EXFOMD 2306 - Reflexivity and Disability Praxis: Translating Values to Action

This course introduces foundational concepts, skills, and practices related to Access, Community, and Belonging, Indigenization, colonialism, disability, and health inequity within the context of rehabilitation research and technology development. Through a series of interactive half-day workshops, you will explore topics such as social identity, positionality, collaboration, consent, structural barriers, and inclusive practices while developing a deeper understanding of socially responsible approaches to Sensory-Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technologies (SMART). You will gain foundational knowledge and practical insights to support equitable and meaningful engagement in research, innovation, and professional practice.

Designed to complement technical and scientific training, this course provides an accessible, interdisciplinary, and reflective learning environment that strengthens essential professional and social competencies. Through interactive workshops, guided discussions, case studies, and collaborative activities, you will build greater awareness of structural barriers, health inequities, and inclusive practices, while developing the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to more inclusive research and innovation.

This introductory course provides foundational knowledge in accessibility, community, belonging, Indigenization, and socially responsible research practices. It is open to learners of all educational and professional backgrounds, with no prior expertise required, and is particularly relevant to those in rehabilitation research, health technologies, biomedical engineering, and related interdisciplinary fields.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• 🗸 Develop foundational knowledge of concepts and principles related to sociocultural critical engagement with prevailing health-science and allied health science paradigms, discourses, axiological fidelities, and their relevance to rehabilitation research, SMART technologies, and professional practice.
• 🗸 Recognize and begin to critically examine structural barriers and health inequities, including the historical and contemporary factors that shape research, healthcare, physical activity, and rehabilitation practice.
• 🗸 Situate present-day barriers within their historical, social, and cultural contexts, and reflect on how these contexts influence the work and issues that matter most to them.
• 🗸 Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, self-reflection, professional reflexivity, and inclusive professional practices through positionality work, social annotation, discussion, and collaborative learning activities.
• 🗸 Develop creative and inclusive approaches to addressing persistent challenges in research, practice, and community settings.
• 🗸 Clearly articulate and share their own ideas, experiences, and perspectives while engaging respectfully with diverse viewpoints.
• 🗸 Identify and access resources, tools, and frameworks that support equitable, inclusive, and accessible research and professional practice.
• 🗸 Develop concrete next steps for applying course concepts to their own research, professional practice, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

• 🗸Resources for continued learning and future advanced modules are provided to help learners incorporate these concepts into their ongoing professional development and personal learning plans.
• 🗸A digital badge will be issued upon completion of the course. After the grade is posted, learners will receive an email from MyCreds with instructions for accessing their badge.