Human factors
Designing products and systems to fit human bodies and cognitive ability
Marilyn Lesmeister sits with her daughter Samantha “Sammee” Lesmeister after Sammee’s horse riding lesson in Cole Camp, Missouri. Sammee Lesmeister is one of a growing number of adults living with Down syndrome. More than
… READ MORENYITCOM research suggests that helmet design may play a role in limiting concussion severity. After sustaining the initial hit, the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) loses its cushioning effect with each additional skull oscillation
… READ MOREIn a recent paper, Yale cardiologists emphasize the importance of balancing quality and equity with convenience in telehealth. Tumisu, Pixabay CC0 Public Domain by Ashley P. Taylor, Yale University November 08, 2022 During the
… READ MOREUniversity of Calgary launches national research project to discover more insights to protect the brain while we age. Dr. Zahinoor Ismail is a neuropsychiatrist and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University
… READ MORERyan Straschnitzki, 23, has spent last 5 years using a wheelchair. Former Humboldt Bronco hockey player Ryan Straschnitzki, who was injured in a team bus crash, practices with PX3 AMP hockey team in Calgary in 2019. Todd Korol, The
… READ MOREDancers put unique demands on their hips, achieving extreme ranges of motion that can strain the joints and damage supporting tissues around them. Not surprisingly, hip injuries account for up to 17% of injuries in dancers and 27%
… READ MORE24-year-old from Airdrie, Alta., paralyzed in 2018 bus crash that killed 16 in Saskatchewan. The Canadian Press, CBC Calgary July 31, 2023 Ryan Straschnitzki, one of the Humboldt Bronco hockey players injured in the Humboldt bus
… READ MOREAirdrie’s Ryan Straschnitzki has been working to regain the use of his legs since the tragic 2018 crash, even getting an epidural stimulator implanted in his spine in 2019. Vecova announced the appointment of Ryan Straschnitzki
… READ MORERather than focus on avoiding tumbles, researchers at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute are using high-tech, hands-on trials to teach how to fall. Cathrin Bradbury walks on sensor plates in the reactive balance training room at the
… READ MOREHealthcare professionals should develop new strategies for helping to fulfill the now unmet needs of parents whose children have severe cerebral palsy, beginning with improving education about the disease and aiding them in getting
… READ MORE“I want to dip my tires in both oceans.” Kevin Mills leaves Cape Spear, N.L., on May 24 after the start of his cross-Canada trip in a wheelchair bicycle. GREG LOCKE, THE GLOBE AND MAIL Follow the journey • Full route maps •
… READ MOREFellow Canadian Anthony Bouchard to compete in finals later Thursday. Canada’s Austin Smeenk, seen earlier at the Para athletics world championships, won silver in the men’s T34 100-metre wheelchair race on Thursday in
… READ MOREAdaptAbility provides children, adults and caregivers of people with diverse & special needs, the very finest of products available. AdaptAbility Photo, May 2023 AdaptAbility is a trusted member of the special needs community in
… READ MOREWe need to take steps toward a more inclusive future—one that we all can inhabit. I can’t buy it if I can’t reach it: The importance of access to Canadian consumers. Rick Hansen Foundation By Ashley Shew, MIT Technology Review
… READ MOREA research study comparing the body functions and structures, activity and participation levels, and environmental factors to AFO-wearing time in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) found that prolonged AFO-wearing time was
… READ MOREPark Gorge now offers 3 special wheelchairs for people with reduced mobility. Nathalie Thibeault, far left, and her daughter Andrée-Ann Madore, seated in the wheelchair, toured the Gorge Park in Coaticook Que. with park staff.
… READ MOREProof-of-concept device is comfortable, safe, easy to use. This soft robotic wearable is capable of significantly assisting upper arm and shoulder movement in people with ALS. Photo credit: Walsh Lab, Harvard SEAS By Kat J. McAlpine,
… READ MOREIf you’re looking to get outside and try a new sport, you might want to take a closer look at sailing—an activity that’s recognized for developing self-sufficiency, self-confidence and social connections. Abilities Magazine
… READ MOREReport says Nova Scotia is leading the way in reducing administrative burden. Dr. Leisha Hawker said reducing unnecessary administrative work can help doctors have a better work-life balance and lead to more employee retention. Brian
… READ MOREBack in the 1970s, Garrett Brown invented the Steadicam, a tool that revolutionized the field of film production. His latest creation is a device known as the Zeen, which helps mobility-challenged users not only to get around, but
… READ MOREA new network of health researchers and providers is working to introduce innovative therapies, clinical trials and technology for people with spinal cord injury, stroke and movement impairments. Dr. Elizabeth Condliffe, specialist in
… READ MORESubject tests a ‘smart’ walking stick for people who are blind or visually impaired in a mock grocery store. Credit: Nico Goda, University of Colorado Boulder By Daniel Strain, University of Colorado Boulder January 19,
… READ MOREThe National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was designed to be a market-based system that would shift power from government and providers to consumers. Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash Di Winkler, The Conversation January 17, 2023
… READ MOREOne of the most recognizable fashion magazines in the world is highlighting notable people with disabilities on its cover as part of a larger push toward acceptance in the industry. The May issue of British Vogue will have covers
… READ MOREAdvocates want action on law to remove barriers for people with disabilities. A passenger waits to begin her trip on a Calgary Transit Access bus on March 6, 2019. Bryan Labby, CBC Michelle Bellefontaine, CBC News Edmonton April 22,
… READ MOREStudy reveals a third of orthotists working privately and in NHS seek a way out. An orthotist at Shriners Hospital for Children—Twin Cities works on a custom device. Photo courtesy of Shriners Hospital for Children, Twin Cities. An
… READ MORERemove barriers and treat us with dignity, and you’ll untap potential of people with disabilities. Chris Ryan on an icy sidewalk near his Calgary home. For somebody in a wheelchair, it’s hard to get around in one of the
… READ MOREThe Watch Walk algorithm could help reduce falls and fall-related injuries in elderly people, study shows. Participants aged 46 to 77 were instructed to wear a device on their dominant wrists for seven days. Photo by SHVETS
… READ MOREErica Gavel says U.S., U.K. schools do better job for Para athletes. Erica Gavel says Canadian universities need to make it a priority to provide Para athletes with better access to facilities, sports science, therapy, coaching,
… READ MOREThe Adapted Bike Program ensures that children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities know the simple joy of riding a bike. We are delighted to advise you that our 2023 Adapted Bike Program registration is now open. We
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