Rachel Hibbs

Rachel Hibbs is an Assistant Professor and Director of Continuing Education in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). She is actively involved in the Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT) program and provides clinical care at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at Mercy Hospital Inpatient Rehabilitation and the Center for Assistive Technology.

Research Interests: Her work focuses on improving clinical outcomes in assistive technology, particularly in wheeled mobility and seating systems. She investigates exercise and fitness interventions for individuals with physical disabilities, remote assessment techniques, and quality improvement in complex rehabilitation technology service delivery. Her research bridges clinical practice and engineering applications to enhance mobility and independence.

Recent Publication Trends: Her recent publications emphasize validity and reliability in clinical assessments, especially in remote and standardized evaluation of wheelchair users. They reflect a strong commitment to evidence-based practice in seating, mobility, and assistive technology provision.

• Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, Therapy Leadership Council Distinguished Clinical Award, 2021
• Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, Therapy Leadership Council Excellence Award, 2024

Advising and Professional Leadership: While no formal student advisees are listed, she plays a significant role in education as Director of Continuing Education and instructor in SHRS. She is Co-Director of the International Seating Symposium Nominating Committee and serves on the Board of the Therapy Leadership Council. Her leadership extends to professional standards and clinical innovation in neurologic and assistive technology fields.

Labs and Teams: She is affiliated with the Center for Assistive Technology and contributes to interprofessional initiatives at the University of Pittsburgh. Her clinical and research work is integrated with UPMC Rehabilitation services and community-based adaptive sports programs, including the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers and Pittsburgh Marathon Handcycle Assistance Team.