On June 26, 2017, Holland Bloorview senior scientist Tom Chau was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering, recognizing his outstanding ability and dedication to the field of engineering and to making a difference in the lives of kids with disabilities and their families.

Through his work, Chau explores new ways for kids with disabilities to communicate and interact with the world around them. Chau and his lab, the PRISM lab, have focused on access innovations in recent years which include the discovery, design, and evaluation of novel pathways by which children and youth can communicate or interact with their environment in the absence of functional speech and gestures.

“We are very proud of Dr. Tom Chau for this prestigious honour and his work in growing a world of possibility and limitless choice for kids with disabilities,” says Amy McPherson, interim vice president of research. “His research is driven by his unwavering commitment to supporting kids and youth with disabilities and their families. His innovations and discoveries lead to meaningful, life-changing impacts both within, and outside of, Holland Bloorview’s walls. He wholeheartedly deserves this recognition.”

The Canadian Academy of Engineering is comprised of Canada's most accomplished engineers and leaders. For more information about the Canadian Academy of Engineering, click here.