News - Province Wide

Check out our Videos

CPA (Alberta) has over 70 videos on our website, covering a wide variety of topics including housing, parenting, research, wheelchair transfers....and much more. 

Go to www.cpa-ab.org/odyssey

Flu Shots

Flu shots are available as of October 12th, free of charge, to all Albertans. The flu shot is combined this year with the H1N1 shot. Here is a link to the Alberta Health Services Site where you can look up clinics offering the shots in your city/town! http://www4.albertahealthservices.ca/immunization/default.aspx

2011 Recognition Awards - Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)

CPA (Alberta) annually recognizes those individuals and/or organizations who "go the extra mile", to support organizations like CPA through the gift of time, resources and/or finances. Please help us ensure that we consider a wide selection of individuals or organizations who may merit formal recognition by submitting a nomination.

The Awards Criteria information about past award recipients has been included for your review as you consider appropriate nominees. If you would like to nominate someone who fits the criteria for any of these awards, please complete a Nomination Form and forward it to the address indicated on the form. 

Awards may be presented at the Edmonton Red Carpet Affair on March 18, 2011. 

If you would like further information about the Recognition Awards, please feel free to contact Larry Pempeit, Director of Community Development at 780-424-6312.   

Deadline for your nomination submission is December 6, 2010.

The 2010 Kidney Conference: November 14, 2010

Exploring Alternatives for Kidney Care

The Kidney Foundation is planning a conference for patients and their families. The conference is also open to healthcare professionals who are interested in attending, but the conference topics are geared towards those needs identified by patients. 

Time: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Location: Chateau Louis Conference Centre Edmonton

11727 Kingsway Avenue

Standard registration fee: $20 per person after October 14^th

To register contact: Kim Kearns, Coordinator, Kidney Care Services

kkearns@kidney.ab.ca or T. 780-451-6900 Ext 222

2010 Health Observance Dates

http://www.healthfinder.gov/nho/nho.asp

 Events and News in Your Community

Calgary:

Simple Simon Pies - CPA (Alberta) United Way Fundraising Drive

Everyone is busy these days...families are active...kids on the go. Here is a great answer to a tasty, easy, quick and affordable solution to meal times.

Simple Simon Pies are 4" individual servings, made by hand using the freshest ingredients - baked and then frozen - you only need to reheat. Available at various Farmers Markets throughout Calgary...some open year round. Voucher Price: $17.00 for six/4" pies OR three/400 gram meals

Home delivery during winter months on orders over 12 pies or 2 vouchers for a fee of $3.00/order. All proceeds from sales go towards CPA (Alberta) in support of the Calgary United Way fundraising drive, a major funder of our many programs and services.

For more information / to purchase a voucher, contact: Marilyn Erho, 403-228-3001 or marilyn.erho@cpa-ab.org by Wednesday, December 1, 2010.

Calgary 2010 Peer Events

Upcoming events include: Peer Christmas Lunch and Calgary Hitmen Hockey.

Click here to find out more.

For more information, contact Marilyn Erho at 403-228-3001 or marilyn.erho@cpa-ab.org

Edmonton:

Edmonton 2010 Peer Events

Upcoming events include: Peer Christmas Gathering and Hockey Night at Boston Pizza.

Event information will also be posted as it becomes available on the CPA (Alberta) website www.cpa-ab.org and on the CPA (Alberta) Facebook page.

RSVP to Roswitha Dziwenko at 780-424-6312, ext. 2241 or roswitha.dziwenko@cpa-ab.org

 RED CARPET AFFAIR 2011

CPA (Alberta) Announces Guest Speaker/Award Winner!

Likely one of the most successful professional actors with a disability in Canada, James Sanders, has been announced as the guest speaker and winner of the 2011 Christopher Reeve Award. 

Click here to find out more.

Grande Prairie

Community Consultation - Grande Prairie

On behalf of the Alberta SCI Solutions Alliance you are invited to attend a Community Consultation Session to discuss The Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Strategy Action Plans on:Affordable Accessible Housing, Home Care/Attendant Care and Adaptive Equipment and Devices:

Tuesday, November 2, 2010,12:00noon - 2:00 pm

Hearthstone Manor - Boardroom, 9206 - 99 Street, Grande Prairie

RSVP by October 29, 2010 to grandeprairie@cpa-ab.org or call at 780-532-3305.

United Way Kick-Off

Mieke deGroot, Client Services Coordinator in Grande Prairie attended the United Way Campaign kick-off breakfast. According to Mieke, Guest speaker for the event, General Rick Hillier, was a fantastic speaker and during his presentation included multiple slides of veterans with disabilities.  See newspaper clipping below:

http://dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2796280

Medicine Hat

Interagency Caregiver Conference

November 4, 2010 - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, ChinookVillage

Cost $15.00. Register with MS Society 403-529-6797

SCI Community Consultation

November 10, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., United Way Office

Register with CPA Medicine Hat office at 403-504-4001

Lethbridge

Casino - Fundraising Event for CPA (Alberta)

November 15 and 16, 2010

Casino Lethbridge, 3756 - 2^nd Avenue S., Lethbridge

Thank you to all the volunteers from Lethbridge Volunteer as well as the students from the University of Lethbridge.

