Mélange Accessibility for All Magazine February 2024 | Page 42

COVER STORY
Chloë ’ s XoMotion
HMR Team was still in its infancy and only available in research centers — I definitely could not get one from Amazon !”
Undeterred , however , Chloë ’ s research into exoskeleton technology continued and so did her rehab journey . It was during her time at GF Strong Rehabilitation Center in Vancouver that she discovered they used a basic exoskeleton for research . “ It took much advocating for me to be granted eight sessions to use it ,” she said . “ I just remember that day , getting into this somewhat clunky , somewhat heavy oversized device that took 2 people to get me into it . And I had to use arm crutches and a walker to even get up and get moving , but the day that I stood up and I walked across the gymnasium floor , it didn ' t matter . I was back up and this was huge . That really opened my eyes to what was possible with technology .”
Chloë was now more determined than ever to find a way to improve exoskeletons and make them accessible to those who needed it . “ My journey led me to Simon Fraser University in Surrey , where I met two visionary professors , Dr . Siamak Arzanpour and Dr . Edward Park , who had a concept for an advanced exoskeleton . It was a eureka moment for me – a chance to contribute my skills in fashion and design to a groundbreaking project .” Since then , Chloë has been working tirelessly as Director of Lived Experience with the professors and their team at
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