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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

 

West Central Alberta 

Phone: (780) 892-3431


Toll Free Information Line
1-888-654-5444

 www.cpa-ab.org


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Dear Wheel-E Newsletter Recipients:
 
Welcome to the OCTOBER 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 

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AB SCI Logo Wheel-E

On a Roll and on the Right Track - The Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Initiative Action Strategy

As an active partner in the Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Initiative, the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) plans to make available copies of On a Roll and on the Right Track - the Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Initiative Action Strategy. This document is the culmination of many months of consultation and planning involving nearly 150 individuals, including consumers with SCI, and other community stakeholders. The strategy outlines a broad vision for improvements to the quality of life of Albertans with SCI, as well as eight tangible action plans that directly address problems in housing, home care/attendant care, and adaptive equipment/devices. The action plans are being implemented now, with some reaching completion. They are described in more detail in On a Roll. You can access an electronic copy of the report here or contact CPA (Alberta) for a hard copy to be sent by mail.

 

On a Roll is a project of the Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Initiative, a collaborative effort by Albertans with SCI, service providers, researchers and decision-makers committed to improving the lives of people affected by SCI and similar physical disabilities. We gratefully acknowledge the Government of Alberta and the departments of Health and Wellness, Seniors and Community Supports, and Culture and Community Spirit, who recognize the value of the vision for the Alberta SCI community, and provided financial support to make this vision a reality.  

 

50th Anniversary Open House Reception A Success!

50th Anniversary Video Image 

 

Thank you to all those who attended CPA's 50th Anniversary Open House on September 16th, 2011 at the Central Lions Seniors Centre in Edmonton! It was a great time for past and present clients, board members, sponsors, and employees to gather and reminisce over the past 50 years!  

50th pic wheel-e.jpg
Guests take a moment to enjoy some cake and refreshments at our
50th Anniversary Reception!

 

Those in attendance were able to reflect on vintage photos as well as check out the arts, sports and assistive technology displays throughout the evening over delicious cake and refreshments. A tremendous thank you to all of our sponsors and staff for their support and contributions to the celebration. This very special night could not have happened without you!

   

   

Chair-Leaders Image Boardroom

Throughout the month of May, a number of community leaders throughout the Province of Alberta which will include government officials, high level executives and local celebrities will conduct 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 will garner 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 is now available on our website. 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 also has 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].

 

PLAN's Three Year Review Survey

The federal government is conducting a review of the RDSP later this year. PLAN, the organization which lobbied for the RDSP, wants to gather feedback from as many people as they can so they can present the feedback to the federal government. To do this, they are conducting a survey. If you would like to participate and complete their survey, please click here. 

 

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 

 

The Alberta Disabilities Forum is looking for Working Group Members to participate in the new ADF PDD Working Group!!

The intent of the Alberta Disabilities Forum is to ensure that the voices of Albertans with disabilities are heard when government proposes and implements changes to public policy. For over a decade, the ADF has connected disability organizations by building on systemic issues shared by all. The outputs from these efforts largely take the form of ADF Position Papers, meetings with senior public servants, or presentations to government committees.

 

The ADF Working Groups actively work to improve conditions for people with disabilities in the province of Alberta. We are currently looking for members to join the PDD Working Group and provide input in the development of an ADF position paper in response to the current changes within the PDD Program.

 

If you are interested in joining the ADF PDD Working Group or would like more information, please contact Melita Avdagovska at (780) 488-9088 or by email at [email protected].

 

"First Mobility Vehicle", MV-1 Now Available!

The Vehicle Production Group LLC (VPG) announced the start of production for the "First Mobility Vehicle", MV-1, the first and only factory-built and assembled vehicle which meets or exceeds the vehicle guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The MV-1 will be available in either gasoline or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powertrains. Production of its fully certified vehicle has officially begun and deliveries to customers will begin by the end of September 2011.

 

The MV-1 features a 56-inch high by 36-inch wide side door opening for easy wheelchair or motorized scooter entry and exit via a wide deployable ramp with a 1200 pound capacity that quickly and easily stores beneath the floor inside the vehicle. The vehicle's ramp is available in either a manual or powered version. The MV-1 can accommodate a passenger in a wheelchair and another five occupants, when equipped with an optional rear facing jump seat.

