At NYRC, we are proud to have the best experts in Canada on our team. We spoke with one of our assessors and Kinesiologist, Brent Armstrong on International Day of Disabled Persons to uncover more about the day, and his experience.
The International Day of Disabled Persons is deeply meaningful to me. Working closely with individuals who have been injured, I see their resilience and determination daily. This day highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting their journey towards recovery.
It serves as a reminder to raise awareness about the challenges they face and to ensure their voices are heard, and their needs are met. Dedicating this day to people with disabilities emphasizes the need for inclusivity and equality and the critical role of support systems in their rehabilitation and integration into everyday life.
For me, this day is about more than acknowledgment; it's about actively contributing to a society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and live a fulfilling life.
As a kinesiologist, I see how physical health and rehabilitation are vital in promoting inclusivity and equality for people with disabilities. Physical health is fundamental to a person's well-being, allowing them to participate in daily activities and fostering independence and autonomy.
Rehabilitation aims to restore physical function and empowers individuals by considering their unique needs and goals. This personalized approach helps reintegrate them into the community, enhancing their quality of life. By focusing on abilities rather than limitations, rehabilitation breaks down societal barriers that often marginalize people with disabilities.
The intersection of physical health and rehabilitation supports broader goals of inclusivity and equality by advocating for accessible public spaces, providing adaptive technologies, and ensuring people with disabilities can fully engage in social, educational, and professional settings.
Over the past 35 years, my role has been to emphasize holistic care, integrating physical rehabilitation with psychological and social support. This comprehensive approach ensures individuals are physically capable, mentally resilient, and socially connected. Addressing the multifaceted aspects of disability brings us closer to a society where inclusivity and equality are realities for all.
Ultimately, the synergy between physical health and rehabilitation enables people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, contribute to their communities, and achieve their aspirations, whether social or vocational. It underscores the principle that everyone deserves equal opportunities and respect regardless of their abilities, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable world.
In my experience performing functional capacity evaluations, I often encounter several common
misconceptions about the physical capabilities of people with disabilities. One prevalent
misunderstanding is the underestimation of their resilience and determination. Many assume that individuals with disabilities lack the fortitude to endure physical pain, fatigue, chronic pain, and depression. This couldn't be further from the truth.
People with disabilities frequently demonstrate remarkable resilience, pushing through significant physical and emotional challenges daily. Despite discomfort and exhaustion, their willingness to engage in rehabilitation is a testament to their personal responsibility and commitment to improving their quality of life. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to overlook their innate strength and focus instead on their limitations.
Another misconception is that individuals with disabilities are less motivated to work through their pain and fatigue. On the contrary, many are highly driven to regain functionality and independence. They often adopt a proactive approach to their rehabilitation, seeking additional resources and support to aid their recovery.
Moreover, the impact of chronic pain and depression on their physical capabilities is frequently
misunderstood. While these conditions can indeed affect performance, they do not diminish the
individual's potential for improvement. With appropriate support and adaptive strategies, people with disabilities can achieve substantial progress in their rehabilitation journey.
Understanding these misconceptions and addressing them is crucial for healthcare professionals. By recognizing the inherent strength and determination of people with disabilities, we can better support their autonomy and independence, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in supporting the autonomy and independence of people with disabilities in their daily lives. One of the most critical aspects of this support is empowering individuals with comprehensive and accessible information about their condition, treatment options, and rehabilitation strategies. By providing clear, detailed, and understandable information, healthcare professionals enable people with disabilities to make informed decisions about their care, fostering a sense of control and self-determination.
Reinforcing independence involves encouraging individuals to actively participate in their rehabilitation processes and daily routines. This can include setting achievable goals, providing adaptive tools and technologies, and creating a supportive environment that promotes self-sufficiency. Healthcare professionals can offer guidance on managing day-to-day activities, adapting environments to meet individual needs and building skills that enhance independence.
Fostering a positive mindset and resilience is essential, as well as instilling confidence and motivation to overcome obstacles. Collaboration among healthcare professionals is paramount in ensuring coherent and consistent support for people with disabilities. Interdisciplinary communication minimizes the risk of duplicative or contradictory advice, which can be confusing and detrimental to the patient's progress.
By working together, professionals from various fields—such as kinesiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and medical doctors—can share insights and coordinate their efforts to provide a unified approach to care. This holistic and integrated method ensures that all aspects of the patient's well-being are addressed, leading to more effective and personalized rehabilitation plans.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a network of care that empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve their fullest potential. By recognizing and celebrating their strengths, facilitating access to necessary resources, and ensuring a collaborative and supportive healthcare environment, we can significantly enhance their quality of life and promote a more inclusive society.
