Neuroplasticity

Paralympics haven’t decreased barriers to physical activity for most people with disabilities

Tokyo 2020: how the Paralympics have evolved from rehabilitation to spectacle. Shaped by evolving societal attitudes towards physical and mental impairment, the Paralympics have gone from championing rehabilitation to being the second … READ MORE

Adults with Cerebral Palsy need better access to health care

Once viewed as a pediatric condition, patients with cerebral palsy are aging, but the health care system is not prepared to offer them the care they need. University of Michigan Kylie Urban, Univeristy of Michigan Health Lab January … READ MORE

Taking the brain out for a walk

A recent study shows that spending time outdoors has a positive effect on our brains. If you’re regularly out in the fresh air, you’re doing something good for both your brain and your well-being. Emma Simpson, Unsplash … READ MORE

Calgary woman, who’s paralyzed, kayaks whitewater rapids on Lower Kananaskis River

‘I’m sitting on the shoulders of giants right now, it’s so awesome,’ says Andrea Wojcik. Andrea Wojcik, who is paralyzed from the chest down, uses a modified kayak to paddle down the Lower Kananaskis River. Connie … READ MORE

Meet the man behind Nike’s Flyease shoes

Nike’s new, first truly-hands free shoe, The Nike Go FlyEase, is a reality because in 2012 a teen with cerebral palsy didn’t want his classmates tying his shoes. Matthew Walzer, 16 at the time, wrote a letter to Nike outlining his … READ MORE

Nintendo Wii may help improve balance in children with cerebral palsy

Therapy based on the Nintendo® Wii Balance Board can help improve balance in children with cerebral palsy, according to an analysis published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. Wii Fit for balance and stamina. Watch the … READ MORE

Paralympic athletes break down barriers on Great Trail of Canada

Athletes assessed 13 sections of trail across the country. Camille Bérubé mapped out the Capital Pathway in Ottawa and Gatineau on her handcycle for the accessibility project. She said she tried to imagine what the trail would be … READ MORE

FES and AFOs for foot drop: linking domains of patient experience

It’s natural to think in structural terms when considering the value of the treatment we provide, because O&P care is so closely identified with the provision of a device. An FES device can help some people with foot drop … READ MORE

Disability advocates call for easier access to ‘life-changing’ technology

Assistive devices can improve quality of life, but their high cost keeps them out of reach for many. Tammy Martin’s eSight helps her magnify images, as well as change their colour, contrast and focus. Tammy Martin Feleshia … READ MORE

Disabled researcher calls for better support for faculty

Academic institutions need to do much more to support faculty members with disabilities and to create an environment in which they can thrive, argues a commentary published May 18 in the journal Trends in Neurosciences. Breaking … READ MORE

Zen and the art of adaptive surfing

Catching a wave creates a visceral connection with ocean and energy. As your board accelerates, time slows and you enter a Zen state of “here and now.” By ride’s end, your brain is flooded with endorphins. Whether it’s your … READ MORE

Exhausting, frustrating journey as mother of a special-needs child chronicled in My Own Blood

My Own Blood chronicles the bureaucratic nightmares associated with a life spent depending on a medical system in an Alberta that Bristowe argues has been rendered threadbare by years of Conservative rule. Ashley Bristowe sits outside … READ MORE

Wordfest Presents Ashley Bristowe

Mothering under normal circumstances takes all you have to give. But what happens when your child is disabled, and sacrificing all you’ve got and more is the only hope for a decent future? No window, no problem. Ed Weibe’s … READ MORE

Differences in walking patterns could predict type of cognitive decline in older adults

Canadian researchers are the first to study how different patterns in the way older adults walk could more accurately diagnose different types of dementia and identify Alzheimer’s disease. Lawson Health Research Institute Emilly … READ MORE

Student develops low-cost device to help people with speech disorders

Individuals with speech disorders often rely on expensive devices to help them communicate with others, but an Illinois Institute of Technology student has developed a cheaper, yet equally effective, alternative. The device will be … READ MORE