 

Check out www.vpgautos.com for more information on the MV-1!

 

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.


Manual Wheelchair Survey being conducted by New Mobility

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/639M 

 

The 2011 survey focuses on preferences and opinions of major manual wheelchair brands. By completing the survey you will be entered in a drawing for the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. Only one entry per subscriber will be valid for the drawing.

 

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Update

Keep up with what is new at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital by taking a peek at their Report to GRH Foundation and Friends 

 

Wound Care Best Practices

Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) has published articles highlighting the best evidence for effective practice in diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, preparing the wound bed and the principles of wound healing. Click here for more information 

 

SCI Alberta has a new website!

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

 

Website(s) to check out:

Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled 

http://www.monkeyhelpers.org/ourfamily/monkeys/monkeyDO/ 

Accessible Video Gaming

http://www.broadenedhorizons.com/videogaming.htm  

Bathroom independence

www.cleanrevolution.com 

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators

http://www.vacuumelevators.com/ 

Izzy Camilleri Adaptive Clothing

http://izadaptive.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.

  

CPA Member Sam Halabi featured on The Accessible Channel!

Check out our good friend Sam Halabi on The Accessible Channel speaking on how assistive/service dogs help persons with disabilities and the work of the fine folks at Dogs With Wings!  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgDrvBbpOKo&feature=channel_video_title  

 

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] 

 

 

Handi Enterprises Inc., Your Dragon NaturallySpeaking Experts

Proud to be serving Calgary and Alberta's Legal, Business, Back to work and disability communities with professional level speech recognition, and technology services. Handi Enterprises Inc. is committed to.

 

  • Enhancing your productivity
  • Helping you create more billable hours
  • Opening whole new worlds of computing for you

 

With over 16 years of experience behind it Handi Enterprises Inc. was created to bring you the very best in speech recognition and productivity enhancement technology that will meet your needs. Visit their website for more details: www.handienterprises.com

 

Low Income Transit Pass Survey - Your Opinion Matters

The group Fair Fares has been asked to give council some ideas for a sliding fee schedule for the low income transit pass. This is an incredible opportunity for people who use the pass but still find it too expensive to give some ideas to City Council on how it could be better priced. Please participate in this survey by clicking here.

 

CASHRA 2011 Presentations Now Available Online

You can now access most of the presentations delivered at the2011 annual conference of the Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies (CASHRA) held in Calgary, Alberta from June 13 to June 15, 2011 on the conference website. 

 

Read more in the July 19, 2011 special issue of Alberta Human Rights Information Service at: 

http://www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/publications/AHRIS/2011/July_19.asp 

 

You can find back issues of the newsletter at: http://www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/publications/AHRIS.asp

 


Edmonton

 

SAVE the DATE: Red Carpet Affair 2012
Mark your calendar now for the annual gala of gitter, fun, inspiration and community recognition.  The annual Red Carpet Affair is set for Friday, March 16, 2012 at the Shaw Conference Centre - Hall D, Edmonton. Stay tuned for further announcements about the big night.  If you would like to contribute ideas, auction items or even names of others who might like to attend or sponsor or contribute something, please call us.  We would love to hear from you.  For all the details, call Marc Quinn at (780) 424-6512 ext. 2226or [email protected]. See YOU on the Red Carpet!

Edmonton Peer Event soars to whole new heights!

On June 10th, 2011, emotions flew high as four CPA Alberta members took a leap of faith, skydiving from an airplane 10 000 feet above the ground. Congratulations to our Peer Program Coordinator, Brian McPherson, on a phenominal event which captured memories that will last a lifetime!

Click here for the full story! 

 

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.

 

Barrier Free Press September eNewsletter 

 

Click here to view the Barrier Free Press September eNewsletter  

 

 

Limelight

  

Limelight: Illuminating Disability in Film

The City of Edmonton presents the second annual Limelight Film Showcase on October 15th and 18th 2011. Limelight is an initiative of the City of Edmonton in collaboration with external organizations. The event is free for everyone to attend.

 

This two day event will illuminate the concept of disability in films from around the world. The majority of the films are written, directed and/or performed by people with various abilities. The films encompass various topics and genres including documentaries, dramas and musicals. These films will entertain, inspire and provoke thought and discussion. Films range from 2 minutes to 2 hours in length.

