Neuroplasticity

Surestep SMOs (Supramalleolar Orthosis)

Surestep Surestep’s dynamic SMOs (supramalleolar orthoses) use compression to stabilize the foot and ankle, allowing for the development of intrinsic muscles, muscle strategies, and movement patterns. Surestep is the most effective … 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 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

Local therapy facility for disabled children attracting families from all over the world

Kate McLelland is almost three years old and was born with a rare genetic condition. Her parents have found hope to improve her quality of life through the Canadian Centre for Development in Calgary. CTV News Kevin Fleming, Video … READ MORE

Dynamic AFOs may improve gait outcomes in stroke patients

A study of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis who used a dynamic ankle-foot orthosis with plantar flexion resistance found that a medium PFR grade showed near-normal maximal peak ankle dorsiflexion. Researchers noted in the journal … READ MORE

Painful truth about knee osteoarthritis: Why inactivity may be more complex than we think

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain and joint stiffness. And while physical activity is known to ease symptoms, only one in 10 people regularly exercise. Evoke™ knee brace. OssKin University of South Australia 12 … READ MORE

Children with special health needs are more likely to come from poorer neighbourhoods

Policymakers must ensure robust resources are in place where they are needed most. Unsplash CC0 Public Domain By Caroline Reid-Westoby and Magdalena Janus, The Conversation June 5, 2024 via Medical Xpress Children’s health depends … READ MORE

Kinesiologists could be part of solution for overwhelmed health-care system

Moncton professor says kinesiology grads ready and able to keep patients out of hospital. Natalie Arsenault says kinesiologists graduate with a degree that prepares them to help people prevent injuries, remain active and improve their … READ MORE

Happiness may not correlate with mobility in pediatric patients with physical disabilities

Key takeaways: Pediatric patients with physical disabilities had limited mobility and higher pain scores vs. typically developing youth. Results showed happiness did not correlate with motor function. Surestep By Casey Tingle, Fact … READ MORE

Movement is key to supporting adults with Down syndrome

UNLV professor Thessa Hilgenkamp addresses the unique anatomy in adults with Down syndrome that makes being active more challenging. UNLV physical therapy professor Thessa Hilgenkamp works with a patient inside the Cardiovascular … READ MORE

Brain wave-powered tech allows Canadian kids ‘trapped in their own bodies’ to play

Brain-computer interface technology allows eight-year-old Giselle Alnaser to use her brain waves to move her wheelchair and play at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, Tuesday, January 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN … READ MORE

Researchers find new way to deliver treatment to infants at risk of cerebral palsy

Drug-release technology carries medication to the site of perinatal brain injury, protecting infants from harmful side-effects. U of A researchers have found a safer way to deliver critical anti-inflammatory medication to newborns at … READ MORE

New software designs optimized, personalized treatments for movement impairments

First-of-its-kind computer-aided engineering tool could aid clinical treatment design. B.J. Fregly is a professor of mechanical engineering and bioengineering, a CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research, and a recent Brown College magister at … READ MORE

Early multiple sclerosis treatment may lead to less disability

Starting treatment for multiple sclerosis soon after first experiencing symptoms of the disease may slow its progression. North Vancouver resident Marilyn Lenzen, who was diagnosed with MS nearly two decades ago, hopes that everyone … READ MORE

Accessibility on display at this inclusive playground in N.E. Calgary

An inclusive park located in the Calgary community of Tuxedo Park. Supplied: Landscapes Structures. Kayla Pedersen, CTV Morning Live News Producer May 30, 2024 In celebration of AccessAbility Week, a playground manufacturer is … READ MORE

How families of children with disabilities can find support

Susana Ruiz sat in the doctor’s exam room in San Jose, unable to smile, open her right eye, or even take a sip of water. Susana Ruiz with her youngest son. Photo by Manuel Ruiz. By Claudia Boyd-Barrett, California Health Report … READ MORE

Biomedical engineering students create child-size wheelchairs

Even with a pediatric wheelchair, learning how to get around on wheels can be challenging for a child, especially one with cerebral palsy, spina bifida or a limb deficiency. Tulane biomedical engineering students, professors and … READ MORE

Three Wheelchair Users Announced as 2023 Winners of Neilsen Foundation’s $1 Million Visionary Prize

On Sept. 19, Craig H. Neilsen Foundation revealed the 2023 winners of its annual Visionary Prize, given to individuals who are working to make the world a better place for people living with spinal cord injuries. This year’s awards … READ MORE

First-of-its-kind hockey showcase brings together adaptive players from around Western Canada

A Calgary group has found a way to share our national sport with young athletes who may not always get the chance to play with their peers. This weekend was an opportunity for players like Ben Walker to play in a tournament and make … READ MORE

Marching in with great news!

Ready To Hit The Links? Registration is now open for single players and foursomes – click here to register. We urge you to take advantage of our Early Bird Registration pricing available until April 30th. We are also in the … READ MORE

I am not a wheelchair

When people refer to me as an inanimate object, I feel dismissed and dehumanized. Lisa Freeman speaks about why language and treatment of people in wheelchairs matters. Watch video Lisa Freeman, CBC Ottawa First Person January 23, … READ MORE

The Human Touch

From cradle to grave, touch brings us comfort, pleasure and sometimes pain, reminding us of our countless connections to the world and to humanity — including our own. pxfuel image By Meredith McGroarty, USC Dornsife Magazine … READ MORE

Principles of Ankle-Foot Orthosis Prescription in Ambulatory Bilateral Cerebral Palsy

Brittany, a patient at Shriners Hospital for Children—Chicago rides an adaptive bike with a recreation therapist. Shriners Hospital for Children, Chicago photo. Abstract Maintenance of upright posture and gait mobility is frequently … READ MORE

Why people with Down syndrome are living longer than ever

New photo project celebrates doubling of life expectancy since 1980. Adam Bauld looks at Hilary Gauld’s photos of Brigette, a 75-year-old woman with Down syndrome. CBC Jon Tattrie, CBC News Nova Scotia September 4, 2023 People … READ MORE

She crips the arts to pave the way for new perspectives and possibilities

Dr. Eliza Chandler on her experience as the first PWD artistic director of Tangled Art + Disability. Dr. Eliza Chandler is an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and the first artistic director of Tangled Art + … READ MORE

Major Canadian cities lacking in accessibility for people with disabilities, says study

Study says 60% of public spaces in Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa not fully accessible. A report from the ‘Mapping our Cities for All’ project, led by the University of Calgary, suggests nearly 60 per cent of public spaces … READ MORE

A pose-mapping technique could remotely evaluate patients with cerebral palsy

The machine-learning method works on most mobile devices and could be expanded to assess other motor disorders outside of the doctor’s office. MIT engineers developed a machine-learning system that remotely analyzes videos of people … READ MORE

B.C. man in wheelchair says he was dropped, injured by Air Canada crew in Vancouver

B.C. man in wheelchair says he was dropped, injured by Air Canada crew in Vancouver. Ryan Lachance, who lives with quad spastic cerebral palsy, is pictured with his care aid Emma Proulx at his apartment in White Rock, B.C., about 50 … READ MORE

Canada’s chief accessibility officer ‘furious’ after Air Canada forgets her wheelchair

Stephanie Cadieux says ‘airlines have to take responsibility and they have to do better’ Stephanie Cadieux is Canada’s first chief accessibility officer. Submitted by Office of the Chief Accessibility Officer/Maria … READ MORE

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