The Boys Town Research Vehicle (BTRV) is a mobile research laboratory equipped with a built-in sound booth, hospital-grade equipment, and is wheelchair-accessible and climate-controlled. Funded by the NIH, the BTRV allows us to conduct research anywhere we can park, making it possible to reach a diverse population and improve access to research participation.

In 2025, we plan to expand our reach even further. Lori Leibold, Ph.D., a key member of our team, shared her excitement about the upcoming plans, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to screening and support for children in underserved areas.

"We have developed a way to ensure that these kids get the help they need, and it's incredibly rewarding to see the difference it makes."

Our mobile laboratory visits schools, parks, businesses, and health fairs, with our partners helping to spread the word about the opportunity to participate in research. This approach not only brings research to people's doorsteps but also fosters a sense of community involvement and support.

A Collaborative Effort in Denver Aims to Improve Hearing Outcomes for Individuals with Down Syndrome

One of our recent trips to Denver highlighted the BTRV's impact. Funded by an NIH R01 Multi-PI grant, this trip focused on exploring auditory and vestibular outcomes in individuals with Down syndrome. The collaboration between the University of Colorado in Denver, Boys Town National Research Hospital, and Creighton University made this grant unique and special. 

Individuals with Down syndrome often experience high levels of hearing loss, which can significantly impact their development and quality of life. Despite the importance of hearing for neurodevelopment, speech, learning, and social integration, the reasons behind the high association between hearing loss and Down syndrome remain unclear. Our research aims to uncover transformative discoveries that could improve multiple dimensions of health and well-being for this population. 

This trip was special for several reasons. It was our first time including young pediatric participants and Spanish speakers. Testing young children can be challenging, but their enthusiasm was inspiring. Dr. Leibold recalled an 8-year-old participant who completed the entire test battery and additional optional tests. "She blew me away with her willingness and joy," Dr. Leibold said. "It reminded me never to underestimate anyone's abilities."

Including Spanish speakers is crucial, as Hispanics have the highest prevalence rate of Down syndrome in the United States. Ensuring all consent forms were translated and having translation support on site highlighted the importance of inclusivity in our research.

The work conducted with the BTRV would not be possible without the support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). And this trip to Denver encompassed research that ties into the NIH's Project Include, which is providing multi-faceted research related to Down syndrome.

As Boys Town looks to the future, we are excited to continue our journey, bringing hope and hearing to more underserved communities. Your support makes this possible, and together, we can make a lasting impact on countless lives.