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News - Province Wide
Events and News in Your Community
Creative Solutions & Ideas
Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness
Research
Employment/Education
Fund Development
Classifieds
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Check out CPA (Alberta) 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. NEW...Brandice Thompson demonstrates use of a standing frame. Also new...

Emergency Evacuation equipment.  

Go to www.cpa-ab.org/odyssey

  

CPA (Alberta) Offices  

Edmonton Head Office

Phone: (780) 424-6312

Calgary

Phone: (403) 228-3001

[email protected]


Fort McMurray

Phone: (780) 743-0307

[email protected]


Grande Prairie

Phone: (780) 532-3305

Lethbridge

Phone: (403) 327-7577

[email protected]


Lloydminster

Phone: (780) 875-1046

[email protected]


Medicine Hat

Phone: (403) 504-4001

Red Deer

Phone: (403) 341-5060

[email protected]


St. Paul

Phone: (780) 645-5116

Fax: (780) 645-5141

 


Toll Free Information Line
1-888-654-5444

 www.cpa-ab.org


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Dear Wheel-E Newsletter Recipients:
 
Welcome to the JUNE 2011 issue of Wheel-E, the monthly newsletter of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta). Wheel-E includes information about news and events related to spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities.

CPA (Alberta) also publishes a quarterly magazine, Spinal Columns, which includes features and regular columns about important issues facing individuals with disabilities today. If you would like to receive Spinal Columns please get in touch with us at 780-424-6312 or [email protected].

Canada Helps donation logo 

To make an online donation, click here


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News - Province Wide 

 

Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) launches office in Wabamun!

Working from a basement home office in Wabamun, the smallest office of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) is now open for business. Art Erickson, Community Development Coordinator, is already working to improve accessibility for people with disabilities in West Central Alberta.

 

Art has held discussions with the Economic Development Officer in Wabamun to improve access to the waterfront park in the village. It was agreed that it would be beneficial to everyone to make some changes that would greatly improve access to the boat dock, public washrooms and spray park, and funding sources are being investigated to achieve these improvements.

 

Art has also scheduled meetings with councils in Fox Creek and Edson and a meeting with the town manager, and representatives of health services, housing and transportation in Hinton. Inquiries are also underway for a number of other communities west of Edmonton. Art will audit the communities and area parks and campgrounds as well as log resources and develop volunteer and funding opportunities wherever possible.

 

To reach Art in the office call 780-892-3431, or on the road at 780-722-1299 or email [email protected].

 

50th Anniversary 

CPA (Alberta) is proud to be celebrating 50 years of service on behalf of individuals with spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities. In celebration of this event, we talked with many of our members and supporters and produced a short 50th Anniversary Video. Click on the image below to view. Thank you to Maunders McNeil Foundation Inc. for their sponsorship support of our 50th anniversary. 

50th Anniversary Video ImageNEW!  Community Living Attendant Training

CPA (Alberta), in partnership with several other Alberta organizations, is leading the development of a new program called Community Living Attendant Training.  This program is community-driven and instructed by people with disabilities and community partners, based on the philosophy of consumer/employer-directed care.  This training program is six weeks in duration and incorporates theory and practical skills into the training to prepare students to provide a flexible array of supports specific to each consumer/employer's unique independent living needs.

 

We will be implementing a pilot demonstration in November 2011.  If you would like more information on this program or to volunteer as a classroom instructor, classroom observer, or home host trainer, please contact Kristie Coulombe at (780)419-3530 or [email protected].

 
 

Chair-Leaders Image Boardroom

Thoughout the month of May, a number of community leaders throughout the Province of Alberta which included government officials, high level executives and local celebrities conducted their day to day business from a wheelchair in support of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)'s vision of a barrier free future. Chair-Leaders wheeling throughout their day in Calgary, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer and Edmonton all garnered a new awareness and first hand knowledge of the challenges people with disabilities face on a daily basis when it comes to accessibility in our communities. For more information, contact Zachary Weeks at 780-424-6312, ext. 2250 or go to http://www.cpa-ab.org/news_events/chair_leaders  


New Online Resource Guide for People with Physical Disabilities

The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) is currently developing a new online resource guide for people with physical disabilities, which will be launched early September, 2011. The purpose of this guide is to provide information and resources on housing, attendant care/homecare, and adaptive equipment and devices all in one central location. The website will also have an interactive component where you can leave comments and/or rate a product or service that you have tried. If you would like more information, you can contact Kristie Coulombe at [email protected].

