RSI Celebrates Groundbreaking Achievements & Inclusivity at the 2024 ICAIR Conference

The Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI) once again had the privilege of co-presenting the second annual International Conference on Aging, Innovation, and Rehabilitation (ICAIR), held last month at The Carlu in downtown Toronto.

Expanded into a two-day event on May 6 and 7, ICAIR 2024 was a resounding success, attracting over 800 attendees from various professional disciplines, including healthcare, rehabilitation, engineering, and age-tech. The conference showcased a diverse array of presentations, workshops, and discussions, emphasizing the latest advancements and innovations in the field.

Introducing the Inaugural EDI Best Poster Award

A highlight of ICAIR 2024 was the introduction of the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute Best Poster Award in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). This inaugural award, a testament to RSI's unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within rehabilitation sciences, honored outstanding research that addresses and champions these critical values.

Awarding Excellence in EDI Research

The award recognizes exceptional work that not only advances the field of rehabilitation sciences but also prioritizes the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. This year's recipients were RSI graduate students Juliana Nunes Da Silva and Renato Barbosa dos Santos, whose innovative research exemplifies the integration of EDI principles in rehabilitation.

A Platform for Leading-Edge Discussions

Beyond the EDI Best Poster Award, ICAIR 2024 featured an extensive array of presentations and discussions on topics ranging from cutting-edge technological advancements in rehabilitation to policy frameworks designed to support aging populations. Notable keynote speakers included André Picard, health reporter, author, and columnist for The Globe and Mail; Elise Roy, a deaf human-centered designer, former lawyer, and motivational speaker at the forefront of the disruptive innovation movement; and Dr. Stanisa Raspopovic, assistant professor of neuroengineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland.

The conference also provided a fertile ground for networking and collaboration, with workshops and roundtable discussions enabling participants to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships. Attendees engaged with thought leaders and innovators, exploring the intersections of aging, rehabilitation, and technological innovation.

Looking Forward

RSI is honored to have contributed to the success of this innovative conference. ICAIR 2024 not only celebrated current achievements but also set the stage for future innovations and advancements in rehabilitation sciences. For more detailed insights and information on the awards and research highlighted at the conference, visit the KITE Research Institute's news page.