June 29, 2026
Congratulations to recent graduate Dr. Mia Hoffman, Ph.D. 2026 Mechanical Engineering, on receiving the 2026 UW Graduate School Medal! Hoffman was recognized for her work to reimagine assistive technology for young children.
She was also honored this year by UW Husky100 for “making the most of their time at the University of Washington.”
Hoffman led work to develop the Switch Kit, an accessible, customizable system that helps children with motor disabilities to interact with toys and engage more fully in play. With the customized adaptations based on individual abilities, children can activate toys by moving a finger, tilting their head, or blowing a puff of air. Inaccessible controls, such as a small and hard-to-use button, are bypassed by adding a switch mechanism and a larger, more usable target — such as a yogurt container or section of pool noodle, and conductive tape.
While at the UW, Hoffman served as Student Chair of HuskyADAPT, the very active and productive student organization within CREATE. Hoffman and HuskyADAPT members held workshops and created easy-to-use documentation so that volunteers, family members, and clinicians can adapt toys themselves.
Hoffman was advised by CREATE associate directors Katherine M. Steele (Mechanical Engineering), and Heather Feldner (Rehabilitation Medicine). In addition to a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Hoffman earned a graduate certificate in Disability Studies.
Dr. Hoffman returns to her hometown near Columbus Ohio as a President’s Postdoctoral Scholar at The Ohio State University, in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Medicine.
The Graduate School Medal recognizes doctoral candidates whose academic expertise and social awareness are integrated in ways that demonstrate active civic engagement and a capacity to promote political, cultural and social change. This article was excerpted from the Graduate School announcement.