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.
Related documents
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, University of British Columbia
External positions
Technical Specialist in Assistive Technology, World Health Organization
1 Mar 2022 → …
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):
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SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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A feasibility study of a shared control powered wheelchair training program for individuals with spinal cord injury
Smith, E. M., Tregobov, N. & Miller, W. C., Jan 2026, In: Spinal Cord. 64, 1, p. 40-45 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Evolving with the field: Strengthening knowledge translation in assistive technology
Smith, E. M., 2026, In: Assistive Technology. 38, 2, p. 75-76 2 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial
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UNCRPD and Sport: A Comparative Analysis of European States Parties Reports
Geppert, A., Smith, E. M. & MacLachlan, M., Feb 2026, In: Disabilities. 6, 1, 2.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Assistive Technologies, Principles and Practices
Polgar, J., Encarnacao, P., Smith, E. M. & Cook, A., 2025, 6 ed. Elsevier.Research output: Book/Report › Book
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Collaborative consensus on assistive technology impacts and outcomes: the GAATO Grand Challenges
Smith, E., Layton, N. & Smith, R., 2025, In: Assistive Technology. 37, sup1, p. S131-S138Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access