 

The event will take place on Saturday, October 15th at the Whitemud Crossing Public Library from 12:00 - 5:00 pm and on Tuesday, October 18th at the Meyer Horowitz Theatre in the University of Alberta from 12:00 - 10:00 pm.

 

For more information on the film schedule, sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, please call 780-496-4917 or visit the showcase's website at

www.limelightfilms.ca.

 

Don't be left in the dark.....

 

  

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]  

 

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. 

  

10th Annual Caregiver's Conference  

This conference is for anyone who provides care for a family member, friend, or client who is chronically ill, disabled, or otherwise impaired. It is a great
fantastic way to connect with other caregivers, a great day for info & entertainment and it is only $30...an awesome deal! Click here for more information and how to register!

 

 
Kay McVey Smith and Carlstrom Charity Supports Tournament

Thank you to Kay McVey Smith and Carlstrom for doing such a wonderful job in supporting the 20 non-government organizations that participated in this event!  

McVey Smith Tournament
CPA (Alberta) staff share a laugh at the putting challenge during the Kay McVey Smith and Carlstrom Charity Supports Tournament!

CPA (Alberta) received a very generous donation of a week in a condominium in Fairmont which was placed on www.campusauctionmarket.com as well as additional funds which were raised through this event as well.    

 

Cars for Christmas Campaign

We need YOU! We are currently looking for volunteers to assist in selling tickets at the Prairie Mall the first week in November. Please phone 780-831-1091 if you are interested in helping!

 

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!!

  

What Are You Waiting For Campaign 

Our office was 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, Medicine Hat residents dropped their bottles off in the donation bin inside the REDI Bottle Depot. 

REDI Bottle Depot Cheque Presentation
CPA (Alberta) staff member, Sue Edwards is presented with a cheque from our friends at REDI Enterprises in September! Great job Sue!
The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) received a cheque at the end of the month with the money raised going towards our Peer Program.  Thank you REDI Enterprises for choosing CPA (Alberta)!

 

Colors and Communication in Caregiving Conference 

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.

  

West Central Alberta

On Saturday, September 17, 2011, the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta), the Disabled Sailing Association of Alberta and the Wabamun Sailing Club hosted a day of Sailing With Disabilities at Lake Wabamun west of Edmonton. Fifteen participants from Grande Prairie, Hinton, Camrose and Edmonton took advantage of the opportunity to be introduced to sailing in boats designed for people with disabilities.
Sailing With Disabilities Day at Lake Wabamun
Sailers enjoy a great day on the water at the Sailing With Disabilities at Lake Wabamun west of Edmonton on September 17, 2011
Thanks to TransAlta for their sponsorship and the Friends of the Wabamun Library for their help with the excellent lunch, everyone had a great time on a beautiful day. Volunteers from the sailing club helped participants into and out of the boats as well as sailed with them to teach them how to manage the sails and rudder. Club members even stood chest-deep in the water to steady the boats while loading. Ryan and Gary from DSAA Calgary worked tirelessly to ensure a safe and fun day for all.

 

Plans are being laid to organize an even better event next spring. The club is looking to make improvements to the facility for accessibility and consideration is being given to dock improvements and perhaps even the purchase of boats for use throughout the summer.

 

 

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 Creative Solutions & Ideas

The PUMP

A new medical supply product for manual or power wheelchairs - The PUMP - is now available to medical supplies distributors and spinal cord injury programs. The first-of-kind medical equipment is a power wheelchair accessory from BIOTX Ltd. enabling a person with a spinal cord injury to easily empty their urinary leg bag directly into a toilet or urinal with a simple press of a button. This highly profitable patent-pending medical supply product provides a person with a spinal cord injury with a higher degree of independence, dignity and privacy by permitting bathroom or public restroom use without assistance.

 

More information can be found at the link below about the device. Included on this page is a short video demonstration of The PUMP in action.


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

  

Chronic disease support now online  

An online self-management program is now online for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, heart conditions and arthritis. It is designed around the formal curriculum that emphasizes problem-solving, action-planning and confidence-building through a workbook and a series of online discussion topics and exercises. Click here for more information!