SCI Community Consultation

November 4th, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Southern Alberta Community Living Association, 401 21A Street North, Lethbridge

Presentation on CPA Services

Therapeutic Recreational Association

November 25, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

LethbridgeRegionalHospital

For more information, call the CPA (Alberta) Lethbridge office at 403-327-7577.

Red Deer

Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Action Strategy

Thursday, November 4^th, 2010, 1:30 p.m.

Held at the Canadian Paraplegic Association office in Red Deer

#103, 4719 - 48 Avenue, Red Deer

Accessible Transportation Training Session

In partnership with CNIB, the Red Deer office of CPA (Alberta) will be holding an Accessible Transportation Training session

Wednesday, November 3,  9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Location: The Hub - 4936 Ross Street, Red Deer

Learn how to:

• safely assist people with vision loss
• safely transport people with physical disabilities
• secure manual, powered wheelchairs and scooters

Participants who have completed the training session will receive a certificate of participation. Register by phoning 403-340-4869

Transportation Option - Medi-Shuttle, Alberta

Medi-Shuttle, Alberta is a transportation company operating out of Three Hills, AB. They have one wheel chair accessible van and one stretcher van. The Medi-Shuttle can be used for shopping, appointments, respite transportation and much more. Bookings 1-877-304-6672 or for general information call Scott Morrison 403-443-9230.

4^th Annual Diamonds & Denim Gala - Red Deer

The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) is pleased to announce our 4^th annual Diamonds and Denim Gala, being held on February 19, 2011, 5:00 pm at the Red Deer Lodge.  The Gala features a dinner, dance, live and silent auction with entertainment provided by Danny Hooper and the Honky Tonk Heroes.  Be sure to take advantage of our Early Bird Special by purchasing your ticket for only $100 before December 31, 2010! For more information, contact Angie at 780-424-6312, ext. 2246 or angie.barron@cpa-ab.org or Tina Croswell at 403-343-1630 or tina.croswell@cpa-ab.org      

 Research

Relationship Coping Style Online Questionnaire

My name is Shanna Weiss and I am a T12 paraplegic and have a personal interest in improving the quality of life of persons with spinal cord injuries.  I am doing dissertation research for a doctoral degree in Psychology at Alliant International University.  The focus is on how couples, in which the male has a spinal cord injury, cope and how the coping style affects various aspects of life.  This study is done online and can be completed at your convenience.  To qualify you must meet the following qualifications 1) you are a male with a spinal cord injury; 2) you are over the age of 18; 3) you have been injured at least 2 years and 4) you have been married for at least 6 months.  The questionnaire needs to be completed separately by you and your spouse.  Upon completion of the questionnaire both you and your spouse will be entered for a chance to win a $200 dollar Visa gift card.  If you are interested in helping, please click on this link to take the survey:

https://alliant.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_d6ABkh3QmtHvQTa

Stem Cell Research Article

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/12/science/la-sci-stem-cell-trial-20101012

 Creative Solutions & Ideas

EZ-Bathe Inflatable Bathtub

Know someone who might be stuck in bed recovering from a pressure sore or recent surgery who might really enjoy a refreshing bath without the hassle of getting lifted or transferred every time. Well head to www.wrightstuff.biz and check out the EZ-Bathe Inflatable Bathtub package they have for sale on their website. The EZ Bathe Inflatable Bathtub can be rolled under an individual, then inflated to immerse a person for a refreshing, cleansing bath. Priced at around $400.00 the EZ Bathe Inflatable Tub package includes a drain hose, hand held shower with hose, and a Wet/Dry Vacuum to help set it up/take it down.  The bathing system fits all sizes of beds and allows a person to start to enjoy bathing the way it's meant to be - soaking wet!  See it and hundreds of other cool disability-related products at www.wrightstuff.biz.

Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness

"Capital City Showdown Wheelchair Rugby Tournament"

  December 4 - 5, 2010

This event is hosted by the Edmonton Steel Wheels Rugby Club in collaboration with the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association. Excitement!  Great opportunity to volunteer!  Wheelchair rugby up close and personal! It's all happening at Harry Ainley High School, 4350 111 Street, Edmonton, starting at 9:00 a.m. on December 4 and 5th, 2010.

Click here for poster.

To volunteer, contact Dale Nording,  DaleN@harding.ca or Mike Sandomirsky at 780-427-8699 or wsa1@telus.net

Cerebral Palsy Association Winter Program Schedule

Click here.

Get in Motion

Get in Motion is a nation-wide physical activity counseling service for Canadians with spinal cord injury.

