Dr. Tom Chau Receives 2016 Jonas Salk Pioneer Award

“Tom’s dedication and passion for helping young people with disabilities is truly remarkable,” - IBBME Director Christopher Yip on Dr. Tom Chau.

Congratulations to Dr. Tom Chau who has been awarded the 2016 Jonas Salk Pioneer Award for his sustained scientific contributions to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Established in 1994, the award is presented annually by March of Dimes Canada to a Canadian scientist, physician or researcher who has made a new and outstanding contribution to prevent, alleviate or eliminate a physical disability.

Dr. Chau has published over 175 refereed scientific articles and holds five patents, and his lab has developed numerous innovations aimed at maximizing possibilities for children. These include: the Virtual Music Instrument, a software tool that allows children of all abilities to access music; numerous alternative access switches that harness physiological or biomechanical signals from the body; a novel prosthetic control system, and a medical device to assess swallowing safety.

Chau accepted the Jonas Salk Award at March of Dimes Canada’s annual Ability & Beyond Dinner on June 15, 2016.

To read the original story on Dr. Chau, visit the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and IBBME websites