Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Rehabilitation Science)
• Master of Science (Neurorehabilitation)
• Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy)

Research:

The overarching goal of my research program is to support active and healthy living among families of people affected by physical disabilities (inclusive of the person with the disability). My research has a dual focus on understanding the impact of disability on both care-recipients and their family caregivers, and implementing appropriate intervention strategies to promote their collective wellbeing. My current lines of research include:

• Characterizing factors influencing care-recipients' and caregivers wellness needs, outcomes, and experiences. I explore the wellness experiences of families affected by physical disabilities across the spectrum of mild to advanced disability, and to examine factors that influence their wellness needs and outcomes in order to inform appropriate intervention strategies. I examine these factors at the individual and dyadic (care-recipients together with caregivers) levels. 

• Developing and evaluating theoretically-grounded wellness interventions to minimize disease impact and maximize health-related benefits among families affected by physical disabilities. Studies in this line of research have focused on multiple sclerosis.

• Exploring the role of technology-supported tools for wellness programming targeting families of persons with disabilities. My work in this area focuses on identifying and utilizing innovative technology-based tools to improve quality of life of persons with physical disabilities and their families strategies. 

Currently funded projects:

• DigiTRAC: Changing the caregiving landscape: A Digital Toolkit to enhance Resilience Among Caregivers of Canadians living with multiple sclerosis

• HARPTA: in-Home Augmented Reality Physical rehabilitation Tool for an Aging population with episodic physical disability 

• PAT-MS: Physical Activity Together for people with multiple sclerosis and their care-partners 

• CARE-CO: Co-creating a wellness research agenda for caregivers of persons with disabilities

• ReACT: Examining Resilience Among multiple sclerosis Caregivers over Time

Publications:

Afolasade Fakolade's Bibliography

Google Scholar Profile – Afolasade Fakolade

In the Media:

Why Family Caregivers are Unsung Heroes | 5à7 - Research Talk by Dr. Afolasade Fakolade

All in a Day with Alan Neal: Why wellbeing of family caregivers matter interview with Dr. Afolasade Fakolade

https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/fakolade-four-ways-to-support-family-caregivers-our-unsung-heroes  op-ed in Ottawa Citizen by Dr. Afolasade Fakolade

Teaching:

• PT 858 Neuromotor Function II

• PT 852 Electro-Physical Agents

Volunteers for Research: 

•  If you are interested in participating in research, please contact us at: careco@queensu.ca