Introduction

Worldwide, there is growing emphasis on developing effective strategies to improve the usability of rehabilitation technologies, focusing on enhancing accessibility and empowering individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. Central to these efforts is the need for comprehensive evaluation strategies that not only assess the functionality of assistive technologies but also capture real-world usability, user satisfaction, and long-term effectiveness. It is recognized that traditional evaluation methods often fail to fully account for the unique needs and preferences of users, which can lead to underestimation of the challenges they face in daily use.

As a result, researchers and practitioners in Canada are working to develop more comprehensive evaluation frameworks. These strategies are designed to provide deeper insights into how rehabilitation technologies are used in diverse, real-world contexts, and how they can be optimized to better meet the demands of individuals with varying needs. Key components of these evaluation strategies include understanding the mechanisms and contextual factors that affect the usability of rehabilitation technologies and ensuring that these technologies are suitable for neurodiverse populations.

Moreover, there is an increasing focus on novel ways to improve engagement with assistive technologies. For example, incorporating elements like gamification and personalized interfaces has been shown to increase motivation and participation, especially for individuals with chronic conditions. Through these initiatives, Canada is taking steps to ensure that rehabilitation services and assistive technologies not only meet the technical needs of users but also address their unique preferences and challenges, fostering greater inclusion and participation.

Invitation for contributions

In the Special Thematic Session ‘An overview of Canadian strategies to improve the usability of rehabilitation technologies’ we welcome presentations related to methodological considerations in addressing the usability of assistive technologies, or the development and evaluation of applications to address assistive technology usability. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• METHODS
  • Creating a Community of Practice to improve evaluation methods for rehabilitation technologies
  • Exploring mechanisms and contextual factors that influence the usability of digital technologies for home-based neurorehabilitation
  • Theoretical frameworks that support the evaluation of technologies for rehabilitation
  • Usability assessment for neurodiverse populations 
• APPLICATIONS
  • Development and evaluation of telerehabilitation interventions for assistive technology users
  • Improving the usability of mobile applications to support self-management for people with neurological conditions
  • Co-development of virtual reality software for people with acquired communication disorders
  • The use of serious games to increase skills and safer use of mobility assistive technology

Chairs

Claudine Auger, Scientific co-director, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Canada, Scientific co-director, Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal (IURDPM), Full Professor, School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Canada, claudine.auger@umontreal.ca