The Experts below are selected from a list of 303 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Geoff Fernie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • How a diverse research ecosystem has generated new Rehabilitation technologies: Review of NIDILRR’s Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers
    Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2017
    Co-Authors: David J. Reinkensmeyer, Cathy Bodine, Kevin Caves, Edmund Durfee, Frank Deruyter, John Brabyn, D. Brienza, S. Blackstone, Stefania Fatone, Geoff Fernie
    Abstract:

    Over 50 million United States citizens (1 in 6 people in the US) have a developmental, acquired, or degenerative disability. The average US citizen can expect to live 20% of his or her life with a disability. Rehabilitation technologies play a major role in improving the quality of life for people with a disability, yet widespread and highly challenging needs remain. Within the US, a major effort aimed at the creation and evaluation of Rehabilitation technology has been the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs) sponsored by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. As envisioned at their conception by a panel of the National Academy of Science in 1970, these centers were intended to take a “total approach to Rehabilitation”, combining medicine, Engineering, and related science, to improve the quality of life of individuals with a disability. Here, we review the scope, achievements, and ongoing projects of an unbiased sample of 19 currently active or recently terminated RERCs. Specifically, for each center, we briefly explain the needs it targets, summarize key historical advances, identify emerging innovations, and consider future directions. Our assessment from this review is that the RERC program indeed involves a multidisciplinary approach, with 36 professional fields involved, although 70% of research and development staff are in Engineering fields, 23% in clinical fields, and only 7% in basic science fields; significantly, 11% of the professional staff have a disability related to their research. We observe that the RERC program has substantially diversified the scope of its work since the 1970’s, addressing more types of disabilities using more technologies, and, in particular, often now focusing on information technologies. RERC work also now often views users as integrated into an interdependent society through technologies that both people with and without disabilities co-use (such as the internet, wireless communication, and architecture). In addition, RERC research has evolved to view users as able at improving outcomes through learning, exercise, and plasticity (rather than being static), which can be optimally timed. We provide examples of Rehabilitation technology innovation produced by the RERCs that illustrate this increasingly diversifying scope and evolving perspective. We conclude by discussing growth opportunities and possible future directions of the RERC program.

  • how a diverse research ecosystem has generated new Rehabilitation technologies review of nidilrr s Rehabilitation Engineering research centers
    Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation, 2017
    Co-Authors: David J. Reinkensmeyer, Cathy Bodine, Kevin Caves, Edmund Durfee, Frank Deruyter, John Brabyn, D. Brienza, S. Blackstone, Stefania Fatone, Geoff Fernie
    Abstract:

    Over 50 million United States citizens (1 in 6 people in the US) have a developmental, acquired, or degenerative disability. The average US citizen can expect to live 20% of his or her life with a disability. Rehabilitation technologies play a major role in improving the quality of life for people with a disability, yet widespread and highly challenging needs remain. Within the US, a major effort aimed at the creation and evaluation of Rehabilitation technology has been the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs) sponsored by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. As envisioned at their conception by a panel of the National Academy of Science in 1970, these centers were intended to take a "total approach to Rehabilitation", combining medicine, Engineering, and related science, to improve the quality of life of individuals with a disability. Here, we review the scope, achievements, and ongoing projects of an unbiased sample of 19 currently active or recently terminated RERCs. Specifically, for each center, we briefly explain the needs it targets, summarize key historical advances, identify emerging innovations, and consider future directions. Our assessment from this review is that the RERC program indeed involves a multidisciplinary approach, with 36 professional fields involved, although 70% of research and development staff are in Engineering fields, 23% in clinical fields, and only 7% in basic science fields; significantly, 11% of the professional staff have a disability related to their research. We observe that the RERC program has substantially diversified the scope of its work since the 1970's, addressing more types of disabilities using more technologies, and, in particular, often now focusing on information technologies. RERC work also now often views users as integrated into an interdependent society through technologies that both people with and without disabilities co-use (such as the internet, wireless communication, and architecture). In addition, RERC research has evolved to view users as able at improving outcomes through learning, exercise, and plasticity (rather than being static), which can be optimally timed. We provide examples of Rehabilitation technology innovation produced by the RERCs that illustrate this increasingly diversifying scope and evolving perspective. We conclude by discussing growth opportunities and possible future directions of the RERC program.

Lauren Rosen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Zen T H Koh - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • proceedings of the 1st international convention on Rehabilitation Engineering assistive technology in conjunction with 1st tan tock seng hospital neuroRehabilitation meeting
    i-CREATe07 International Conference for Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology, 2007
    Co-Authors: Zen T H Koh
    Abstract:

    Assistive Technology (AT) and Rehabilitation Engineering are the systematic application of scientific and Engineering principles to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Through the providing of enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish tasks that were formerly impossible or difficult to achieved, AT promotes independence through the use of assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices and the appropriate process used in selecting, locating, and using them. An AT device can be loosely defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities". It has been long observed and reported that the use of AT devices by people with disabilities has increase vocational and independent living opportunities. The people working in this traditionally neglected field are generally known as AT practitioners, Therapists (Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Language Pathologists, etc.), Rehab Technologists, and/or Rehabilitation Engineers. These professionals have long provided AT to people with disabilities, playing a vital role in the removal of barriers toward employability and independent living, and enhanced the employability, education, communication, daily functioning, and recreational activities of people with disabilities. The importance of AT and Rehabilitation Engineering are well recognized and undeniable. Consulting with international and regional experts/professionals, there are common consensus that Asia lacks a professional platform in the field of Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology to provide information exchanges, knowledge-sharing, networking, publications of researches, and professional interactions, etc. It is with these goals of providing a comprehensive, international convention, where all technologies across all ages; disabilities; levels of education and training; employment; and independent living can be addressed, the inaugural international Convention for Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology (i-CREATe) has been initiated. i-CREATe is currently being reviewed as one of the signatory to the Tokushima Agreement and i-CREATe has been accepted as the sister conference by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA); RESNA is also the Technical Sponsor for i-CREATe 2007. The Singapore Therapeutic, Assistive & Rehabilitative Technologies Centre also known as START Centre, and the Thailand's National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC), are the two main organizations that are jointly organizing i-CREATe 2007. This event is managed by the SingEx Group (Singex Exhibitions Pte. Ltd.). The event will be held at the Singapore National Library Board Building, and the Hotel Intercontinental, from 23rd --- 26th April 2007. The inaugural i-CREATe 2007 will be formally launched by Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Kingdom of Thailand, and Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Republic of Singapore, on 24th April 2007. This is the first joint efforts by the two countries to promote Assistive Technology for people with disabilities in Southeast Asia. i-CREATe 2007 aims to provide a, previously lacking, platform for technical exchanges and exhibitions on the advanced technologies, equipments, techniques and materials applied in the field of Assistive & Rehabilitative Technology. This platform is meant for Rehabilitation and education professionals working with or implementing use of Assistive Technology including Suppliers, Technologists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Rehabilitation Engineers, Educators, End-users, Caregivers, Governmental Officials, Policy Planning Staffs, Researchers, and Academicians, and others interested in AT. We have assembled a comprehensive programme of 1 keynote session, 4 plenary sessions, 12 workshops, and 60 paper presentations from over 13 countries and regions covering the major topics of Rehabilitation Engineering and assistive technology. We trust that i-CREATe 2007 will provide you with excellent opportunities to network and to acquire new knowledge in the field of AT and Rehabilitation Engineering.

  • Proceedings of the 1st international convention on Rehabilitation Engineering & assistive technology: in conjunction with 1st Tan Tock Seng Hospital NeuroRehabilitation Meeting
    2007
    Co-Authors: Zen T H Koh
    Abstract:

    Assistive Technology (AT) and Rehabilitation Engineering are the systematic application of scientific and Engineering principles to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Through the providing of enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish tasks that were formerly impossible or difficult to achieved, AT promotes independence through the use of assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices and the appropriate process used in selecting, locating, and using them. An AT device can be loosely defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities". It has been long observed and reported that the use of AT devices by people with disabilities has increase vocational and independent living opportunities. The people working in this traditionally neglected field are generally known as AT practitioners, Therapists (Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Language Pathologists, etc.), Rehab Technologists, and/or Rehabilitation Engineers. These professionals have long provided AT to people with disabilities, playing a vital role in the removal of barriers toward employability and independent living, and enhanced the employability, education, communication, daily functioning, and recreational activities of people with disabilities. The importance of AT and Rehabilitation Engineering are well recognized and undeniable. Consulting with international and regional experts/professionals, there are common consensus that Asia lacks a professional platform in the field of Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology to provide information exchanges, knowledge-sharing, networking, publications of researches, and professional interactions, etc. It is with these goals of providing a comprehensive, international convention, where all technologies across all ages; disabilities; levels of education and training; employment; and independent living can be addressed, the inaugural international Convention for Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology (i-CREATe) has been initiated. i-CREATe is currently being reviewed as one of the signatory to the Tokushima Agreement and i-CREATe has been accepted as the sister conference by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA); RESNA is also the Technical Sponsor for i-CREATe 2007. The Singapore Therapeutic, Assistive & Rehabilitative Technologies Centre also known as START Centre, and the Thailand's National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC), are the two main organizations that are jointly organizing i-CREATe 2007. This event is managed by the SingEx Group (Singex Exhibitions Pte. Ltd.). The event will be held at the Singapore National Library Board Building, and the Hotel Intercontinental, from 23rd --- 26th April 2007. The inaugural i-CREATe 2007 will be formally launched by Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Kingdom of Thailand, and Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Republic of Singapore, on 24th April 2007. This is the first joint efforts by the two countries to promote Assistive Technology for people with disabilities in Southeast Asia. i-CREATe 2007 aims to provide a, previously lacking, platform for technical exchanges and exhibitions on the advanced technologies, equipments, techniques and materials applied in the field of Assistive & Rehabilitative Technology. This platform is meant for Rehabilitation and education professionals working with or implementing use of Assistive Technology including Suppliers, Technologists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Rehabilitation Engineers, Educators, End-users, Caregivers, Governmental Officials, Policy Planning Staffs, Researchers, and Academicians, and others interested in AT. We have assembled a comprehensive programme of 1 keynote session, 4 plenary sessions, 12 workshops, and 60 paper presentations from over 13 countries and regions covering the major topics of Rehabilitation Engineering and assistive technology. We trust that i-CREATe 2007 will provide you with excellent opportunities to network and to acquire new knowledge in the field of AT and Rehabilitation Engineering.

Brad E. Dicianno - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

V. Komisar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.