Archive

People with physical and mobility disabilities need to work out, but there are a lot of obstacles in their way

The Movin’ Mavs, the University of Texas at Arlington’s championship-winning wheelchair basketball team, says their gym needs more adaptive exercise equipment. UTA Adaptive Sports Program, CC BY-ND Alexandra Jamieson, The … READ MORE

UCalgary breaks new ground in transformative partnerships for child health

One Child Every Child harnesses research and innovation to tackle one of society’s biggest challenges. Dr. Susa Benseler speaks at a podium during the announcement of One Child Every Child. Riley Brandt Photo, University of Calgary … READ MORE

Health Canada warns that Rojada Child Safety Seats may pose a risk of injury

Health Canada warns that baby car seats previously sold on Amazon.ca have an increased risk of injury. Consumer product advisory, Health Canada Last updated 2023-09-20 Summary Product: Rojada Child Safety Seats Issue: Consumer … READ MORE

Does your baby need helmet therapy? 5 facts about flat head syndrome

Babies come in all different shapes and sizes. But if your infant’s head shape is giving you cause for concern, it may be plagiocephaly — a condition where your baby has a flat spot or misshapen head. Orthomerica Starband UCLA … READ MORE

Vacuum Bell wear and care instructions

Types of Klobe Vacuum Bell: the pectus clinic works with Eckart Klobe, the inventor and manufacturer of the Klobe Vacuum bell, the first device developed specifically to offer a non-surgical treatment for pectus excavatum. Photo … READ MORE

Download Clinical Assessment of Infant Head Shapes

Assessment guides are available here. Jack. Orthomerica Starband. ☞ Download Referrals for orthotic evaluation are recommended for deformational plagiocephaly (Types 3-5), and for deformational brachycephaly (Types 2-3). ☞ … READ MORE

Vacuum Bell therapy: A nonsurgical option for chest wall depression (pectus excavatum)

While children with severe pectus excavatum often need surgery, vacuum bell therapy may make surgery unnecessary. Boston Children’s Hospital by Joanne Barker, Clinical Care, Boston Children’s Hospital June 29, 2021 Pectus … READ MORE

Device is an easier option to correct chest deformity

Dr. Robert Obermeyer of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk shows Austin Hinton and his mother, Tina Hinton, how to operate Austin’s new “vacuum bell” on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012. The … READ MORE

Understanding flat head syndrome (Plagiocephaly) in babies

Flat head syndrome, or plagiocephaly as the condition is medically known, occurs when a flat spot develops on the back or side of a baby’s head. Medically reviewed by Melanie Santos — Written by Donna Christiano, Healthline … READ MORE

CP patients wear AFOs less than prescribed

An open-access study, published in Rehabilitation Research and Practice, investigated the wear time of commonly used AFOs in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Shoes for Orthotics, AFOs, DAFOs. CHASA support groups The O&P EDGE … READ MORE

The rest of the story – helmet treatment

Just under three years ago, the O&P profession was startled by the publication of the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the efficacy of cranial remolding orthoses. Wren’s plagiocephaly and helmet journey – … READ MORE

Edmonton mom raises awareness about condition that requires baby to get head-shaping helmet

Angie McIntosh noticed her baby boy couldn’t turn his head to the right when he was six weeks old. Dylan McIntosh also had a strange flat spot on the left side of his head. Angie McIntosh’s baby Dylan has plagiocephaly, an … READ MORE

Helmet study highlighted in The New York Times is flawed

Cranial remolding expert Ellie Boomer CPO, shares her commentary on the helmet therapy article highlighted in the May 1 issue of The New York Times. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital By Ellie Boomer CPO LPO, The O&P Edge … READ MORE

Almost half of babies have flat spot on head, but prevention is simple

Parents can take a few simple steps to prevent their baby’s head from becoming misshapen. 3D scanning for plagiocephaly helmet therapy with Orthomerica SmartSoc app. OAPL Sheryl Ubelacker, The Canadian Press, Global News Calgary … READ MORE

New guidelines review evidence on PT, helmets for positional plagiocephaly

Positional plagiocephaly is a common condition encountered by pediatricians and referred to pediatric subspecialty physicians such as neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons. Twins wearing their CranioCap® Orthoses. Gillette … READ MORE

Novel 3D imaging for chest wall anomalies in Calgary

Novel 3D imaging for chest wall anomalies: The early Calgary experience, Jennifer YK Lam, Janet Ronsky, Marc Schneider, Mary Brindle, Steven Lopushinsky, Nancy Schneider, Jacob Reichbart. Canadian Association of Paediatric … READ MORE

Pectus carinatum causes, symptoms and treatment

The Calgary Protocol: bracing for Pectus carinatum. Braceworks UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital November 26, 2016 – Updated July 2021 Pectus carinatum is characterized by a protrusion of the sternum that occurs as a result … READ MORE

Teen born with a pigeon chest now stands taller

A teenager from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire born with a rare condition known as ‘pigeon chest’ is now standing taller than his twin brother after undergoing an innovative new treatment to correct the condition. James … READ MORE

New approaches to orthotic management in children with cerebral palsy

Practitioners look to novel ways of using familiar lower limb orthotic alternatives to complement new technology. No single treatment is appropriate for every child, but it is generally agreed that the sooner intervention is started … READ MORE

Calgary pediatric AFO clinic – Kids are us!