   

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Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness

Wheelchair Tennis Image 

CPA (Alberta)'s Outdoor Adventures Program Climbs To New Heights!

Take a moment to check out this cool video of the most recent excursion of rock climbing from our friends at Accessible Media Inc.!

Outdoor Adventures Program - Rock Climbing

Outdoor Adventures Program - Rock Climbing

 

Paralympic Sports Association:

They have some great sporting opportunities starting in September. The Tae Kwon Do program has a new added Saturday class, to assist with the high demand of this program. We will also be starting a new Women's Sledge Hockey night on Thursday that is open to all abilities. Bring out your friends to try this great sport! Click here for more information.

 

Check out the Paralympic Sports Association's October E-Newsletter to keep up to date on what's happening this month!  

 

Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta:

Children's Fall Art Program 

Fall/Winter Program Schedule  

   

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 


Spinal Cord Injury Community Surve
y -  Your Participation Is Needed!

If you have an SCI, you, more than anyone, understand your needs and can provide valuable insight into how well the Canadian health care and social services system are meeting them.

 

Your participation will make a difference! The survey results have the potential to provide SCI advocates, as well as service providers and government, with the evidence they need to address the most pressing issues for people with SCI.

 

We hope that you will choose to voice your opinion and participate.

 

To learn more about the SCI Community Survey or to take the Survey, visit: 

www.sci-survey.ca.Your participation in the survey will be confidential and anonymous, and you will be compensated with a $25 gift card for your time.

 

If you have already completed or plan on participating in the survey, on behalf of the SCI Community Survey team, a big THANK YOU!

 

2011 Centennial Flame Research Award 

In accordance with the Centennial Flame Research Award Act, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities annually bestows the Centennial Flame Research Award. This award is given to a person with a disability to allow him or her to conduct research and prepare a report (submitted in the format of his/her choice) on one or more Canadians with disabilities who have made a contribution to the public life of Canada or to the activities of Parliament.

 

This year's 2011 Award is worth $5500.00. The deadline for project submissions is October 15, 2011.  The winner will have one (1) year, from the date they were awarded the prize, to produce a maximum fifty page report on his/her research subject. Click here to view the official news release 

 

Available Now: Open Access to August 2011 issue of Journal of Neurotrauma on Acute Spinal Cord Injury: State-of-the-Art Reviews

The Rick Hansen Institute is pleased to announce the publication of a special August 2011 issue of the Journal of Neurotrauma on Acute Spinal Cord Injury: State-of-the-Art ReviewsClick here for further information!

   

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

   

Diversity Champion Mentorship Initiative Launch

Champions Career Centre is thrilled to announce their new project - the Diversity Champion Mentorship Initiative. This initiative will help increase the number of employers who are trained in diversity best practices - ultimately raising the profile and labour market participation of people with disabilities. Working directly with employers, we will assist them to better tap this under-utilized workforce. We will help employers and their employees understand that individuals with disabilities are Canada's largest minority group - a group anyone can become a member of at any time!

 

The Diversity Champion Mentorship Initiative will include:

 

� Developing relationships with employers, including assessment of current diversity programs, and creating an individualized plan that will assist employers with inclusion of persons with disabilities within their organization

 

� Participating in an employer mentor process (including workshop learning modules) to assist employers and organizations to expand their workplace practices to include persons with disabilities

 

� Effective employer mentor coaching to ensure they become leaders within their organization as they promote inclusion of persons with disabilities in their workplaces, as well as their industry sectors

 

Their goals are to:

1. Educate employers about the opportunities and benefits that exist in hiring individuals with disabilities

2. Empower employer mentors to become leaders in their organization

3. Enhance the profile and acceptance of all types of disabilities in the workplace

 

This timely and exciting new initiative will begin accepting employer applications on June 15, 2011 - AND there are no costs to participate! Contact Our Diversity Coordinator TODAY To Ensure Your Organization Is A Diversity Champion!

 

For further information please contact:

Phone (403) 232-0754 ● TTY (403) 265-5309 or [email protected]

 

EmployAbilities Career and Employment Centre in Edmonton is now open for business!

EmployAbilities offers services to people with disabilities, who may have a medical, sensory, mental, developmental or physical disabilities who are looking for a job.

