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On December 10, Toronto Public Heath declared a Norovirus outbreak on the Complex Continuing Care unit. Other units and programs are operating as usual. Click for more info.

Please note our ambulatory care services will be closed on Dec. 25-26, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026. The day program will be closed Dec. 22-26, 2025.

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Elaine Biddiss

Elaine Biddiss, MASc, PhD, PEng

Senior Scientist and Bloorview Childrens Hospital Foundation Chair in Pediatric Rehabilitation

ebiddiss@hollandbloorview.ca | 416-425-6220 ext. 3505

RESEARCH

Research Focus:
Dr. Biddiss designs innovative technologies that create possibilities for young people with disabilities to participate more meaningfully and effectively in the arts, music, physical activities and therapies.

Research/Trainee/Volunteer Opportunities:
Dr. Biddiss currently has opportunities for graduate students. Learn more about how to Work with Us.

EDUCATION & PROFESSION

Education:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) — Institute of Biomedical Engineering | University of Toronto
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (MASc) — Institute of Biomedical Engineering (Collaborative Specialization) | University of Toronto
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)— Faculty of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering | University of Toronto

University Positions/Affiliations:

  • Associate Professor (2020 Jul - present), Institute of Biomedical Engineering | University of Toronto 

  • Full Member (2018 Apr – present), Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science | University of Toronto

Honours and Awards:

  • 2023 Minister’s Award of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Government of Ontario

  • 2018 Accessibility Excellence in Research Award. Ontario Accessibility Directorate, Government of Ontario

  • 2015 - 2020 Early Researcher Award, Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation

  • 2010 Forchheimer Prize, International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics

  • 2006 Perkins Prize, Institutes of Physics and Engineering in Medicine

ONGOING PROJECTS

PUBLICATIONS

See Dr. Biddiss' publications on PubMed.

Selected peer-reviewed publications:

  1. A Khan and E Biddiss. Musical stairs: the impact of audio feedback during stair-climbing physical therapies for children. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2015;10(3):231-5 (Trainee Publication)
  2. LT Ni, D Fehlings and E Biddiss. Design and evaluation of virtual reality-based therapy games with dual focus on therapeutic relevance and user experience for children with cerebral palsy. Games Health J 2014;3(3):162-171 (Trainee Publication)
  3. S Blain-Moraes, S Chesser, S Kingsnorth, P McKeever and E Biddiss. Biomusic: a novel technology for revealing the personhood of people with profound multiple disabilities. Augment Altern Commun 2013;29(2):159-73
  4. E Biddiss, A McPherson, G Shea and P McKeever. The design and testing of interactive hospital spaces to meet the needs of waiting children. HERD 2013;6(3):49-68
  5. J Howcroft, D Fehlings, V Wright, K Zabjek, J Andrysek and E Biddiss. A Comparison of Solo and Multiplayer Active Videogame Play in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy. Games Health J 2012 Aug;1(4):287-293 (Trainee Publication)
  6. J Howcroft, S Klejman, D Fehlings, V Wright, K Zabjek, J Andrysek and E Biddiss. Active video game play in children with cerebral palsy: potential for physical activity promotion and rehabilitation therapies. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2012;93(8):1448-56 (Trainee Publication)
  7. T Berry, J Howcroft, S Klejman, D Fehlings, V Wright, E Biddiss. Variations in movement patterns during active video game play in children with cerebral palsy. J Bioengineer & Biomedical Sci 2011;S1 (Trainee Publication)
  8. J Howcroft, D Fehlings, K Zabjek, L Fay, J Liang and E Biddiss. Wearable wrist activity monitor as an indicator of functional hand use in children with cerebral palsy. DMCN 2011;53(11):1024–1029 (Trainee Publication)
  9. E Biddiss, P McKeever, S Lindsay and T Chau. Implications of prosthesis funding structures on the experiences of individuals with upper limb absence. Prosthetics & Orthotics International 2011;35(2):215-224
  10. E Biddiss and J Irwin. Active video games to promote physical activity in children and youth: a systematic review. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2010;164(7):664-72

CONTACT INFORMATION

Bloorview Research Institute
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 
150 Kilgour Road Toronto, Ontario M4G 1R8 
416-425-6220 ext. 3505 | ebiddiss@hollandbloorview.ca