Neuroplasticity

People with Down syndrome are living longer, but the health system still treats many as kids

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 MORE

14-year-old Hailey King is turning heads on Canada’s women’s Para hockey team

Calgary teen will compete against world’s best at Women’s World Challenge this week. At 14 years old, Hailey King is the youngest member of Canada’s women’s Para hockey team. She’ll compete at the … READ MORE

Taking vitamin D could help prevent dementia, study finds

University 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 MORE

Paralyzed Humboldt Bronco looks to make buildings more accessible

Ryan 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 MORE

Why are these scientists teaching seniors how to fall?

Rather 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 MORE

New strategies needed to support parents of children with severe CP, study finds

Healthcare 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

Canada’s Smeenk, Gingras, Papaconstantinou race to Para athletics worlds medals

Fellow 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 MORE

Adaptability Store – Special needs products

AdaptAbility 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 MORE

The future is disabled

We 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 MORE

Bedside prognostic tool identifies infants at risk for Cerebral palsy

This case-control study evaluates a cerebral palsy prognostic tool that can be applied to all term neonates to identify those at increased risk of developing cerebral palsy. A newborn baby. Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik by Jennifer … READ MORE

AFO wear time affects activity level in children with CP

A 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 MORE

Her daughter couldn’t access the park in a wheelchair, so a Québec mom proposed a solution

Park 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 MORE

Soft robotic wearable restores arm function for people with ALS

Proof-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 MORE

Unsinkable: A sailing program that teaches you the ropes

If 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 MORE

Steadicam inventor turns his attention to mobility aids – with the Zeen

Back 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 MORE

Calgary researchers building one of ‘key centres in the world’ for neurological disorder therapies

A 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 MORE

‘Smart’ walking stick could help visually impaired with groceries, finding a seat

Subject 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 MORE

People with disabilities in group homes are suffering shocking abuse. New housing models could prevent harm

The 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 MORE

Disability activists grace cover of British Vogue

One 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 MORE

Advocates want promise of Alberta accessibility legislation in election platforms

Advocates 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 MORE

Military dogs at Premier Rehab Center do push-ups and yoga

‘Canine tactical athletes’ are flown in from around the world for care. Some patients are so eager to get started they body slam the clinic’s doors. Hundreds of dogs are treated each year at the military working dog hospital in … READ MORE

Study finds programme to prevent cerebral palsy in premature babies is effective

A programme to increase the use of magnesium sulfate, a £1 injection that helps prevent cerebral palsy in premature babies, is effective according to a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded evaluation. The … READ MORE

Mobility specialists looking to quit profession

Study 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 MORE

There’s no getting around — Alberta’s lack of accessibility law is my ballot box issue

Remove 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 MORE

Algorithm measures quality of gait through smart watches

The 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 MORE

Canadian universities need to be more inclusive for Para athletes

Erica 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 MORE

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

March is a time to bring awareness to cerebral palsy but also a time to support and celebrate those who live with CP. Whether you have CP, know someone who does, or just want to learn more, this is a great opportunity to get involved … READ MORE

Cerebral palsy doesn’t cause death in adults, so why is it still listed as an underlying cause?

Listing cerebral palsy as the main cause of death for adults with the disease can contribute to a lack of understanding about how the condition interacts with various secondary illnesses and complications. Cerebral palsy should never … READ MORE

Preventive care lacking for disabled patients

Kim Bullock, MD, said she often hears directly from adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) about their difficulties with obtaining preventive care. Emily Ladau’s new book makes the world of disability … READ MORE

Pedestrians choose healthy obstacles over boring pavements, study finds

Up to 78% of walkers would take a more challenging route featuring obstacles such as balancing beams, stepping stones and high steps, research has found. The findings suggest that providing ‘Active Landscape’ routes in urban areas … READ MORE

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