Canadian innovators use video games to help children with neuro-development disabilities

Dino Island improves attention and executive function in children with neuro-developmental disabilities. Dino Island Intervention Program Therapeutic Video Game. University of Victoria Yvonne Chiang, HealthTech Connex Inc. March 8, … READ MORE

Student awarded NIH Fellowship to examine balance, walking in children with cerebral palsy

Hassan Farah, a Virginia Tech translational biology, medicine, and health graduate student, has been awarded a $98,000 National Institutes of Health grant that will fund his remaining predoctoral research. The award supports … READ MORE

Electric Mountain Cart takes disabled riders off-road

The EV4 Mountain Cart was developed with input from a disabled extreme athlete, and has been tested in snowy Polish mountains and on jump tracks. EV4 Paul Ridden, New Atlas March 8, 2019 Jack Skopinski’s rivet-packing electric … READ MORE

Parkinson’s results beyond researchers’ wildest dreams

A treatment that has restored the movement of patients with chronic Parkinson’s disease has been developed by Canadian researchers. Parkinson’s results beyond researchers’ wildest dreams. treatment that has restored … READ MORE

Bluetooth – a technology with bite

Those familiar with this young column know that “the machine” represents the large or small barriers and roadblocks those of us with mobility disabilities have to overcome. Todd Stabelfeldt By Todd Stabelfeldt, New Mobility July … READ MORE

Standing frame intervention improves life for people with MS

John Kendrick, from Sparkwell, near Plymouth, has progressive multiple sclerosis, and never thought he’d be able to walk any distance again. Now, thanks to taking part in a clinical trial at the University of Plymouth, he can … READ MORE

Mobility Unlimited Challenge winner receives $1m for ultra-lightweight intelligent wheelchair

The winner of the three-year Mobility Unlimited Challenge has now been announced with Phoenix Instinct from the UK receiving $1 million to further develop their intelligent ultra-light carbon fiber wheelchair, bring it to market, and … READ MORE

A next-gen EEG could help bring back lost brain function

SLAC and Stanford researchers are developing a device that combines electrical brain stimulation with EEG recording, opening potential new paths for treating neurological disorders. Researchers at SLAC and Stanford are developing a … READ MORE

People with disabilities excluded from re-opening plans, advocates warn

People with disabilities have been shut out of the conversation as Canadians plan to return to school, work and play, further jeopardizing their health and safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, advocates warn. The woman in the … READ MORE

Gamers forge their own paths when it comes to accessibility

Players with disabilities and chronic illnesses haven’t waited around for console manufacturers to look their way. Here’s how far we’ve come—and how far we have to go Mark Barlet, President of the AbleGamers … READ MORE

Robotic neck brace dramatically improves functions of ALS patients

Comfortable brace incorporates both sensors and actuators to restore roughly 70% of the active range of motion. A study participant wearing the neck brace. Photo and Video credit: Haohan Zhang and Sunil K. Agrawal, Columbia … READ MORE

Therapeutic horseback riding combined with cognitive exercises can help children with ADHD and Autism

Therapeutic horseback riding combined with brain-building exercises can improve the dexterity, coordination and strength of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, shows a study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Whispering … READ MORE

How reaching for toys could change Cerebral palsy therapy

A USC researcher is hoping to change the way physical therapists treat infants at risk of cerebral palsy by combining cognitive and physical activity. Photo: Julia Rendelman By Katharine Gammon, University of Southern California … READ MORE

The rig lets disabled people go offroading

The Rig is constructed with an aluminum frame, detachable bumper, and four inch off road bike tires. We designed this fully electric, ‘off road wheelchair’ to be as easy to maintain and repair as possible. It’s made mostly with … READ MORE

20% of disabled Albertans who need workplace modifications don’t get them

Advocates say employers are changing for the better. Experts say it’s often small adjustments that make a big difference for disabled staff in a work environment. Alexander Zemlianichenko, Associated Press Amy Tucker, CBC News … READ MORE

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