Participate in Research
We have several ongoing studies and are actively recruiting for a number of them. Our participants are a valued and essential part of what we do as researchers. Without the help of participants, it would be much more difficult to understand the needs of individuals with physical disabilities, and ways to improve accessibility and assistive technology. Please see below for more information about our current studies and how to get involved! For general questions, please email (coordinator.matterslab@ubc.ca) or call (604-734-1313 ext. 6292).
Current Studies
Access to Fly – RECRUITING
We hope to understand the air travel experiences of people with disabilities, especially individuals with spinal cord injuries. Particularly, learning about the interaction of passengers with the airline personnel. The purpose is to create recommendations for airline and airport personnel training with individuals with disabilities, as well as informational resources that would support safe air travel experiences for travelers with spinal cord injuries.
SCI Yoga – RECRUITING
This study is a collaboration between the University of British Columbia and community partners with lived experience of SCI. The goal of this project is to explore the feasibility and accessibility of a virtual yoga program designed specifically for individuals with SCI. If you are living with SCI, we invite you to join a 4-week virtual yoga program, with one guided session per week. Your feedback will help us better understand how to adapt yoga for the SCI community and inform future wellness initiatives.
Developing and Evaluating a Peer Support Resource to Support Psychosocial Adaptation for Canadians with Lower Limb Amputations – RECRUITMENT STARTING SOON
When someone experiences a lower limb amputation, they face substantial changes in how they participate in meaningful activities and roles, which negatively impacts their health and quality of life, and can lead to isolation . How someone copes with the loss of a limb is a key factor influencing participation, but while physical adaptation is addressed in rehabilitation, people have far fewer resources aimed at supporting psychosocial adaptation. Peer support has been identified as a helpful tool for supporting psychosocial adaptation and participation but resources are limited. By developing and evaluating peer-support resources, we can give people with amputation a tool to support their participation in meaningful activities and roles, ultimately seeking to decrease isolation and increase satisfaction with participation.
GARDEN – Games for Rehabilitation Design Nexus
Older adults may experience physical and cognitive barriers that impact their participation in meaningful activities. Increasingly, digital rehabilitation games have been developed and may be used by older adults to enhance their aging and wellness. The purpose of this study is to develop a design framework that focuses on the end user in their role as a game player and rehabilitation client. Currently, we are looking for individuals aged 50 or older who have experiences using videogames for health (such as physical, occupational, or cognitive therapy), are able to speak English, and have access to a computer with webcam and internet. If you are interested in participating in an online interview consisting of 2 1-hour sessions, please contact Gordon Tao at garden.rehabresearch@ubc.ca. An honorarium will be provided for your time.
Self-Management for Amputees using Rehabilitation Technology (SMART)
This qualitative study will explore the rehabilitation education experiences and learning preferences of adults with lower limb amputation (LLA). The purpose of this study is to identify, through focus groups with patients and practitioners, the barriers and facilitators that affect participation in educational programs after LLA. To find out more and participate in this study, visit our SMART Participant Information page.
COMPANION
Join the Team
Interested in furthering your academic endeavours or gaining valuable research experience with a diverse and fun group of people? Please contact Dr. Miller for more information, and check UBC Careers for open work positions (https://hr.ubc.ca/careers).