Neurological conditions

Meet the woman who saved Stephen Hawking’s voice, and then gave the technology away to those in need

When Lama Nachman met Stephen Hawking in 2011, she was given one clear instruction: do not change his voice. Lama Nachman, right, worked with Stephen Hawking on upgrading the systems he used to communicate. The hardware for his voice … READ MORE

How Stephen Hawking reclaimed his voice—and helped others do the same

One of Hawking’s greatest legacies is the work he did on technologies to assist people with disabilities. “It just seemed that cosmology was more exciting, because it really did seem to involve the big question: Where did the … READ MORE

Hawking won the world’s respect – and gave disabled people like me hope

Growing up disabled, I had few role models. But this brilliant, witty scientist helped shift the negative stereotypes many face. “It just seemed that cosmology was more exciting, because it really did seem to involve the big … READ MORE

Markin undergrads get first-hand experience using cutting-edge robotic technology

Markin USRP students Ash Kolstad, left, and Justin Tan combine neuroscience research with technology under the mentorship of Tyler Cluff, seated. Stephanie Vahaaho, University of Calgary University of Calgary students Justin Tan and … READ MORE

Stretchable electronics a ‘game changer’ for stroke recovery treatment

A groundbreaking new wearable designed to be worn on the throat could be a game-changer in the field of stroke rehabilitation. New wearable device for the throat presented at AAAS annual meeting. By Kayla Stoner, Northwestern … READ MORE

We live with a cloud over our heads: Québecers say home care services fall short

Nearly 343,000 Québecers receive publicly-funded home care. Critics hope political parties commit to change. Rosalyn Williams-Ness has received home care services for the past 12 years. She says she lives with almost constant … READ MORE

Woman with eye-tracking software communicates with mom for first time since 1996

Using eye-motion camera and tablet software, breakthrough occurred during Christmas Day visit. A Nova Scotia amendment would have protected Joellan Huntley from government clawbacks. CTV News Atlantic Keith Doucette, The Canadian … READ MORE

MS liberation therapy fails the test

Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world. In 2009, Italian physician Paolo Zamboni published an explosive paper about a new treatment for MS, which became known as MS “liberation therapy.” For the … READ MORE

A country for all children to thrive

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on our commitment to inclusion and diversity. Yet, when it comes to disabilities, this pride doesn’t match reality. Put simply – rather than inclusion, the every day experience of many … READ MORE

Todd Stabelfeldt: Titan of tech

Todd Stabelfeldt is a busy man these days. When not traveling all over the country delivering powerful speeches like “Convenience for You is Independence for Me” — at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose last … READ MORE

Wheelchair dance company asks, Where’s the disability?

At the Disability Rights Legal Center fundraiser gala this past weekend in Los Angeles, Apple was presented with DRLC’s Business and Technology Award for their accessibility work, and Infinite Flow – A Wheelchair Dance … READ MORE

UMBC robotics student invents help for those with disabilities like hers

Kavita Krishnaswamy is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) working with Dr. Tim Oates. She is both a Ford Foundation Predoctoral and National Science Foundation Graduate Research … READ MORE

Finding the positives

I have always thought that it is important to focus on the positives that you have in life, so when asked by Link Disability Magazine to write about this topic I was really happy to get involved! This is the first magazine article I … READ MORE

How a volunteer ‘voice bank’ helps the speech impaired

Ryan. Alex. Siri. These are names of robotic voices that are often programmed on electronic tablets. They also become default identities for people with speech disorders who rely on technology to communicate. John Gregoire of Windham, … READ MORE

Connor needs help for new wheels

Connor Groenewoud just started junior high school this fall. And as the only boy in his entire school in a wheelchair, the 12-year old understands other students at times have trouble with the fact that he’s different. Sarah … READ MORE

Improving surgery outcomes for children with cerebral palsy

Children with cerebral palsy frequently undergo invasive surgeries — lengthening tendons, rotating bones, transferring muscles to new locations — in hopes of improving their physical ability to walk or move. Walk-DMC is a new, … READ MORE

Measuring postural sway to diagnose neuromuscular disorders

A new technique might be used to diagnose neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis or impairment from concussions by detecting and measuring subtle oscillations in a person’s standing posture. Eadweard Muybridge … READ MORE

Robotic device aids research for children with brain injury

Max Challoner, 12, demonstrates the KINARM robotic device at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary on Monday, April 4, 2016. Researchers Andrea Kuczynski and Dr. Adam Kirton helped develop the device which measures proprioception, … READ MORE

HARMONY exoskeleton helps patients recover strength and motor skills

Texas engineers introduce advanced upper body rehabilitation robot. HARMONY was specially designed to offer customized therapy for optimal efficacy. Not only does the exoskeleton adjust to patient size, it can also be programmed to be … READ MORE

Robotic glove for post-stroke hand rehabilitation

Initial rehabilitation therapy for many stroke victims may focus on regaining the ability to walk. But when hands also are affected, therapy focused only on the legs can leave hand muscles contracted, a condition that can be difficult … READ MORE

Communicating with cerebral palsy: Ruby’s story

Ruby Hamilton is a 10-year-old girl who lives in the UK. Like many kids her age, she enjoys playing games and watching movies. However, due to complications at birth, she was starved of oxygen for nearly 30 minutes, resulting in … READ MORE

Hippocampal circuit in brain linked to learning difficulties in Down syndrome

New brain research has mapped a key trouble spot likely to contribute to intellectual disability in Down syndrome. In a paper published in Nature Neuroscience, scientists from the University of Bristol and UCL suggest the findings … READ MORE

Neural plasticity and treatment across the lifespan for motor deficits in cerebral palsy

Kids playing. Anca Serbanescu, flickr George F Wittenberg PhD, Baltimore VA Medical Center Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore MD, USA, Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology October 2009 The past … READ MORE

Interdisciplinary approach to exploring motor function

Using techniques from neuroscience, biomechanics, kinesiology, signal processing, control systems, physiology, and image processing, Lena Ting’s work aims to better characterize and model normal and impaired performance of … READ MORE

Pediatric Neurology Outpatients, Alberta Children’s Hospital

Pediatric Neurology Outpatients provides a co-ordinated care approach that serving children with complex seizure disorders and neurological conditions. Also offers education for the child, family, and community. Ruby and her … READ MORE

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