Ankle-foot orthoses for children and youth. Personalize your orthotics – Braceworks AFO clinic for children is available by appointment only. See your doctor or physiotherapist for diagnosis and prescription first. New patients … READ MORE

Bracing results in significant improvements in Pectus carinatum

Comfort is the key because the brace is worn continuously to provide compression during regular daily activity. Patients are more compliant with the Braceworks PC brace and encouraging results are often apparent early in treatment. … READ MORE

Double bonus – AFOs improve dual-task gait in two ways

Ankle foot orthoses intervene at the level of the body and at the level of activity. But they might also have effects at the level of participation. – Nikta Pirouz CPO By Jordana Bieze Foster, Lower Extremity Review March 2015 … READ MORE

Order the Braceworks Pectus Brace

Rather than taking measurements by hand, clinicians may prefer a 3D scanner on an iPad. ☞ Download the Braceworks Pectus Brace® order form, PDF Visit the  Apple App Store or ▶︎ Google Play on your tablet or phone to … READ MORE

With 710 measles cases now confirmed in Alberta, this marks the worst year since 1986

Disease continues to spread, primarily in kids and teens outside major cities. Of measles cases this year where the patient’s immunization status is known, 91% have been in individuals who never received a measles vaccine. … READ MORE

Here’s how measles cases are spreading across Canada

A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Geoff Robins, The Canadian Press via … READ MORE

Why are measles case counts climbing so high in Alberta? Experts weigh in

With 326 patients reported, Alberta has the 2nd highest tally in the country. Alberta has confirmed 326 meales cases since the outbreaks began in March. CBC Jennifer Lee, CBC News Calgary May 12, 2025 Infectious disease experts are … READ MORE

Adidas Designing Shoes For People With Down Syndrome

In a new promotional video, Adidas is announcing plans to offer a shoe designed for people with Down syndrome. Adidas by Shaun Heasley, Disability Scoop April 25, 2025 One of the world’s largest footwear companies is developing a … READ MORE

‘Rifts in families’: Parents seek better talk on vaccines as measles outbreak grows

Professor says public health nurses are great sources of information but need time to build trust. Mackenzie Sailer and her one-year-old son, Wolfe, at the Henderson Lake playground in Lethbridge. She says vaccines are like religion … READ MORE

Alberta’s disability advocate calling on provincial government to create accessibility law

2023 report recommended all-encompassing accessibility legislation. Alberta is one of the last Canadian provinces to pass accessibility legislation. Ben Nelms CBC Michelle Bellefontaine, CBC News Edmonton, April 20, 2025 … READ MORE

Turning 18 should be a celebration not a setback for youth with disabilities, report suggests

Turning 18 isn’t so sweet: The Critical gaps in health care for young adults with disabilities, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital By Jemicah Marasigan, City News Toronto October 15, 2024. Last Updated October 16, 2024 … READ MORE

Find a doctor – Pectus carinatum and Pectus excavatum

Bracing, according to The Calgary Protocol, is an effective, non-invasive treatment for Pectus carinatum, in many cases. Ask your doctor about your treatment options and find out if you are a candidate for brace therapy. While … READ MORE

Calgary athletes bring home 10 medals from Special Olympics World Winter Games

They brought home three gold, one silver and six bronze medals from Turin, Italy. Cross country skier Sarah McCarthy, second from the left, was one of three Calgary area athletes who won gold. Submitted by Sarah McCarthy. CBC Karina … READ MORE

Alberta to claw back federal disability benefit from AISH recipients

Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services says AISH benefits highest in Canada. Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, says Alberta plans to reduce AISH payments by $200, the monthly amount for a new … READ MORE

Health teams scramble to contain spread of measles in central and southern Alberta

170 cases identified in province since outbreaks began in March. Public health teams are working to boost immunization rates in outbreak areas, including the town of Two Hills. Rafferty Baker CBC Jennifer Lee, CBC News Calgary April … READ MORE

How school systems can honour the human rights of people with disabilities

Schools need to hire, support and promote disabled educators and administrators to help model and envision inclusive communities. Over a quarter of all Canadians are part of the disability community. Demonstrators, about 300 of whom … READ MORE

