Archive

GPS app BlindSquare helps visually impaired navigate trails of Calgary’s Fish Creek Park

‘A person with vision loss wouldn’t even attempt to go on a hike by themselves.’ Ali Khalil, who is visually impaired, is the technology program lead with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. He has been … READ MORE

Albertans in pain look elsewhere for treatment, as COVID surgery delays compound wait times

‘We’re in a bad place, to be honest,’ says orthopedic surgeon at Red Deer hospital. Alberta cancelled all elective surgeries during the fourth wave as the province’s intensive care units filled up with very … READ MORE

700 families waiting for children’s health services at Toronto hospital, as pandemic backlog grows

Autism program, wheelchair fittings have months-long waits. Ivona Novak’s five-year-old son, Noah, who uses a wheelchair, is among hundreds of Ontario kids on a growing wait list for key health services at a Toronto … READ MORE

Tobii TD Pilot brings gaze-based typing, text-to-speech and app navigation to iPad

TD Pilot is an eye-controlled communication device for iPad. Designed to empower people with conditions such as ALS/MND, spinal cord injury or cerebral palsy to communicate and use their favourite apps, this iPadOS-based speech … READ MORE

New treatment to regain hand and arm function after spinal cord injury

Using physical therapy combined with a noninvasive method of stimulating nerve cells in the spinal cord, University of Washington researchers helped six Seattle area participants regain some hand and arm mobility. That increased … READ MORE

Breaking down barriers: ‘Learning health systems’ for communities

At every clinic and hospital, scientists work with health leaders to test health-care innovations. Umayangga Yogalingam, Illustrator Wendy Glauser, Healthy Debate June 10, 2021 As you read this, researchers are trying to improve … READ MORE

Pandemic disproportionately affects those with disabilities and chronic health conditions

‘The pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities,’ says UTM professor David Pettinicchio, who launched a national online survey of 1,027 Canadians with disabilities and chronic health conditions to find out how … READ MORE

Student designs smart mobility aid for people with dementia

According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, one million people in the UK will have dementia by 2025 and this will increase to two million by 2050. This increase is a real concern, especially as the care system is already under strain. … READ MORE

Taxes and disability benefits: Maximizing the opportunities

A disabled person may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. If you have never applied for this benefit before and you happen to qualify for it, you can request that Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) adjust your previous years’ tax … READ MORE

CPAA online programs in November 2021 – Register NOW

Cerebral Palsy Alberta Health and Wellness Programs — Participate virtually anywhere! November registration is now open and we hope to see even more of you on our screens! For more information on our programs, please contact our … READ MORE

Getting dressed with help from robots

Basic safety needs in the paleolithic era have largely evolved with the onset of the industrial and cognitive revolutions. We interact a little less with raw materials, and interface a little more with machines. MIT CSAIL Rachel … READ MORE

Most orthopedic joint surgery lacks scientific justification

A meta-analysis of the 10 most common orthopedic procedures shows that most lack firm scientific support, according to British researchers. In some cases, they are not any better than doing nothing, according to the study, which was … READ MORE

Could genetics hold the key to preventing SIDS?

A state-of-the-art genetic biobank could hold the key to preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), potentially saving the lives of hundreds of babies who die from the devastating condition each year. Photo by Tim Bish on … READ MORE

5-minute breathing workout lowers blood pressure as much as exercise, drugs

Working out just five minutes daily via a practice described as “strength training for your breathing muscles” lowers blood pressure and improves some measures of vascular health as well as, or even more than, aerobic exercise or … READ MORE

Growing up is hard, especially for young people with disabilities

Iris vanDalen, 23, with her service dog, Stella. VanDalen is a student at the University of San Francisco. She has Crohn’s disease, which made adapting to college life difficult. Photo courtesy of Iris vanDalen. by Nadra Nittle, … READ MORE

