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Bloorview Research Institute

Scientist Profiles

Image of Patty Rigby

Name: Patty Rigby

Title: Scientist

Theme: Participation

Education: PhD, Health Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
M.H.Sc., Health-care Practice, McMaster University

University Position:

  • Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
  • Associate Member, Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Toronto
  • Cross Appointment, Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
  • Associate Professor (status-only), Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec.

Research Interests:
Assistive Technology; Person and Environment Theory and Assessment; Outcome Measurement; Play and Playfulness; Participation and Inclusion of Children with Disabilities.

Current Funding:


Title: The Art of Waiting: Evaluation of an interactive media experience in a children's hospital clinic waiting space.
Researchers: E. Biddiss(PI); Chau, T., Fehlings, D.,  McKeever, P., McPherson, A. & Rigby, P. (Co-I’s)
Agency: CIHR- Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health, Operating Grant (2011-2013)

Title: Inclusion in the environments and activities of childhood: A focus on optimal environments and the experience of meaningful participation. 
Researchers: King, G (PI), Petrenchik,T., McKeever, P., Carnevale, F., Rigby, P., Batorowicz, B., Chau, T., Gibson, B. (Co-I’s)
Agency: CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health. New Emerging Team Grant (2009-2012).

Title: Development of an indicator of the impact of assistive devices on children with disabilities and their families
Researchers: Ryan SE, Sawatzky B, Campbell KA (Co-PIs), Rigby P, Montpetit K, Roxborough L, McKeever P. (Co-Is). Stevens J, Meaning S. (Decision Maker Co-Applicants).
Agency: Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Bloorview Kids Foundation/Bloorview Research Institute and Child Health BC/Child and Youth Health Research Network (2007-2010)

Title: A comparison of the WeeFIM and PEDI questionnaires for measuring change in functional status of young children with cerebral palsy or developmental delay.
Researchers: Wright V (PI), Stratford P, Goldsmith C, Rigby P, Rosenbaum P (Co-Is) Wright J, Kenny L. (decision maker co-applicants)
Agency: CIHR Partner Grant with Bloorview Research Institute and CRRN (2007-2010)

Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications:

Kingsnorth, S., Gall, C., Beayni, S. & Rigby, P. (2011). Transition experts? Qualitative findings from a family facilitator-led parent networking group. Child: Health, Care and Development. 37 (6), 833–840.

Rigby, P., Ryan, S., Campbell, K. (2011). Electronic aids to daily living and quality of life for persons with tetraplegia  Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 6(3), 260-267. SRA

Ryan, SE, Rigby, PJ, & Campbell, KA. Randomised controlled trial comparing two school furniture configurations in the printing performance of young children with cerebral palsy. Austral Occ Ther J 2010; 57:239-245.

Tam C, Ryan SE, Rigby P, Sophianopoulos P. Rater reliability of an adapted version of the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment for primary school students with cerebral palsy. Austral Occ Ther J 2009; 56(6):403-408.

Ryan SE, Campbell KA, Rigby PJ, Fishbein-Germon B, Hubley D, Chan B. Impact of adaptive seating devices on children with cerebral palsy and their families. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2009; 90:27-33.

Rigby P, Ryan SE, Campbell K. Effect of adaptive seating devices on the activity performance of children with cerebral palsy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2009; 90(8):1389-1395.

Rigby P, Gaik S. Stability of playfulness across environmental settings: A pilot study. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2007; 27: 27-43.

Selected Chapters in Textbooks:

Rigby, P. & Joos, S. (2011). How Canadian laws influence OT practice with children. In S. Lane & A. Bundy (Eds.) Kids can be kids: Supporting the occupations and activities of childhood. Philadelphia: F.A.Davis Co.
Rigby, P., Stark, S., Letts, L., & Ringaert, L. (2008). OT evaluation and intervention: Physical environment.  In Willard & Spackman’s Occupational Therapy, 11th edition (pp.820-849). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 
Rigby, P., Lowe, M., Letts, L., & Stewart, D. (2007). Assessing context: Home, community and workplace access. In M.Trombly & M.Radomski (Eds.) Occupational therapy for physical dysfunction, 6th edition (pp. 310-337). Baltimore MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Contact Information:
Bloorview Research Institute,
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
150 Kilgour Road
Toronto, Ontario M4G 1R8

Tel: 416 425-6220, extension 3497

E-mail:  patty.rigby (at) utoronto (dot) ca

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