Health care students and clinicians support integrated care education

Integrated care—a coordinated approach that addresses patients’ physical, mental and social health needs—has been shown to improve patient outcomes, reduce health care costs and address health disparities. Darko Stojanovic … READ MORE

Fisher-Price Brunch and Go Stroller Toy recalled due to choking hazard

Fisher-Price is voluntarily recalling the tissue box toy sold with the Fisher-Price 3-in-1 SnugaPuppy Activity Centers (model HLV78). The detachable tissue box toy can come apart, exposing the small support brackets, posing a choking … READ MORE

Alberta introduces plan to allow people with disabilities to work and receive benefits

Alberta Disability Assistance Program expected to begin July 2026. Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, announced details of the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program on Tuesday. Mike Symington/CBC … READ MORE

Children’s Books Recognized For Inclusive Storylines

Several books are gaining accolades for their portrayal of the disability experience as part of a special set of awards handed out alongside the venerable Newbery and Caldecott Medals. “You’re SO Amazing!” and … READ MORE

SIDS discovery could ID babies at risk of sudden death

New School of Medicine research revealing the fingerprints of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) within blood samples could open the door to simple tests to identify babies at risk. Photo by Tim Bish on Unsplash Joshua Barney, Deputy … READ MORE

Vacuum Bell Therapy for Pectus excavatum

Nieman: A bear and his friends have helped children find their way for a century

A Winnie-the-Pooh drawing by illustrator E.H. Shepard was found wrapped in a tea towel. The ‘fantastically poignant’ sketch of Pooh and Piglet was discovered in the cellar of Christopher Foyle, former chairman of Foyles bookshops. … READ MORE

How scientists with disabilities are making research labs and fieldwork more accessible

Disabled scientists are trying to make research labs and fieldwork more accessible. Scientists with disabilities are trying to make research labs more accessible. A recent field trip to the San Andreas fault is an example of how the … READ MORE

Disability advocate Alice Wong on resistance in the new year: ‘Life is a dumpster fire, but I’m not alone’

The activist, who received a 2024 MacArthur ‘genius’ grant, reflects on a moment that changed her life – and why she finds hope in sci-fi.. Alice Wong in 2023. Photograph: Courtesy of MacArthur fellows program Maanvi Singh, The … READ MORE

Study Sets New Standard for Sagittal Craniosynostosis CROs

Gillette CranioCap® orthosis. Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. by The O&P EDGE March 7, 2025 Hanger announced findings from a recent study that resulted in a new standard for post-operative cranial remolding … READ MORE

Patients with cerebral palsy may have improved gait after surgery regardless of age

Walk-DMC is a new, quantifiable measure of motor control in children with cerebral palsy. It relies on data from electromyography (EMG) shown in this demonstration, which uses electrodes to monitor muscle activity. Michael Schwartz, … READ MORE

Girl with Down syndrome turned away from Vancouver art class, mom says

The mother of Kenzie Jameson, a nine-year-old with Down syndrome, is calling for greater accessibility after her daughter was refused access to an arts class in Vancouver. Courtesy: Katie Jameson By Mina Kerr-Lazenby, CTV News … READ MORE

Man with cerebral palsy who gave up hope of finding work models for Primark

Elliot Caswell was photographed for a fashion campaign this week. BBC Grace Dean & Rachel Price, BBC News 2 November 2024 A man with cerebral palsy who had given up hope of getting work has landed a modelling job after featuring … READ MORE

Alberta publishes new accessibility design guide, but minister says more needs to be done

First major update to the document since 2017. A file photo of Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver. McIver, whose portfolio includes the provincial building code, said the changes will be helpful to some, but more can be … READ MORE

Disability Rights Activist Receives MacArthur Fellowship

San Francisco-based writer, editor and disability justice activist Alice Wong was recognized by the MacArthur Foundation this month with one of its prestigious fellowships for her work on increasing representation of people with … READ MORE

UW, Hanger Institute Develop Orthosis Mobility Measurement Tool

Findings from a study conducted by the Hanger Institute for Clinical Research and Education and the University of Washington describe a new patient-reported outcome measure developed for people who use lower-limb orthoses. The SAFO … READ MORE

Lawsuit alleges Alberta government discriminating against students with disabilities

Statement of claim says students Charter rights breached without access to in-person supports. Members of CUPE Local 3550 started strike action on Jan. 13. Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press Madeline Smith, CBC News Edmonton January … READ MORE

N.B. father pens book to teach daughter about cerebral palsy

Father and daughter Jeff and Avery Somers are seen in this Apr. 26, 2023 photo holding Jeff’s book “Avery and the Special Shoe.” Alana Pickrell CTV Atlantic. Alana Pickrell, CTV News Atlantic April 27, 2023 Similar … READ MORE

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