The 2025 World Medical Innovation Forum (WMIF) earlier this month brought together leaders from across medicine, biotech, government, research, investors and other industries, to discuss topics at the cutting-edge of healthcare and biomedical innovation.
If you missed it, not to worry –we're here to help you catch up on all the news and highlights.
One key panel discussion at the WMIF touched on how innovation in healthcare disability is helping to transform global health. With an aging population and more people living longer with chronic conditions, the need for accessible technologies that promote mobility, independence and healthy aging is only going to rise, and there's a growing need for new solutions.
The panel, called “Innovations in Disability Technology” was moderated by Sabrina Paganoni, MD, PhD, Robert H. Brown Jr., PhilD, MD, Endowed Chair in Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH); co-director, Neurological Clinical Research Institute; Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at MGH and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and featured the following experts:
- Cheri Blauwet, MD, SVP, Chief Clinical Officer, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine (and formerly Chief Medical Officer at Spaulding Rehabilitation)
- Lily Collison, Program Director, Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press, Gillette Children’s Hospital
- Hugh Herr, PhD, Professor, MIT Media Lab Biomechatronics Group
- Regina Kline, Founder & Managing Partner, Enable Ventures
Key Themes in Healthcare Disability Innovation
After the panel wrapped, Sabrina Paganoni, MD, PhD, sat down with Cheri Blauwet, MD, to reflect on the key themes from their discussion on disability innovation. This was the first time disability technology took center stage in a panel at the Forum, and both Paganoni and Blauwet hope it starts the beginning of a broader, ongoing conversation.
One of the most powerful takeaways they mentioned was that disability isn’t a niche issue—it is something that will touch everyone at some point in life, whether temporarily or permanently.
With an aging population and rising survivorship from chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease, the prevalence of disability is growing globally, Blauwet explained. That’s why innovation in this space isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a massive opportunity.
The panel explored a range of emerging tools—from advanced communication technologies to assistive devices—that are reshaping what’s possible to treat patients with disabilities.
Blauwet, drawing on her background as a Paralympic athlete and clinical leader, highlighted the importance of mobility and movement in promoting health. She pointed out that physical activity is a cornerstone of chronic disease prevention and healthy aging, and that innovation in mobility tech can help unlock better outcomes for millions.
Learn more by listening to the podcast below.
Listen to the Podcast
In this conversation, hear Dr. Paganoni and Dr. Blawet discuss how disability touches everyone at some point in their lives and why technological advancements are essential to empower individuals with disabilities. They explain how adaptations originally created for people with disabilities—like closed captioning—have since become widely used by all. Their goal is to champion more innovations just like these.
Watch the Panel Discussion
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