What is the society’s main goal?
the aim is to contribute to a world where everyone has the same chances to fully paticipate in society. How? By bringing together all professionals that work in the field of orthotics and prostheticsThis is the main goal of the Ducth member socieity of the International Society for Prosthetic and Orthotics (ISPO Netherlands).

Is there a personal story behind the establishment of the society?

ISPO Netherlands is the largest national member society of ISPO International with over 400 members.  The dutch society was founded in November 1972, one year after the International Society for Prosthetics (ISPO) and Orthotics was founded.

Why did your society decide to take part in the RehabWeek?
We believe that collaboration between engineers, clinicians and users is paramount in the development of technology that meets the needs and wishes of its users. We believe that RehabWeek is an important conference that brings together these individuals and is paramount in fostering collaborations between those actors. We feel that there is a good fit between ISPO Netherlands and RehabWeek as bringing together professionals in the field of rehabilitation technology is also an important part of the societies’ DNA.

Why is RehabWeek unique and why should people attend?
It is a unique and one of the few conferences where engineers ànd clinicians meet in the clincal (?)context of rehabilitation technology. High standard user-driven rehabilitation technology is the result of understanding and collaborating between engineers and clinicians. . Being part of such a stimulating environment is one of the main reasons people should attend. In addition, the large exhibition will allow attendees to the latest developments in the field of the quickly developing rehabilitation technology.  

What do you think will be the next big issue in the field? Why?
We feel that the development of rehabilitation technology will shift more from technology-driven to user-driven development. In addition, we feel that rehabilitation technology should be highly individualized and be able to adapt to the skills of the user instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. Furthermore, we feel that sensorized rehabilitation technology will change the role of engineers and clinicians; in order to prevent or early detect potential detoriation; or for helping optimal usage of the technology. All of this will contribute to ensure that users of rehabilitation technology use their full potential to participate in society.

Any success story you would like to share
ISPO Netherlands will celebrate its 50th year anniverary this year. Still existing shows how relevant bringing all professionals involved in the field of rehabiltitation technology has been in the past, is in the present and will be in the future.