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Elaine Biddiss

Elaine Biddiss, MASc, PhD, PEng

Senior Scientist, Associate Chief in Faculty and IDEAA Advancement and Bloorview Childrens Hospital Foundation Chair in Pediatric Rehabilitation

ebiddiss@hollandbloorview.ca | 416-425-6220 ext. 3505

RESEARCH

Research Focus:
Dr. Biddiss designs innovative technologies that create possibilities for young people with disabilities to participate more meaningfully and effectively in the arts, music, physical activities and therapies.

Research/Trainee/Volunteer Opportunities:
Dr. Biddiss currently has opportunities for graduate students. Learn more about how to Work with Us.

EDUCATION & PROFESSION

Education:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) — Institute of Biomedical Engineering | University of Toronto
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (MASc) — Institute of Biomedical Engineering (Collaborative Specialization) | University of Toronto
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)— Faculty of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering | University of Toronto

University Positions/Affiliations:

  • Associate Professor (2020 Jul - present), Institute of Biomedical Engineering | University of Toronto 

  • Full Member (2018 Apr – present), Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science | University of Toronto

Honours and Awards:

  • 2023 Minister’s Award of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Government of Ontario

  • 2018 Accessibility Excellence in Research Award. Ontario Accessibility Directorate, Government of Ontario

  • 2015 - 2020 Early Researcher Award, Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation

  • 2010 Forchheimer Prize, International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics

  • 2006 Perkins Prize, Institutes of Physics and Engineering in Medicine

ONGOING PROJECTS

PUBLICATIONS

See Dr. Biddiss' publications on PubMed.

Selected peer-reviewed publications:

  1. A Khan and E Biddiss. Musical stairs: the impact of audio feedback during stair-climbing physical therapies for children. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2015;10(3):231-5 (Trainee Publication)
  2. LT Ni, D Fehlings and E Biddiss. Design and evaluation of virtual reality-based therapy games with dual focus on therapeutic relevance and user experience for children with cerebral palsy. Games Health J 2014;3(3):162-171 (Trainee Publication)
  3. S Blain-Moraes, S Chesser, S Kingsnorth, P McKeever and E Biddiss. Biomusic: a novel technology for revealing the personhood of people with profound multiple disabilities. Augment Altern Commun 2013;29(2):159-73
  4. E Biddiss, A McPherson, G Shea and P McKeever. The design and testing of interactive hospital spaces to meet the needs of waiting children. HERD 2013;6(3):49-68
  5. J Howcroft, D Fehlings, V Wright, K Zabjek, J Andrysek and E Biddiss. A Comparison of Solo and Multiplayer Active Videogame Play in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy. Games Health J 2012 Aug;1(4):287-293 (Trainee Publication)
  6. J Howcroft, S Klejman, D Fehlings, V Wright, K Zabjek, J Andrysek and E Biddiss. Active video game play in children with cerebral palsy: potential for physical activity promotion and rehabilitation therapies. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2012;93(8):1448-56 (Trainee Publication)
  7. T Berry, J Howcroft, S Klejman, D Fehlings, V Wright, E Biddiss. Variations in movement patterns during active video game play in children with cerebral palsy. J Bioengineer & Biomedical Sci 2011;S1 (Trainee Publication)
  8. J Howcroft, D Fehlings, K Zabjek, L Fay, J Liang and E Biddiss. Wearable wrist activity monitor as an indicator of functional hand use in children with cerebral palsy. DMCN 2011;53(11):1024–1029 (Trainee Publication)
  9. E Biddiss, P McKeever, S Lindsay and T Chau. Implications of prosthesis funding structures on the experiences of individuals with upper limb absence. Prosthetics & Orthotics International 2011;35(2):215-224
  10. E Biddiss and J Irwin. Active video games to promote physical activity in children and youth: a systematic review. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2010;164(7):664-72

CONTACT INFORMATION

Bloorview Research Institute
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 
150 Kilgour Road Toronto, Ontario M4G 1R8 
416-425-6220 ext. 3505 | ebiddiss@hollandbloorview.ca