Five distinctive international conferences generated solutions to the challenges facing the world’s aging populations

For immediate release
July 3, 2007 – Canada – Over June 16th – 19th, the world’s leading experts on topics relating to aging, disability, informal caregiving and new technologies gathered in Toronto for a one-of-a-kind festival.  The Festival of International Conferences on Caregiving, Disability, Aging and Technology (FICCDAT) brought together for the first time five distinctive conferences to facilitate a global dialogue among leading experts on the universal issues of aging, disability, caregiving and the role of technology in helping the world’s aging populations live longer and better. 

More than 1200 delegates attended FICCDAT, co-hosted by March of Dimes Canada and Toronto Rehab.

“FICCDAT was an overwhelming success!” says Andria Spindel, FICCDAT Co-Chair and President and CEO of March of Dimes Canada. “FICCDAT was widely attended, with delegates from over 35 countries, partners in government, private sector, academia, consumer and professional organizations.”

“As baby boomers continue to live longer, most will face disability as a result of chronic and age-related illness, while people with disabilities are now living longer and experiencing additional complications due to age. Questions around who will care for these aging populations and what technologies can be used to help them live independently and safely were discussed at FICCDAT,” adds Toronto Rehab’s Vice President of Research and FICCDAT Co-Chair, Dr. Geoff Fernie.

Conference delegates had an unprecedented opportunity to share and explore the most current scientific, technological and social developments with other professionals from different backgrounds.  Joint sessions between conferences, shared poster presentations, social events and working groups encouraged delegates to discuss a variety of issues facing the world’s aging populations and to develop shared solutions.

FICCDAT highlights included a trade exhibition, where groundbreaking and innovative companies and organizations presented new technologies and unique services geared at people with disabilities and their caregivers; a festive opening gala at the ROM’s new Michael Lee-Chin Crystal which featured among other performers traditional aboriginal drummers, a hoop dancer; and a closing banquet, hosted by City-TV’s David Onley, where renowned artists with disabilities entertained a very appreciative audience.

Even though FICCDAT was predominately a professional educational event, the topics discussed touched the lives of everyone.  Over 15 organizations partnered to co-present the festival and consumers and caregivers were included in planning, presenting and supporting the festival’s many facets. In addition the program included a one day symposium on Aging in Place which focused on home modifications and universal design solutions from around the world, and an half day symposium between Canadian and UK researchers on Aging and Mobility.

The two organizations which co-hosted are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals recovering from, and living with, disabling injury, illness and age-related conditions.

Visit www.ficcdat.ca to learn more about FICCDAT and the five international conferences.

March of Dimes Canada is a nationally registered charitable organization providing support services to over 50,000 people with disabilities, their families and caregivers across Canada. For more information please visit the website www.marchofdimes.ca or call 1-800-263-3463.

The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (Toronto Rehab) is at the forefront of one of the most important and emerging frontiers in health care today – rehabilitation science. Toronto Rehab is one of Canada's leading academic rehabilitation science centres providing adult rehabilitation services, complex continuing care, and long-term care. More information is available at: www.torontorehab.com

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For more information, please contact:
 
Ruth Kapelus
March of Dimes Canada
416-425-3463, ext. 7254
RKapelus@dimes.on.ca

Carolyn Lovas
Toronto Rehab
416-597-3422, ext. 3837
lovas.carolyn@torontorehab.on.ca