An Interview with Rick Hansen: Removing Barriers and Measuring Progress

During the ISPRM 2026 Congress in Vancouver, the ISPRM Communications Committee, represented by Krystal Song and Franchesca Konig, had the distinct honor of interviewing six-time Paralympian and global disability advocate Rick Hansen.

Hansen is globally recognized for wheeling 40,000 kilometers across 34 countries and four continents. He explained that the purpose of this monumental journey was to demonstrate the full potential of individuals with disabilities when societal and physical barriers are effectively removed.

When asked about the barriers that still surprise him today, Hansen pointed to a systemic lack of measurement. He emphasized that the global community currently lacks fundamental metrics to assess attitudes, the built environment, and the consolidated benefits of best clinical practices. Without these metrics to report on research and progress, he noted, achieving a massive long-term vision for global accessibility remains challenging.

Hansen also issued a direct call to action for rehabilitation clinicians globally. He challenged professionals to start their work “at home” by purging ableism bias from their clinical approaches and patient interactions. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of organizations like the ISPRM, which serve as a vital conduit for forging relationships and sharing knowledge, allowing practitioners to stay on the leading edge of the medical learning curve.

The interview concluded with Hansen expressing his profound gratitude to the rehabilitation medicine profession, noting that their core purpose directly impacts lives and makes journeys like his possible.