Jacquie Ripat, PhD, MSc, BMR (OT), OT Reg (MB)

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in enabling individuals with disabilities to engage in daily activities and participate fully in their communities. Dr. Jacquie Ripat’s research focuses on understanding the interaction between assistive technology users and their environments, as well as the meaning individuals ascribe to these technologies.

Her work examines how assistive technology influences occupational participation, accessibility, and inclusion across the lifespan. Using qualitative, participatory, and mixed-methods approaches, she explores strategies for optimizing assistive technology use and modifying environments to better support individuals with disabilities.

Ripat’s research seeks to:

• Investigate how assistive technology enhances community participation and accessibility
• Understand the lived experiences of assistive technology users
• Develop strategies for improving assistive technology integration into daily life

Her work is strengthened by interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers in engineering, nursing, physical therapy, architecture, interior design, and library science, contributing to the development of more inclusive and effective assistive technology solutions.

Research affiliations and groups

• Researcher, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba
• Member, ENRRICH
• Researcher, Manitoba Centre for Nursing and Health Research (MCNHR)

Keywords

• Assistive technology
• Community participation
• Accessibility
• Inclusion
• Occupational therapy
• Environmental modification

Jacquie Ripat is a professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences, where she also serves as Vice-Dean (Academic Affairs) for the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and Associate Dean (Research). Her research focuses on the interaction between individuals with disabilities who use assistive technology and the environments in which they engage. Ripat’s work examines how assistive technology influences community participation and inclusion, particularly across the lifespan, and the meaning people ascribe to these technologies.

Using qualitative, participatory, and mixed-methods approaches, Ripat aims to develop strategies for using assistive technology and modifying environments to promote greater community participation and inclusion for people with disabilities. Her research is strengthened by interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues from engineering, nursing, physical therapy, architecture, interior design, and library science.

Ripat holds a PhD in Applied Health Sciences, a Master of Science in Rehabilitation, and a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy, all from the University of Manitoba.

She is actively involved in several research affiliations, including the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba, ENRRICH, and the Manitoba Centre for Nursing and Health Research. Ripat is currently accepting master's and PhD students, and those interested are encouraged to contact her by email.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Master of Science (MSc) in Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (BMR) in Occupational Therapy, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada