In This Issue
News - Province Wide
Events and News in Your Community
Creative Solutions & Ideas
Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness
Research
Fund Development
Classifieds
Contact Us

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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. .  

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 MAY 2012 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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Annual General Meeting and Awards Luncheon 

 Chair-Leaders Image Boardroom

Keep your eyes open as community leaders throughout the Province of Alberta  conduct their day to day business from a wheelchair in support of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)'s vision of a barrier free future. You can expect to see Chair-Leaders wheeling throughout their day in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Red Deer, Drayton Valley, Jasper and Leduc. This year's Chair-Leaders "Enabling Access" campaign will be raising more awareness and funds as we introduce an all new donation system!! For more information, contact 

Zachary Weeks at 780-424-6312, ext. 2250 or donate for your favorite Chair-Leader by clicking the image above! 

     

17th Annual International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS) Conference

On September 9-12th, 2012, the premiere international association for functional electrical stimulation (FES) researchers, industry partners, and end-users of FES technology will convene in Banff, Canada for the 17th annual International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS) conference.

 

View the full IFESS 2012 website and program at: http://ifess2012.com

 

Expanding Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Exercise into the Community

The Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Centre Society (SCITCS) Board of Directors approved an additional $50,000 in support of "Expanding FES Exercise into the Community. In addition and as an incentive, SCITCS will cover the assessment costs, including membership in the Saville Sports Centre and the cost of electrodes for the first year for all participants with SCI who transfer to and or commence an FES exercise program at the Saville Sports Centre. 

Contact The Steadward Centre at 780 492-3182 to be assessed as to suitability for FES exercise or to participate in an FES exercise program. For more information, please visit http://www.steadwardcentre.ualberta.ca/

AB SCI Logo Wheel-E

Adapted Computer Technology Loan Program 

Do you find yourself limited by conventional computer equipment? Are you seeking more independence at home, work, or school? Are you interested in improving your current computer set-up? If so, the CPA (Alberta) is proud to announce its new Adapted Computer Technology Loan Program, free of charge.

Please click here for more information.

 

Online Resource Guide for People with Physical Disabilities

As an active partner in the Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Initiative, CPA (Alberta) has developed an online resource guide for people with physical disabilities, which is 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 so that you can leave comments and/or rate a product or service that you have tried. If you would like more information, you can contact Zachary Weeks at [email protected].

 

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 to us by many individuals. CPA (Alberta) neither endorses nor guarantees that the information is complete or correct.

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Events and News in Your Community

 

Calgary 

Calgary 2012 Peer Events

Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the CPA (Alberta) website, click here for more information. Peer Event updates can also be found on the CPA (Alberta) Facebook page. For more information, contact Marilyn Erho at 403-228-3001.    

 
AMA Launches Adapted Driver Training Program 

Alberta Motor Association is teaming up with the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) to deliver an adapted driver training program in Calgary for drivers with spinal cord injuries. 

 

The three-year pilot program is funded by the Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Initiative implemented in partnership with the CPA (Alberta), and is taught by instructors from AMA Driver Education. 

 

AMA Driver Education will tailor the program to suit the individual's needs, specific to the level of their injury. All participants will undergo a four-to-six hour refresher program which will teach them the basics about operating the adaptive equipment in the vehicle. They can also opt to enrol in the full Learn to Drive program, based on AMA new driver education courses.

 

For more information, contact:  

Sharon Grolmus, Manager, Driver Education
Alberta Motor Association - (403) 240-5478    

Don Szarko, Director, Advocacy and Community Services
Alberta Motor Association - (780) 430-5733 

   

Edmonton    

   

Edmonton 2012 Peer Events

Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the CPA (Alberta) website by clicking here and on the CPA (Alberta) Facebook page.

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


Outdoor Adventures Program

CPA (Alberta) presents its Spring and Summer 2012 Outdoor Adventures Program taking place in Edmonton throughout this Spring and Summer. Try your hand at rock climbing, hand cycling, paddling, scuba diving, etc. For more information and/or to sign up for any of the activities being offered, contact Amy MacKinnon at 780-424-6312 or [email protected].    

 

Wicihitowin Community Gathering

Celebration of the Aboriginal First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Community

Where: Giovanni Caboto Park

When: June 16, 2012

Fort more information, please contact Kris Janvier at the CPA (Alberta) Edmonton office at 780-424-6312.


iDance Launches New Set of Dance Classes!

Community Dance Classes

When: Tuesdays, March 6 - July 24,

Where: Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, 10230 111 Avenue

Main Gym 

Time: 5:30-7:00pm  

Community classes include instruction in ballet, jazz/hip hop, and modern dance, as well as creative movement. Classes end with an annual performance recital. For more information, or to join us, please contact Lindsay Eales at [email protected] or view the information poster by clicking here 

 

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.

For more information on peer events please contact Mieke or Winona at

780-532-3305 or [email protected]

 

CPA (Alberta) Grande Prairie Office has Moved!

They will continue to share an office with the Wolverines Wheelchair Sports Association located in the EastLink Centre which is fully accessible and located at 10 Knowledge Way (across from the RCMP and the Fieldhouse Reception). Membership with the Wolverines will provide full access to the EastLink Centre, which is fully accessible, for people with disabilities. To find out more about the EastLink Centre, go to www.themultiplex.ca

 

For more information, contact CPA (Alberta) Grande Prairie office at 780-532-3305 and talk to Winona or Mieke.   

Premier Alison Redford visits EastLink Centre in Grande Prairie
Premier Alison Redford visits EastLink Centre in Grande Prairie

Vendor's Trade Show

CPA (Alberta) staff attended a Vendor's Trade Show on April 17, 2012, an event organized by Mobility Plus. The following companies were represented:  Eclipse (shoprider scooters), ArjoHunleigh (powered and free standing sling lift track systems, standing transfer equipment), AHC (Roho cushions and specialized mattresses), Invacare (power chairs and commodes)  Mobility Plus opened their new line of Colors Wheelchairs.  Literature from the vendors is available at the Grande Prairie office.


Accessibility

CPA (Alberta) members attended a city wide event on April 25, 2012 to address accessibility issues.


Chair-Leaders Enabling Access Event
 

Coming up on May 15, 2012 with a luncheon at the Stanford Inn for all members.

Mayor Bill Given and select community members will spend the day learning about life from a wheelchair.


Traveling with Disabilities
 

Lorne MacKenzie, WestJet Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs will be speaking with us regarding Traveling with Disabilities. Tentative date is May 15, at Points West Living.


Sailing with Disabilities - June 22 and 23 at Wabamun
 

Grande Prairie would love to have a van load go to Wabamun again this year!  Please phone if you're interested in sailing.  Lifts and puff and sip systems will be available.

 

Kay McVey Charity Supports Tournament

Coming up on July 25, 2012 Keep your eyes peeled for the news! 

    

Lethbridge   

Adapted Computers Technology Demos Now Available! 

CPA (Alberta) Lethbridge has an exciting opportunity for people to demo adapted computer technology.  This equipment can increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Anyone interested in checking out this opportunity, please contact our Lethbridge office at 403-327-7577 for more information.

 
Medicine Hat 

School Presentations 
CPA (Alberta) Medicine Hat office is looking forward to participating in 16 school presentations in conjunction with Education Week at local elementary schools.


Local Leaders Honoured
 

Seventeen local "Leaders of Tomorrow" will be honoured at City Council and a Hollywood Extravaganza for outstanding volunteer and leadership in promoting community inclusion.

 

Community Caregiver Coalition Showcase

The Community Caregiver Coalition is hosting a Showcase on May 9, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Medicine Hat College.  This session will focus on home safety. Call Sue at 403-504-4001 for more information. 

 

Red Deer 

Central Alberta Chair Leader's Event 

Coming up on May 24th at Motion Specialties! Trade your chair for the morning and come down and meet with us in the afternoon at Motion Specialties,
110-5301 43rd Street. Clients, Chair Leaders and those interested in finding out more are all welcome! Come and share your experience, meet all the staff at Motion Specialties and the CPA in Central Alberta! Drinks, food and good people!


Push to Open Society in Central Alberta
 

This fundraising event was held on April 21st. All proceeds are going towards a Trail Rider for the Central Alberta region. Client Services Coordinators, Wanda Seifried and Jeff Dow were extremely happy to see over 80 people attend. Stay tuned for more upcoming events in Central Alberta with the Push to Open Society.

 

Exercise Equipment:

Wheelchair friendly exercise equipment is at the Red Deer College! The equipment is located in the train station. Please contact the Red Deer College for more details.

 

West Central Alberta
Sailing with Disabilities

Scheduled for June 23 and 24th, 2012 at the Wabamum Sailing Club, Sailing with Disabilities is an event you won't want to miss. Boats provided by the Disabled Sailing Association of Alberta can be sailed with quad controls or sip and puff tubes. No charge for participants! Lunch is provided! Open to anyone with a physical disability! Participants are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation. Come dressed for the weather and be prepared to have lots of fun at this year's event! For more information, contact Art Ericksonat 780-892-3431.


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 Creative Solutions & Ideas

 

Magic Eye

Magic is a system that enables full control of the computer through eye gaze and blinking. This solution is aimed to help people with limited mobility, or people who suffer from involuntary head movements (such as Cerebral Palsy) but still have eye gaze direction control. Magic Eye is compatible with any Windows operating system and is powered off a simple USB connection.


For more information, or to trial the Magic Eye, contact: Patrick Milroy at (780) 782-4443.

 

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Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness

Wheelchair Tennis Image 

 

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.


Adaptive Rowing Clinic

Coming up on May 5, 2012. RSVP to Nate at [email protected].

Click here for more information.

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Research 

 

May 15-17, 2012 | Vancouver, Canada
Over 40 international healthcare and research facilities will showcase their work through speaker presentations, targeted workshops and product exhibits. Join a global conversation on how to advance research, implement new best practices and shape the next generation of SCI research.  Click here for more information!

Do You Have a Pressure Ulcer?

If you have a spinal cord injury and a pressure ulcer you are invited to participate in a study, which evaluates the feasibility of providing wound care services over the internet.

You are eligible for this study if you:
  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Have a spinal cord injury
  • Have a chronic or acute pressure ulcer
  • Have access to a computer with internet
  • Give voluntary consent
  • Live within 1 hour drive from Calgary

If you are interested, please call Denise Hill at (403) 944-2996 to obtain more information.

For more information follow this link:
 http://www.scialberta.ca/study/remote-pressure-ulcer-treatment

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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.


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). Many new ads have been added this month. Click here to see more ads. 

 

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 June 1,  2012. Deadline for submissions is on or before May 26th,  2012. Whenever 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: