a great idea into a functional solution,” explains Dr. Blessinger. “We worked through countless prototypes, adjusting materials and design, to find the right balance of protection and comfort. The collaboration with LifeScape was essential to get it right.”
Ten prototype garments will be assessed by LifeScape employees this fall, with further modifications and additional garment designs planned for 2026.