This FREE service is designed to provide participants with the information and support they may need to meet personal physical activity goals, or just a little motivation to get started with a physically active lifestyle. 

To participate or receive more information from a physical activity counselor, please call the voicemail line at 1-866-678-1966, or email motion@mcmaster.ca or visit www.sciactioncanada.ca.

 Employment/Education

So you have developed a resume and it is landing you interviews but you're not getting the job!

The whole interview process can be the hardest part of getting a job.

As we know, resumes are a tool to get you to the interview and then you have to show the employer that you are the best person for the job.

One good way to get the needed experience for the interview is to do mock interviews.  Mike Hambly, Client Solutions Coordinator in our Calgary office, can help with this. Mike can take you through a four stage process to show you different ways of improving your skills.  Even if you think your skills are good in this area, doing a video taped mock interview can be a huge eye opener!

One thing that people often forget is that you need to make sure that the organization/company you are applying to is a good fit for you.  So, learning how to interview the employer, while they are interviewing you, is a skill in itself.

Even if you don't live in the Calgary area, feel free to contact Mike and he will do his best to assist you. Contact Mike Hambly at 403-228-7433 or mike.hambly@cpa-ab.org

 Fund Development

Optimize your support...

Use your Shoppers Optimum Points to support CPA (Alberta)

By donating some (or all) of your Shoppers Points to CPA (Alberta), you are enabling us to use your points toward the purchase of products and supplies we need for our ongoing fundraising activities.

To donate your points, just go online to www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/donate and browse the Shoppers Optimum section. Then click on "donate your points".  What if you're not a Shoppers Optimum Member?  No problem!  All of the necessary forms can be found online as well as in any Shoppers Drug Mart store across Canada. 

With your continued support, this initiative has the potential for us to greatly "optimize" our fundraising dollars.

Become a CPA (Alberta) Member

The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) has been providing services and support to Albertans who have experienced a spinal cord injury or physical disability since 1961.  Our 50^th anniversary is right around the corner, and your membership continues to be of great importance.

For a list of the many benefits through your $20 membership, click here

Please note that your membership will not be denied due to financial hardship or lack of funds (so let us know on the membership enrollment form if this might be the case). 

Make your voice count... stay informed and connected.

To renew your membership:

CPA (Alberta) Membership Form

Call 780-424-6312 Ext 2241 or toll free 1-888-654-5444 to renew your CPA membership.

Thank you for your support!

 Classifieds

For Sale:

Used Hand Cycle

The Bike with Bite. Meet the Quickie Shark. Featuring 7 gear settings with an innovative frame design, the Shark optimizes riding performance while reducing weight and providing increased adjustability. Advanced features, such as the vertical crank-adjustment, X-link frame separation-mechanism, and ergonomic seat-design, transport the hand-cyclist to a new level of speed and performance.  Go to www.sunrisemedical.com for more details.   Bike is 6-7 years old and in excellent condition.  Asking $1500.00 - contact Mike: 780-975-3707 for more info.   Located in Edmonton area.  

Wheelchair Accessible 1999 Vanguard Travel Trailer

21ft, wide entry door, c/w entry ramp, open floor plan, large kitchen table folds down to double bed, bathroom w/tub and shower, sink and wheelchair accessible toilet, sleeps four, fridge/freezer, stove and oven, furnace and hot water tank, two large closets along with lots of other storage, awning, 2 batteries, small solar panel.  Very well maintained, non-smokers.  Asking $10,000.  Contact Gary or Kerry at 403-223-2149 or e-mail @ fitch@telusplanet.net.  Can send  photos.  Taber,  AB

Wanted:

Full-Time Female Live-in Caregiver - Edmonton

To assist with the daily routine of a female quadriplegic. Job includes morning and/or evening bathing and bathroom routine, as well as attending outings, household chores, cooking etc. Qualifications include education and experience in nursing or care giving, as well as a valid Class 5 Driver's license. The caregiver must be willing to take direction regarding routine and duties from her employer with a spinal cord injury.Benefits, salary, and hours to be discussed at interview (some flexibility). Fully furnished basement suite available for live-in to share with one other staff.  Work related references required.  Please fax your resume to the attention of Karen at (780) 424-6313.

Submissions/Subscribers/Contact Us

Please let others know about Wheel-E! They can subscribe by emailing or giving us a call.  

CPAAlbertaNewsletter@cpa-ab.org 

(780) 424-6312 or toll-free: 1-888-654-5444

Please give us your thoughts and feedback on our Newsletter. If you have announcements you would like posted, please submit to:

CPAAlbertaNewsletter@cpa-ab.org

The next issue of CPA (Alberta) Wheel-E will be published on December 1, 2010. First deadline for submissions will be on or before November 26, 2010. If possible, please send in your announcements before the deadline!

For more information about CPA (Alberta), visit our website at http://www.cpa-ab.org (new videos have been added).

The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised within Wheel-E.