Grant: DRA: Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards - Doctoral

My research focuses on improving how powered mobility devices, such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters, are introduced to and used by young children with disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy. Powered mobility gives children the opportunity to move independently, explore their surroundings, learn, and connect with others. Research shows that early independent mobility is associated with improved cognitive, social, and emotional development. When children can move on their own, they gain confidence and greater control over their daily lives. However, many families and service providers face difficulties in accessing appropriate devices, choosing the right equipment, providing effective training, and maintaining long-term support. As a result, many children are unable to fully benefit from these life-changing technologies. Research shows that current service models often lack coordinated approaches to ensure that children receive the right device, training, and ongoing support. Devices may be underused or abandoned, and children may miss critical developmental opportunities. This project will examine how service systems, professional practices, and family support structures influence successful powered mobility use. The study has three components. First, it will engage families, therapists, and service providers to identify barriers and facilitators to early powered mobility. Second, it will develop and validate a tool to measure children’s mobility skills, participation, and developmental outcomes. Third, it will investigate how powered mobility affects independence and quality of life over time using quantitative and qualitative methods. By involving families and professionals throughout, this research will produce knowledge that can be directly applied in practice. The findings will inform training, service delivery, and policy development and help ensure that more children with disabilities gain lasting access to meaningful mobility and participation.