 

Newly Designed Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Brochure

The Canada Disability Savings Program (CDSP) would like to announce the availability of a newly designed Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) brochure - Helping People with disabilities save for the future.

 

This bilingual publication will give your clients an opportunity to learn more about the RDSP, the Canada Disability Savings Grant (grant) and the Canada Disability Savings Bond (bond), in a plain language format.

 

The updated publication replaces the current RDSP brochure. It provides important information about the two new improvements made to the RDSP, by the Government of Canada, to provide people with disabilities with more flexibility when saving for the future. As of January 2011, clients are allowed to claim unused grant and bond entitlements from the past 10 years (starting from 2008, the year RDSP became available). Also, beginning in July 2011, a portion or all of the retirement savings from a deceased individual can be rolled over into the RDSP of a financially dependent child or grandchild with a disability.

 

This updated publication also includes current income thresholds for 2011.

For more information click here

  

2011 National Household Survey

 

Statistics Canada has announced the new National Household Survey (NHS) will take place in June 2011.


On behalf of Statistics Canada, CPA Alberta encourages our readers to ensure they complete this important survey as
NHS data are vital to helping foster a healthy community, as they are used to support government planning and program delivery, including family services, housing, roads, public transportation, and skills training for employment. The data are also used to help support government programs directed at target populations, such as visible minorities, lone-parent families and seniors.

 

For more information on the National Household Survey, please click here

Full Serve Gas Stations
If you know of any full serve gas stations that are not included on our list, or are no longer full service, please let us know so that we can update our information. The list provided is a compilation of information provided by many individuals. CPA (Alberta) neither endorses nor guarantees that the information is complete or correct. This month, thanks to Mieke, we have added information about several locations in the Grande Prairie area.

 

Alberta SCI Pressure Relief Fund

Applications are now being accepted for the Alberta SCI Pressure Relief Device Fund.  Albertans with spinal cord injuries can apply for up to $5,000 for pressure relief devices not covered by AADL or NIHB. Application deadline is June 15, 2011.

 

SCI Alberta has a new website!

You can find them at http://www.scialberta.ca/

 

Website(s) to check out: 

Bathroom independence

www.cleanrevolution.com

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Events and News in Your Community


Calgary 

Calgary 2011 Peer Events

Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the CPA (Alberta) website www.cpa-ab.org and on the CPA (Alberta) Facebook page.

For more information, contact Marilyn Erho at 403-228-3001.

 

 

Golf Ball with CPA Logo 

 

July 13, 2011
Country Hills Golf Club

Click here for more information 
 

 

Are you unable to visit the Calgary Public Library due to

health or mobility concerns?

 

We can bring the library to you!

 

The Homebound Readers' Program provides library service to customers who are unable to visit the Library due to health or mobility issues. 

Volunteers will be carefully matched one-on-one with a customer to ensure their choice of material is delivered to their home.    

 

If you know of someone who is in need of this program, please contact Denise Justino at 403-260-2700 or email [email protected]

 


Edmonton    

 

Edmonton 2011 Peer Events

Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the CPA (Alberta) website at  http://www.cpa-ab.org/programs_services/peer_community/edmonton and on the CPA (Alberta) Facebook page.

For more information, contact Brian McPherson at 780-424-6312, ext. 2241.

 

Calling all Golfers! EDMONTON Charity Golf Classic

  

Golf Ball with CPA Logo 

July 28, 2011

Glendale Golf and Country Club

Click here for more information.   

 

 

 

The Mobility Choices Training Program - Edmonton Transit System

At ETS, we recognize the importance of maintaining a public transit system that is fully accessible for all Edmontonians. Our fleet of vehicles has low floors with ramps, and all LRT stations have elevators or ramps to enable access to the platform. The Mobility Choices Training Program was designed to tell Edmontonians about our range of accessibility options, and to teach people how to use them. The program will give you a general or detailed and specific overview of ETS accessible services and features, and is accompanied by route and service brochures, and vehicle demonstrations, or customized one-on-one training with ETS travel trainers. Edmonton Transit offers Mobility Choices on an individual and group basis. For individuals who wish to learn about using ETS, one-on-one training is available. For organizations and groups that need on-going training, ETS can also train agency representatives so that they can provide the information to their own clients.

 

For more information on the Mobility Choices Training Program, go to:

http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/dats_accessibility/mobility-choices-training-prog.aspx

 

For information on the DATS program, go to:

http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/dats_accessibility/disabled-adult-transit-service.aspx

  

Family Nexus - New Drive Agency Available

Family Nexus is a new drive agency in Edmonton, fully licensed and insured.  It was designed with the purpose of providing transportation and assistance to those residents who cannot travel by themselves.  Drivers will assist clients as needed with things such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, recreational outings, etc.  For more information, contact Family Nexus by phone at: 780-710-7209 or 780-757-7209 Or email [email protected]

 

EmployAbilities Career and Employment Centre

EmployAbilities is pleased to announce the June 1st opening of their new: A new and innovative career and employment one-stop shop for individuals with disabilities. This is where you can access resources, information, and assistive technology, as well as receive assistance with resume development and access connections to community resources. Please register for our cutting-edge skill development workshops that will assist you to secure and retain employment.

 

Our office hours are 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday, when our staff will be happy to assist you with your career and employment needs. At EmployAbilities, you will learn and have fun at the same time.

 

For more information, you can contact: Corinne Hamilton Program Coordinator at 780-423-4106.

 

United Way InKind Centre

Distributes goods and resources to qualified charitable organizations.  The InKind Centre is a community initiative of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. 

Grande Prairie
CPA (Alberta) Grande Prairie peer information sessions and other activities - Grande Prairie resident is recognized for outstanding community contribution. Check here for information about peer and other activities in Grande Prairie. 

 

Red Deer

        

Golf Ball with CPA Logo

 


Calling all Golfers - Red Deer Golf Classic

August 12, 2011
Riverbend Golf Course
For more information.   

 

Fort McMurray

Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth

The Fort McMurray Office of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) has been involved in an event called the P.A.R.T.Y program. The name is an acronym for Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth.

To most people, this may not seem like the definition of a party, but the goal is to educate youth on making good times last by showing them how to make smart and informed choices in life. Another goal is to show the potential outcomes of poor choices that other people have made and the consequences that you may have to live with.

It is a great opportunity for CPA to be involved with this program. We share the everyday struggles associated with living with SCI. We hope to continue to educate, prevent, and promote the 2011 P.A.R.T.Y. program in Fort McMurray

 

Medicine Hat

This past February, Medicine Hat's Advisory Committee on Disability Issues involving our own Shirley Jago created a snow removal video.  The purpose of the video was to educate and inform the public on why it is important to shovel snow from sidewalks.  Please check out the following link!

Excellent work Shirley!!

 

On Wednesday, May 4 the Medicine Hat office assisted the City with an in-service for employees.  Purpose of the session was to educate and inform City staff of the everyday obstacles individuals with disabilities incur.  Hearing, visual and physical impairments were the concentration of the day.  About 30 individuals participated in the interactive and insightful event.  The City informs us that more of these events will be held in the future. 

 

Our office is one of the lucky organizations to be chosen by the REDI Bottle Depot for their "What Are You Waiting For" campaign.  For the month of August 2011 drop your bottles off in the donation bin inside the REDI Bottle Depot.  The CPA will be getting a cheque at the end of the month.  Money raised will go towards our Peer Program.  Thank you REDI Enterprises for choosing CPA.

 

All caregivers mark your calendars for Nov 2, 2011 for our next interagency conference.  "Colors and Communication in Caregiving" will be held at the Chinook Village from 8:30 - 4:00 pm.  Call the office 403-504-4001 for more details.