Accessibility in public spaces ensures that individuals with disabilities can live independently, participate in their communities, and access necessary services and opportunities. It is a fundamental aspect of promoting equality and inclusivity. Without accessible public spaces, the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities become insurmountable, often leading to social isolation and diminished quality of life.
Accessibility encompasses a wide range of considerations, from physical barriers to attitudinal and informational challenges. It involves creating environments that accommodate the diverse needs of individuals with various types of disabilities, including mobility impairments, visual and hearing impairments, and cognitive disabilities. This holistic approach to accessibility ensures that all aspects of public life, including transportation, buildings, communication, and services, are inclusive and welcoming.
Improving an individual's functional ability through rehabilitation can significantly enhance their
independence and quality of life. However, it is not a replacement for ensuring public spaces are
accessible. Functional improvements can help individuals perform daily activities more effectively, but without accessible environments, their ability to fully participate in society remains limited.
For example, an individual who has undergone successful rehabilitation for a mobility impairment may regain the ability to walk short distances with the help of a cane. However, if public spaces lack ramps,elevators, or accessible pathways, this individual may still be unable to navigate these areas independently. Similarly, improvements in cognitive or sensory functions can enhance an individual's capacity to engage with their environment, but these gains are rendered meaningless if public spaces do not provide appropriate accommodations, such as clear signage or audio cues.
Ensuring accessibility in public spaces is an essential complement to rehabilitation efforts. It creates an enabling environment where individuals with disabilities can apply their functional abilities without encountering unnecessary barriers.
Despite significant advancements in accessibility, many public spaces still fall short of providing a truly inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. Based on my experience, here are three key areas where I believe improvements are still needed:
Transportation Infrastructure
Accessible transportation is crucial for individuals with disabilities to reach their destinations
independently. While some progress has been made, many transportation systems still lack essential
features:
Communication and Information Access
Effective communication is vital for ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access information and services:
One key improvement society can make to promote full inclusion and rights of individuals with disabilities is to implement universal design principles. By ensuring that public spaces, transportation, and digital platforms are accessible to all, we can remove barriers that prevent full participation. Universal design (i.e., signage, website lay-out etc.) not only benefits those with disabilities but also enhances usability for everyone, creating a more inclusive environment.
As a kinesiologist who provides functional capacity evaluations and cost-of-care reports for those injured in motor vehicle accidents, work-related incidents, or those with congenital impairments, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible resilience and determination of individuals who refuse to let their injuries dictate how they live their lives. This journey of discovery has profoundly shaped my approach to care and rehabilitation.
Throughout my career, I have been inspired by countless stories of perseverance and tenacity. Individuals who have faced traumatic injuries or have lived with congenital impairments often exhibit a profound strength of character and a relentless drive to regain their independence. These individuals navigate the complexities of their physical limitations with a humbling and motivating spirit.
One of the most remarkable aspects of my work is observing how people adapt and find new ways to engage with their surroundings despite significant challenges. They employ a variety of strategies, from leveraging assistive technologies to developing new skills that compensate for their impairments. Their creativity and resourcefulness are a testament to the human capacity for adaptation and growth.
For example, I have seen individuals who have lost the use of their legs become proficient in wheelchair sports, or those with severe hand injuries learn to use voice-activated technology to perform daily tasks. These examples of adaptation highlight the importance of providing access to tools and resources and underscore the necessity of fostering a supportive environment that encourages exploration and innovation.
Shaping My Approach to Care and Rehabilitation
Seeing these individuals' efforts has profoundly influenced my approach to care and rehabilitation. It has reinforced the importance of a holistic, client-centred approach that considers the physical aspects of an injury and the emotional and psychological facets.
Personalized Care Plans
Every individual's journey is unique, and their rehabilitation plan should reflect that. In my cost of care plans, I prioritize providing recommendations tailored to each examinee's specific needs, goals, and circumstances. This might mean incorporating unconventional methods or exploring new technologies to aid their recovery. Flexibility and creativity are crucial in developing effective and sustainable rehabilitation strategies.
Holistic Support
Recognizing the emotional and psychological toll that injuries can take, I ensure that my approach encompasses holistic support. This includes providing information about mental health resources, encouraging involvement in support groups, and fostering a community of care. By addressing the full spectrum of an individual's needs, I aim to promote comprehensive healing and well-being.
Ongoing Learning and Adaptation
Finally, my work in the field of evaluation and rehabilitation is ever-evolving. I am committed to
continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest advancements in kinesiology, functional capacity evaluation and rehabilitation sciences. By remaining open to new ideas and approaches, I can better serve my patients and support them in their journey to recovery.
Get in touch with us today to discuss further how NYRC and our expert assessors can assist you with your case.