Hopkins Research Showcased on the International Stage at Canadian Occupational Therapy Conference

The Hopkins Centre's research was recently showcased to an international audience when Professor Louise Gustafsson attended the Canadian Occupational Therapy Conference in Montréal, Canada, from 13–15 May 2026.  

 

Professor Gustafsson delivered two oral presentations highlighting innovative research led by The Hopkins Centre and its collaborators. The first presentation, Enhancing Home Modification Processes Using 3D Visualisations: A Proof-of-Concept Study, explored the use of emerging technologies to support home modification planning and decision-making. The second presentation, Addressing Return to Driving in Community-Based Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review, examined current evidence and opportunities to better support people returning to driving following acquired brain injury.

These presentations reflected The Hopkins Centre's ongoing commitment to developing practical, person-centred solutions that enhance participation, independence and quality of life for people living with disability and complex health conditions.

 

In the lead-up to her visit to Canada, Professor Gustafsson was also invited to present to the Interactive Technologies of Engineering in Rehabilitation (INTER) group, a collaborative network of rehabilitation technology researchers across Québec. During this online presentation, she showcased a range of projects from The Hopkins Centre's Enabling Technologies and Environments research program, including VisADLs for home modifications, VR-based nature experiences, the ROBIN app, and the MySkinCompanion app.

 

While in Canada, Professor Gustafsson spent time with Professor Manon Guay and her research team at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. The team developed MapIT, an innovative tool that creates three-dimensional representations of rooms and homes, enabling virtual viewing and measurement. Researchers from The Hopkins Centre are currently collaborating with the Canadian team and to explore the feasibility and usability of MapIT for home modification practices following spinal cord injury.

 

These international collaborations are helping to strengthen research partnerships and accelerate the translation of innovative technologies into rehabilitation practice. The Hopkins Centre looks forward to sharing further updates on the MapIT project and its outcomes with the Hopkins community later this year.

 

    

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csiUai4PVxA