Plans revealed for $12M disability arts venue in northwest Calgary

National AccessArts Centre to be constructed on Brownsea Drive NW An artist’s rendering shows what the new National accessArts Centre in northwest Calgary will look like. In-Definite Arts Society. CBC CBC News Calgary August 10, … READ MORE

Number diagnosed with autism jumps 787 per cent in two decades, study shows

The number of people diagnosed with autism has jumped by 787 per cent in the past two decades, a new study shows, likely an effect of increasing recognition. The research suggests increases could be due to increased reporting and … READ MORE

Pectus carinatum – FAQs

Watch the video. Novel 3D imaging for chest wall anomalies: The early Calgary experience. How common is Pectus carinatum? Pectus carinatum occurs in approximately 1 to 2 people in 3,000 and occurs more commonly in males. Has your … READ MORE

Liquid nanofoam could be a game changer for future football helmets

A liquid nanofoam liner undergoing testing could prolong the safe use of football helmets, says a Michigan State University researcher. During an impact, pressurized water fills the nano pores. Weiyi Lu, Michigan State University By … READ MORE

Bracing in pediatric patients with pectus carinatum is effective and improves quality of life

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness and patient satisfaction with bracing for pectus carinatum (PC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five PC patients were treated between August 2007 and October 2011. Most … READ MORE

Science backs nature as key to children’s health

The presence of greenspaces near homes and schools is strongly associated with improved physical activity and mental health outcomes in kids, according to a massive review of data from nearly 300 studies. Leo Rivas on Unsplash … READ MORE

Bracing is an effective therapy for pectus carinatum: interim results

If patients are compliant, a self- adjusting brace system can give rapid correction of the pectus carinatum protrusion with excellent patient satisfaction. The Calgary Protocol: bracing for Pectus carinatum These interim results … READ MORE

CPAA online programs in October 2021 – Register NOW

Cerebral Palsy Alberta Health and Wellness Programs — Participate virtually anywhere! October registration is now open and we hope to see even more of you on our screens! For more information on our programs, please contact our … READ MORE

Hot pack or cold pack: which one to reach for when you’re injured or in pain

When you injure yourself, you may reach for a hot or a cold pack. Which option is better depends on the nature of your pain, what caused it and how long you’ve had it. The cold pack: A chilly example of an endothermic reaction. … READ MORE

Evolving business models in orthotics

Nancy Schneider, Braceworks Custom Orthotics, Calgary. This submission provides an important historical context for understanding the current challenge facing the Orthotic and Prosthetic community in Alberta including Alberta Aids to … READ MORE

Boppy recalls 3.3 Million baby pillows after the deaths of 8 infants

Recalled Boppy Original Newborn Lounger (left), Boppy Preferred Newborn Lounger (middle), and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Lounger (right). The loungers were sold in a variety of colours and fashions. Joint recall with Health … READ MORE

Like polio, the long-term impact of COVID will be measured in disability

Will the large numbers of people with disabilities from COVID make our society more accessible and inclusive? Polio causes paralysis is about one in 200 patients. Survivors like Gifford, shown here age 2 at the Sudbury General … READ MORE

A data treasure for gait analysis

One of the biggest data records for automated gait analysis worldwide openly accessible. The St. Pölten UAS and the Austrian general accident insurance institution AUVA have made one of the biggest data records for automated gait … READ MORE

New report raises critical issues around disability rights in Alberta

13 advocates, known as Radical Inclusion, compiled report for U.N. committee. Roxanne Ulanicki is the lead facilitator of the Radical Inclusion report that was submitted to the United Nations on Tuesday. Submitted by Roxanne Ulanicki … READ MORE

6 million Canadians live with a disability. Advocates say federal parties need to listen to them

Many barriers make securing support difficult — and the pandemic has made it worse. Right to left: Rabia Khedr, her husband Hossam Khedr, son Yusef, daughter Ruqaya, sister Uzma Khan (with her young son Zakariya Gilhooley), and … READ MORE

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