Ontario Brain Institute Public Talk - The Transformative Power of Neurotechnology

Simple voice commands to your phone can help set reminders, add items to your grocery list, shuffle your music, or turn on lights in a room – convenient, isn’t it? Similarly, by tying brain research to technology, we can profoundly transform the lives of individuals with neurological disabilities and disorders - with something as simple as a device to monitor and manage anxiety in individuals with autism.

Join us to hear from industry leaders and caregivers about the prospect of neurotechnology to improve overall quality of life for the people who need it most.

About the Speakers:

• Opening remarks by Hon. Ross Romano, Ontario's Minister of Colleges and Universities
• Lita, a 24-year-old with an intellectual disability who loves to read and watch hockey. She dreams of living independently in her own apartment one day.
• Sharon Wong, Director of Commercialization at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Sharon helps technology integration in healthcare through partnerships between industry and research.
• Andrea Palmer, Founder and CEO of Awake Labs. An entrepreneur and a tech geek, Andrea is committed to empowering care for people with brain disorders – starting with autism.
• Angel Vibert, Director of Community Residential Services at Community Living North Bay. Angel is committed to creating environments for people with intellectual disabilities that promote their independence, participation, and inclusion in the community.
• Diane Dewing, a mother of four including Jessica, a non-verbal 35-year-old women living with anxiety. Diane has 38 years of teaching experience facilitating inclusive classrooms and was President of the Ontario Teachers’ Federation.
• Moderated by Rackeb Tesfaye, Science Communicator & PhD Candidate, McGill University

This is a public talk hosted by the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) as part of their 2020/21 series of OBI Public Talks.