Emma M. Smith, RESNA Fellow

Dr., PhD, MScOT

20172025

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Research Interests

My research focuses on health policy, equity, and ethics, particularly related to access to assistive technologies for persons with disabilities, those who are ageing, and those with other health conditions. I am also currently conducting research in the intersection of assistive technology and sport, the role of artificial intelligence in assistive technologies, and the right to take risks for persons with disabilities.

Teaching Interests

I am the Course DIrector of the Postgraduate Certificate in Posture, Seating, and Wheelchair Mobility Across the Life Course. My teaching focuses on the provision of competent, appropriate, and sustainable wheelchair services, including the assessment of the individual, the provision of wheelchairs and seating supports, wheelchair skills training, and outcome measurement related to wheelchair and assistive technology provision.

Biography

I am an Occupational Therapist and researcher with a clinical background in assistive technologies and wheelchair provision. My clinical research focuses on wheelchair provision and wheelchair skills training, primarily in the area of powered mobility. My other areas of research focus on inclusion for vulnerable and excluded populations, especially those with disabilities, through innovation in assistive technology policies and systems. In addition to my role at UL, I am a Technical Specialist in Assistive Technology and Workforce Optimization at the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe, and the Editor in Chief of the Assistive Technology Journal. I have also consulted to a variety of international organizations in the areas of disability, rehabilitation, and digital and assistive technologies.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Related documents

Education/Academic qualification

PhD, University of British Columbia

External positions

Technical Specialist in Assistive Technology, World Health Organization

1 Mar 2022 → …

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics where Emma M. Smith is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
  • 1 Similar Profiles

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or