 

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 Creative Solutions & Ideas

Sensafloat 

A disability swimming support and floatation aid, designed to facilitate relaxation and movement in water. Has applications for children and adults across the whole spectrum of special needs. Winner of the 1993 Toshiba / CBI Invention of the Year award. Invented by the founder of Rebound Therapy - Eddy Anderson MCSP http://www.reboundtherapy.org/hydrotherapy

  

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Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness

Wheelchair Tennis Image 

Cerebral Palsy Association:

Art Expressions Program and Summer Camps!

Summer Camps  
Summer Yoga Program

   

Wheelchair Sports

To find out more about wheelchair sports activities throughout Alberta, go to www.abwheelchairsport.ca


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 [email protected] or visit www.sciactioncanada.ca.


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Research 

 

Paraplegic Man Stands, Steps with Assistance and Moves His Legs Voluntarily

Click here for further article. 

 

FES Leg Exercises 

Hamzaid and Davis paper on Health and Fitness Benefits of Functional  Electrical Stimulation-Evoked Leg Exercise for Spinal Cord Injured Individuals: A Position Review.


 

Stem Cells

"Scientists create stable, self-renewing neural stem cells." April 25th, 2011 http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-04-scientists-stable-self-renewing-neural-stem.html


 

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 Employment/Education

   

Assessing Employment Supports and Services

The Employment Working Group members completed a position paper on Accessing Employment Supports and Services. The members met with Minister Thomas Lukaszuk on March 30th, 2011. During this meeting, the Minister asked for the membership to develop strategies that will increase the number of people with disabilities being employed. The next step is to develop recommendations regarding hiring of people with disabilities and present them to the Minister.

We hope you will join us in moving toward improvements for Albertans with disabilities in employment-related areas.  The Employment Working Group members' voices and participation are critical to the success of our group. As a EWG member, you will learn a great deal and have a positive impact on this important work.

 

If you are interested in joining the Employment Working Group, please contact Melita at [email protected].

 

Small Business Internship Program

Sympathetic to people with mobility issues, Renee Charboneau has been approved to host a 14-week internship position for a self-motivated person with reasonable computer skills.  She will come to your home to introduce and train you in the data entry system she will be using.  Renee hopes to provide employment to people who are "severely underemployed" or who have recently graduated from college, trade school or university. While education in E-Commerce is an asset, Renee would like to speak with anyone who is interested in helping forward this venture. 

 

Until the business has grown large enough to require an accessible building, people will work from home.  Renee's vision includes fairly rapid expansion with a target date of Autumn 2011 to have her business housed in a fully accessible building large enough to accommodate several work stations, an exercise space, and lounge chairs for pressure relief.

 

The following website includes further information regarding the Small Business Internship Program.

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/sbip-pspe.nsf/eng/home

 

Feel free to contact Renee via email at [email protected] or phone her in Grande Prairie at (780) 933-0182.

 

Living in the North

Learn more about living in the north as well as potential educational financial support to attend trade school/college/university.

http://www.benorth.ca/

 

If you have any employement/education related questions, feel free to contact Mike Hambly in the CPA Calgary office at 403-228-7433 or [email protected]

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 Fund Development

 

Optimize your support...

Shoppers Card

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 50th anniversary is right around the corner, and your membership continues to be of great importance.


For a list of the many benefits available 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!

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 Classifieds / Equipment for Sale 

 

Classifieds

Welcome to the classified section of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta). Lots of new ads have been added this month. Click here.

 

If you have anything you would like to buy or sell, please click here to e-mail a description of the item, your asking price and your contact information and we willl post your item as quickly as possible.     

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Submissions/Subscribers/Contact Us

 

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

[email protected] 
(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:
[email protected]

 

The next issue of CPA (Alberta) Wheel-E will be published on July 1, 2011. Deadline for submissions is on or before June 26th, 2011. 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    

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

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Gentle Dental Hygiene Ad
Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)
#305, 11010 - 101 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4B9
Toll free #: 1-888-654-5444

The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) is a Registered Charitable Association. 

Charitable Registration # 11883-5016-RR0001.

To make an online donation, visit: