DACHOR was awarded with the 1st place at "Ser Capaz" - Investigation and Technology Annual grant promoted by the non-profit organization Associação Salvador. Aware of the important role technologies play in the quality of life of the disabled, Associação Salvador supports the investigation in different study fields related to reduce mobility trough the annual “Ser Capaz" - Investigation and Technology Annual grant. This year the association awarded the DACHOR project with the 1st place. The DACHOR, a research project promoted by MIT Portugal Program, aims for the development of an innovative powered Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) with hybrid actuation to aid individuals with reduced mobility and neuromuscular disabilities. The public ceremony for the award and honorable mentions will be held Jan. 16 (6:30 pm) at BES Arte & Finança centre. DACHOR aims at the development of an active orthosis that will not only provide support for gait disorders but also promote the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal apparatus. This innovative feature is due to the hybrid nature of this orthosis which includes a component of external mechanical work, complemented by a component of functional electrical stimulation. The prize, with the monetary value of 5000 Euros, is the recognition of teamwork behind the orthosis' development and also of the social impact of this project. Miguel Tavares da Silva, DACHOR’s coordinator and researcher at Instituto Superior Técnico, highlights the common goals shared with Associação Salvador "Through the development of an active orthosis, DACHOR’s main objective is to improve the quality of life of people with reduced mobility and thus promote their integration into society”. Miguel Tavares da Silva adds “This is one of the main guidelines of Associação Salvador, a renowned national institution in this area that is committed to raise awareness and promote solutions for the problems that affect thousands of physically disabled people”. DACHOR is a MIT Portugal Program project funded by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and led by Instituto Superior Técnico in partnership with MIT, University of Minho and the company Plux. The awarded proposal to “Ser Capaz" - Investigation and Technology Annual grant was submitted by Miguel Tavares da Silva (IST), Jorge Martins (IST), Paulo Melo (PhD student of the MIT Portugal) and Carlos Vasconcelos (IST). Public ceremony - “Ser Capaz" - Investigation and Technology Annual grant January 16th, 6:30pm Bes Arte & Finança Praça Marques do Pombal, nr 3, Lisboa, Portugal PROGRAM • 18:30 - Arrival • 18h45 – Welcome session- Salvador Mendes Almeida • 18:50 - The Importance of the Award “Ser Capaz” - Prof. António Câmara • 18:55 - Evaluation of applications and selection process of candidates - Prof. Fernando Lobo • 19:00 - Presentation of the Awards: 1st Place: DACHOR - Miguel Silva /Jorge Martins /Paulo Melo /Carlos Vasconcelos 1st Honorable Mention: IntellWheels - Luis Reis /António Moreira /Marcelo Prety /Brigida Faria /Sergio Vasconcelos 2nd Honorable Mention 2: Home Living Center - Carlos Pires /Fernando Pinto /Victor Teixeira • 19:10 –Presentation of the awarded projects by each of the winners.  DACHOR’s research team | 
