On this page:
Overview
Rehabilitation engineering staff design, adapt and build custom technologies and devices to help people with physical disabilities live more independently and improve their quality of life.
Rehabilitation engineering staff at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre (TOHRC) use science, technology and engineering to help improve the lives of people with physical disabilities. This can include support with mobility, communication, driving, independent living and recreation.
TOHRC is proud to be the only facility in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec offering a full range of rehabilitation engineering services. These include clinical care, technology assessments, and research and development.
How we help
Our team provides expert engineering support to design or adapt devices that meet each person’s unique needs. When no off-the-shelf solution exists, we can create something custom or modify an existing device to help improve independence and quality of life.
Our clinical services include:
- Engineering consultations.
- Custom device design and construction.
- Modifications to existing equipment.
Education
Our engineers are licensed professionals through:
- Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
- Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ).
TOHRC also holds a Certificate of Authorization from PEO, which allows us to offer professional engineering services to the public.
We support student learning through:
- The University of Ottawa, via the Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development (CRRD).
- Algonquin College, through collaborative projects.
Research
In addition to providing clinical services for individuals with physical disabilities, our team is also involved in many research and development projects.
We collaborate with:
- TOHRC clinicians.
- CRRD researchers.
- The University of Ottawa.
- Private companies.
Our research focuses on:
- New assistive technologies.
- Tools to support clinical care.
- Custom instruments for research.
We also offer fee-for-service options for custom design, prototyping and technology evaluations.
We work closely with the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) of the Ontario Ministry of Health to evaluate new technologies before they’re approved for funding. We also provide evaluation services for private companies.