  

EmployAbilities Career and Employment Centre commitment is to assist people with disabilities, particularly those facing barriers to employment to get the skills and information they need to become successful in the workplace.

 

They help by:

 

Providing help with job interview techniques

Access to job postings

Assistance with resumes and cover letters

Creative job search skills

Information on employment standards, labour laws, health and safety in the workplace, government programs and services and much more.

For more information please call (780) 423-4106

 

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...

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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.    

 

For Sale: Accessible Home (Edmonton)

 

This Wheelchair/Handicap accessible home is move-in ready. Inside this 914 square foot home you will find laminate flooring, doors with 36 inches of clear passage space, one bathroom on the main floor with wheelchair access, as well as easy entry to the back patio with ramps to backyard and front driveway access. Another great feature in this home you will find no cabinet below the kitchen sink which allows greater access to the sink. There are also support bars/handles in bathrooms, lever handles instead of door knobs and a built-in elevator into the fully finished basement that has a very open floor plan that provides maneuverability, to the second washroom, wet bar and 4th bedroom! For more information

please click here or contact Real Estate Agent, Michelle Derk at  780-406-4000 or e-mail [email protected]

 

For Sale: Invacare Pronto 51 Sure Step, NEW  

 

Rehab options including: Extra width, Right hand swingway, Joystick Mount, Footplatform, Quatro-Quads J3 backpad, Good for person up to 300 lbs. Chair has full documentation, Retail value $8000. Asking Price $3500 obo. E-mail [email protected]  Phone 403-217-9092.  

 

For Sale: Canadian Swinger Lift   

 

Approximately 18 years old, good working condition, accepting best offers! For more information call Orysia 780-452-4969.

 

For Sale: Econoline 150 XL Ford Van  

 

Econoline 150 XL Van; older Golden Boy Lift. Removable driver seat, locking mechanism for wheelchair in driver's position, hand controls. 302 motor, less than 114,000 km well maintained, definitely road worthy, passed out-of-province safety check July 2011. Good option for someone less than 200 pounds or who uses a manual chair, $6500 or best offer. Photos available on request. Contact Ed (780) 882 - 1538


For Sale: 2003 Monte Carlo SS, Jeff Gordon Limited Edition

Equipped with a driver seat that swivels, hand controls, back seat folds up for extra wheelchair storage room. 51,000 KM. Asking $17,000 or best offers. Call 780 988-0989 for more information!


For Sale: 2005 Ford E450 Super Duty 21 Passenger Accessible Van

This vehicle is a 2005 Ford E450 Diesel converted to a 21 passenger van with a Braun Wheelchair lift. The Wheelchair max. lift capacity is 800lbs, and is equipped with a Sure-Lok Tie-Down system. Automatic Transmission, Tilt Steering, Cruise Control, Am/Fm Cassette player, Front and Rear Air Conditioning. Only 73000 miles, and is in very nice condition. Just had an out of province inspection completed, along with any necessary repairs. Trades are welcome, and financing is available. We will offer a 7 month/7000 km power train warranty on this unit. Asking Price is $49,995.00. Please email all inquiries to [email protected] or [email protected] 

 

For Sale: Accessible Home (NE Calgary)

 

This well maintained 4 bedroom bungalow features a sunken living room with beautiful brick faced fireplace, formal dining area overlooking living room, kitchen with eating nook, stainless steel appliances, sliding patio doors that open onto a huge deck. Spacious master with 3 piece ensuite and main 4 piece bath. 4th bedroom down, spacious rec room, workshop/hobby room, area for your home office, and 3 piece bathroom. Lovely yard with mature trees for privacy. Front paved driveway can easily host 2 vehicles. Located on a non-thru road, close to schools, excellent access to LRT, Peter Lougheed, Safeway and so much more. This home is wheelchair accessible. For more details click here!

 

For Sale: AquaTec Fortuna Bathlift

 

Fully functioning bath lift that is pretty much new, it has only been used a couple of times. It retails for around $2500, asking $1200 for it. Also available is a shower chair which is also barely used & in excellent condition. Asking price of $100. For more information and photos, please contact Bryce by email at [email protected] or by phone at 780-922-3062 or 780-405-3374.

