Enhancing Equitable Access to Assistive Technology: The case of Canada and the role of Complex Rehabilitation Technology Companies and Suppliers

$45.00

Date: 9/22/2021

Credit: .1 CEU

Speakers: Rosalie Wang, PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.) and Linda Norton, M.Sc.CH, PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Funding and Public Policy, Beginner Level

Category:

Description

The provision of the most appropriate assistive or rehabilitation technology for a client goes beyond completing an assessment and facilitating equipment trials. The provision of this technology occurs within a system, where the strengths and challenges of that system directly influence client outcomes. This workshop focuses on the strengths and challenges of the system of access to technology in Canada, challenges participants to identify areas of equity concern using a tool such as PROGRESS-Plus and explores the role of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers to support equitable access.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. The participant will be able to describe the current system of access to assistive technology in Canada, and its strengths and challenges.
  2. The participant will be able to identify areas of equity concern when examining a system of access to assistive technology, using an analysis tool such as PROGRESS-Plus.
  3. The participant will be able to examine the role of Rehabilitation Technology Providers to support equitable access to assistive technology at the individual client level, regional/national system level, and global level.

Rosalie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto. She is an Affiliate Scientist at KITE – Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and a member of their AI and Robotics in Rehabilitation Research Team. Her research focuses on developing and implementing technology to enable daily activity participation and social inclusion of seniors. She is leading research in robotics for post-stroke rehabilitation and on the use of information and communication technologies by seniors with cognitive impairments. As an AGE-WELL investigator she co-led a national project on enhancing equitable access to assistive technologies.

Linda is an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about the provision of appropriate seating and mobility equipment. Her diverse experience in various settings including hospital, community and industry; and experience in various roles including clinician, educator, manager and researcher give Linda a unique perspective. She teaches at two Ontario Universities and is the Manager, Learning & Development at Motion.