Technology for Living

10/12/2026

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Technology for Living!

This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for our members, their families, our dedicated staff, volunteers, and everyone who supports our work throughout the year.

Thank you for being part of a community that values independence, accessibility, and connection. 💙

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and happy Thanksgiving! 🧡

10/09/2026

🔬 Participants Needed for SCI Research Study

Simon Fraser University is recruiting participants for a study exploring the effects of passive heat therapy (hot water immersion) in adults with higher-level spinal cord injuries (T7–C4).

Study details:

One 4-hour session, including 45 minutes of hot tub immersion

Non-invasive monitoring of physiological responses

$100 honorarium

Parking and eligible transportation costs covered or reimbursed

Who can participate? Adults who are non-smokers and have had a T7–C4 spinal cord injury for at least two years.

📩 Interested in participating or learning more? Contact Dr. James J. Laskin at [email protected].

10/02/2026

A great afternoon of connection and community at the EcoWisdom event. 🌱☕️

Our TFL team had the opportunity to attend and connect with community members this week and learn more about the work happening to support people with disabilities.

We’re grateful for opportunities like this that bring organizations, staff, and community members together. 💙

09/30/2026

🧡 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is a day to honour Residential School Survivors, their families and communities, and to remember the children who never returned home.

Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters grew from the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her when she attended residential school as a child. Today, the orange shirt is a symbol of the loss of identity, culture and belonging experienced by many Indigenous children.

At TFL, we recognize that reconciliation requires continued learning, listening and reflection. We encourage our community to learn from Indigenous voices and take time to reflect on the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools.

September 30 | Every Child Matters. 🧡

09/28/2026

🦾 AceLace: This Year's Simon Cox Student Design Competition Winner

Meet the AceLace: an open-source, 3D-printed device that makes tying shoelaces as simple as twist, pull, push. Created by UBC Okanagan engineering student team, it started as a class project in an Inclusive Design course and grew into a real accessibility tool, tested with the help of a user from Accessibility Okanagan.

"Its story doesn't end with the competition." Jules and their team open-sourced the design so anyone can 3D-print their own, and it's now available pre-assembled too.

Read the full article here: https://issuu.com/technologyforliving/docs/balancesept2026

💡 Got an idea for next year?

The Simon Cox Student Design Competition runs on ideas from peers. If something in your day doesn't work quite the way it should, whether at home, at work, getting around, or doing something you love, that's exactly the kind of challenge a student design team could take on.

Submit your idea: tinyurl.com/SimonCoxIdea

09/26/2026

Keeping your BiPAP clean and well maintained helps keep your equipment working properly. 🫧💙

In this video, our PROP RRT, Elysse walks through the basics of BiPAP/Bilevel cleaning and maintenance, including helpful tips for keeping your equipment in good condition.

▶️ Watch the video to learn more:

This video outlines cleaning recommendations for optimal function o...

09/25/2026

Power wheelchairs can open the door to independence, creativity and self-expression. 💙

In the September issue of Balance, TFL member Lisa Coriale shares her experience learning to operate her power wheelchair, navigating the challenges that come with it, and discovering a new way to create art using her chair.

From mastering head controls to painting patterns across a canvas, Lisa’s story highlights both the hurdles and triumphs that come with assistive technology.

Read “The Hurdles and Triumphs of Using a Power Wheelchair” in the latest issue of Balance. 🎨♿️

https://issuu.com/technologyforliving/docs/balancesept2026

09/24/2026

☕ Coffee, conversation and community

Yesterday, our TFL team members joined CARMA for their Coffee with CARMA event, a monthly gathering that brings people together to connect, enjoy a coffee and spend time in the community.

We had the opportunity to see the impact of their work supporting people with disabilities to live in the community and advocating for greater choice and independence.

We’re grateful to be part of conversations that bring organizations and communities together. 💙

09/23/2026

🌿EcoWisdom Event Coming up next week!

Join us and EcoWisdom on September 30 for an Accessible Nature Well-being Program at VanDusen Botanical Garden.

The afternoon will include nature-based mindfulness, forest bathing and opportunities to explore the sights, textures and scents of nature in an accessible setting.

🗓️ September 30, 2026

🍴 Light lunch: 12–1 PM

🌿 Nature program: 1–3 PM

📍 VanDusen Botanical Garden

Register through the link https://ecowisdom.mykajabi.com/register-for-anwp-vandusen-sep-2026 or email [email protected]. 🌱

Spinal Cord Injury BC, Fraser Active Living, Park People / Ami·es des parcs

09/22/2026

🎒 Back to school with TIL!

A new school year can come with a lot of changes, but assistive technology can help make the transition a little easier.

In the latest issue of Balance, we’re sharing some of the ways TIL can support students, from phone mounts and voice assistants to automatic door openers, accessible gaming controls and more.

Read the full article and discover how TIL can help make school more accessible. 💙

https://issuu.com/technologyforliving/docs/balancesept2026