  

 

For Sale: 2000 Chevrolet Montana Van

 

Equipped with multi-Lift installed for front passenger seat. With the Multi-Lift system you can transfer from your wheelchair and sit comfortably in the front seat. Multi-Lift comes with new sling. 7 passengers, power front seats, command start, cruise, tilt, rear heat. Asking $3,900.00. For more information or pictures email [email protected] or call Norman 1-780-875-8470.

  

For Sale: 2005 Grand Caravan Wheelchair Van

  

2005 Grand Caravan Wheelchair Van

72,000 km, 3.8L V6, 4-speed auto transmission, Dual front air bags, Front and rear heat and A/C, Power steering, Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, power locks, 3-passenger folding bench seat, AM/FM/CD, Digital clock, variable speed wipers with intermittent rear wiper, rear defogger, rear privacy glass, power sliding door. Excellent condition.

  

VMI Conversion:

11-inch lowered floor frame and rear sliding door sills, Powered wheelchair/scooter ramp, Powered sliding passenger-side rear door with power door lockout system, one-touch remote entry system, automatic ramp safety sensor and delay function. Magnetic exterior door and ramp entry system, driver and passenger-side removable, transferable seat bases. Multiple mounting plates and retractable tie downs, can install electronic tie-down on either side.

Asking $27,900 OBO. Buy private and pay no GST.

Contact: Alf at  780-431-1899 or cell: 780-720-7262

  

  

For Sale: 2002 Ford Econoline E-250 Accessible Van

 

21,000 km - Immaculate condition, always garage stored, Tritan V-8 Engine, Fully customized, lowered floor, Braun fold-away wheelchair lift, Electric Rear Bench and fold down bed, Rear Air and Heat, Electric Wheelchair Lock,Tinted Picture Windows with louvered Blinds, Fender Flares, Custom Wheels, Pinstriping, Spare Tire on rear door mount, PW, PB, Air, Cruise, Tilt, CD Player.

Asking $29, 900 please contact Bert at 780-914-0525 or by email [email protected] 

  

For Sale: 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette Braun Entervan

  

2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette Braun Entervan 111,000 km, six cylinder, all options, 6 CD stereo, Park assist, leather, power seats, both front removable, EZ lock system on passenger side, using a manual ramp. Asking $17,500 please contact Bill at 403-286-9350 or by email at [email protected] for more info. Pictures available by e-mail!

 

For Sale: 2008 Honda Odyssey  

2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L Wheelchair Van ( Silver ) ( 29,500 Kms. ) c/w Grey Leather, Sun Roof, Am/Fm/Satellite/CD, Power Seat, Loaded, 3Yr./36,000 Kms. warranty, Purchased new Sept, 2008 ~ Both in-vehicle and remote control for opening/closing of sliding doors and slide out wheel chair ramp ~ Replacement cost is now over $70,000.00 Asking: $52,000.00 or best offer!

  

Please contact Brian at (403) 347-6372 or email him at [email protected] if you have any interest or any questions. Location: Red Deer

  

For Sale: 2005 KIA Sedona Minivan

 

19,000 kms,  complete with 3.5 v6 engine, 5 speed automatic transmission, 4 wheel abs brakes, back up sensor, air conditioning, keyless entry, am/fm/cd stereo sound system, north star vehicle conversion, 10 inch lowered floor for 58 inches of headroom, manual folding rear mounted ramp (20 inches wide) wheelchair tie-downs, rear bumper swings open for access to vehicle.  Has 3rd row jump seat. Asking $21,000. Please call 780-431-9712.

  

For Sale: Invacare Pronto M51 Sure Step Motorized Wheelchair

 

Comes with rehab options including: extra width, right-hand swing-away, foot platform, Quatro-Quads, J3-backpad and seat. Will accomodate person up to 300 lbs. This chair was never used. Has full documentation, purchased in October 2010. Asking price $3500.

  

For Sale: Hand Pedal Adult Tricycle

  

Comes with backup battery-powered motor. In excellent condition. Asking $800,

Phone Louie at 780-474-7208, mornings or evening are best to phone.

 

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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 November 1, 2011. Deadline for submissions is on or before October 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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Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)
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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.

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