Jacquie Ripat, PhD, is the Endowed Chair in Technology for Assisted Living and Dean of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Manitoba. An occupational therapist and researcher, her work focuses on using technology to support independence, participation, and community living for people with disabilities. She leads research that brings together people with disabilities, clinicians, researchers, and technology developers to design and evaluate meaningful technology solutions.
Monire Nobahar Ahari, PhD, is a Research Associate and Sessional Instructor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba. An occupational therapy researcher, she previously completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on the role of technology in supporting everyday activities and participation among people with disabilities, with particular interests in functional technology literacy, sustained technology use, and the development of assessment tools to support the integration of technology into everyday life.
Breakout Session:
Smart Homes, Assistive Technology, and Independence: From Possibility to Practice
Home-based electronic assistive technology (H-EAT) is rapidly changing what is possible for people with disabilities living in the community. This session will explore how smart home technologies can support independence, safety, autonomy, social connection, and everyday participation, drawing on examples from the Canada Life Smart Suite and current research. We will also consider the challenges of technology adoption—including cost, reliability, personalization, support, and sustainability—and share emerging work with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
