Dr. Gary Birch is a Canadian Paralympian, an expert in brain-computer Interface technology and executive director of the Neil Squire Society.
Following a 1975 auto crash that left him a quadriplegic, he became fascinated with assistive technology and the possibility of developing new technologies that would improve the quality of life for people living with physical impairments. Dr. Birch earned his degree in electrical engineering at UBC and went on to earn a doctorate in electrical engineering. His research and development achievements have changed the lives of people with disabilities in B.C. and elsewhere in Canada.
Under his leadership of the non-profit Neil Squire Society, over 10,000 people with disabilities have developed computer skills, found sustained employment, and have become more active members of their communities. Employment specialists and career practitioners help clients prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Occupational therapists and assistive technology specialists find the most effective ergonomic or assistive technology solutions to target each individual’s specific needs. The Society has revolutionize how people collaborate on assistive technology projects. They bring together makers and people with disabilities to join forces and create open-source, affordable, assistive technology solutions.
His specific areas of expertise are assistive technologies, EEG signal processing, direct brain-computer interface, digital signal processing, human-machine interface systems, biological systems, robotic control systems, environmental control systems and service delivery programs for persons with disabilities. Dr. Birch continues to lead a team of researchers developing and deploying innovative assistive technologies. He sits on many advisory committees and boards,
playing an important role in furthering the independence of people with disabilities in Canada.
Birch was inducted into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame by the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons in 1998. He became an officer in the Order of Canada in 2008 and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
