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 December 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 injuries and other physical disabilities.

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

Canada Helps donation logo 

To make an online donation, click here


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News - Province Wide 

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Heart of a Drago Ad  

New Name / New Address

Spinal Cord Injury Canada, formerly known as the Canadian Paraplegic Association (National) has moved! Their new address is: Spinal Cord Injury Canada, 512-130 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5G4. Formerly located at 230-1101 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa ON K2C 3W7.   


Join us in Celebrating Possibilities at the 2013 Red Carpet Affair!
 



Various celebrations of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities are being held throughout the province. Information about individual events can be found below.
 

CPA (Alberta) Award Nominations

Each year the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) honors some very special individuals at our annual Red Carpet Affair.

We are currently accepting nominations for the following categories:

Honourable Lois Hole Community Development Award
Dr. Gary McPherson Lifetime Achievement Award
Percy Wickman Accessibility Award

The deadline for nominations is December 15, 2012.

Click here to find out about awards criteria and nomination information.  

   

Would you Like to See an Accessible Lodge in Northern Alberta? 
and let the Alberta Abilities Lodges Society know your thoughts on the development of an accessible lodge in Northern Alberta suitable for seniors, persons with disabilities, and caregivers.

New Bursary Available Through ACCD
A bursary of $1,000 is available to a student with disabilities attending post-secondary school of any kind. For more information, contact the Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD) at 780-488-9088.
 

Cushions Still Available

Thanks to the generosity of MEDIchair (Edmonton location) CPA (Alberta) has received a donation of nearly 100 cushions! Thanks as well to FI Canada for their assistance with storage of these cushions.

 

All cushions are new or previously trialed and there are a variety of brands and sizes available.CPA (Alberta) neither endorses nor guarantees any of these products and recommends that, in order to prevent any complications that may result from the use of any of these cushions, you contact your medial service provider or seating specialist. Steve Saoberg from MEDIchair, Edmonton location (780-437-3300) may be able to provide assistance with any technical questions.

 

CPA (Alberta) members can 'purchase' one cushion at a cost of $75/cushion to cover shipping and handling. Brand-new, these cushions range in price from $250-$600.

For more information on how to obtain a cushion, contact your local CPA (Alberta) Client Services Coordinator.

 

Video of the Month
Discovering the Power in Me CPA peer Program 
Discovering the Power in Me CPA Peer Program
 

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, please inquire about our Adapted Computer Technology Loan Program, which is free of charge.

Please click here for more information. 

 

Online Resource Guide for People with Physical Disabilities

Check out CPA (Alberta)'s 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. If you would like more information, contact Zachary Weeks at [email protected] .   

 

Full Serve Gas Stations

If you know of any full serve gas stations not included on our list, or 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 at www.cpa-ab.org or 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 403-228-7434.   

 

Edmonton    

Edmonton 2012 Peer Events

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

Meet and Greets take place on the first Wednesday of every month.

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

  

Discovering the Power in Me
December 20th and 21st, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

CPA (Alberta) Edmonton office, 305 Hys Centre, 11010 - 101 Street

Discovering the Power in Me (DPM) is a program that gives people with disabilities the tools to manage, set and achieve goals, be more effective and think in ways to create success. $40.00 to register, with parking costs reimbursed at the end of the course. Please see the Video of the Month in this newsletter to hear more about this program. For more information, contact Brian McPherson at 780-424-6312, ext. 2241. A huge thank you to Apache for kindly supporting the DPM program.  

 

2012 International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Edmonton 
Monday, December 3rd, 2012, 7515 - 118 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta. This year's theme is Arts and Theatre.Click here for poster.

The Quarters Downtown - Open House
The City of Edmonton is holding an open house to gather public input on programming opportunities for New City Park, located within The Quarters Downtown Redevelopment Area. You can listen to a presentation, view displays giving context to the project and provide feedback on the types of activities you would like the park to accommodate. Monday, December 3rd, 4:00 - 8:00 PM, Boyle Street Plaza Gym, 9515 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton.

Adapted Adventures Program (formerly Outdoor Adventures Program) 

The CPA (Alberta) Adapted Adventures Program offers opportunities to participate in recreational activities, such as rock climbing, paddling, hand cycling, scuba diving, trail running with the TrailRider, fishing and cross country skiing. Also look for yoga coming in early 2013!  Adapted Adventures also has weekend trips featuring a variety of activities.We provide quality instruction, adapted equipment and affordable programs to minimize barriers of participation. Subsidies available if necessary. All abilities welcome, as well as family and friends.

Click here for program brochure. Click here for the October 2012 Adapted Adventures newsletter. To find out more about this exciting program, please click here. For more information please contact us at [email protected] or 780-424-6312. 

 

Four Brand New Wheelchair Accessible Condo Units Available

Click here for more information about these units located at Windsor Park in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

 

Aboriginal Services 

Aboriginal Family Night  

December 13, 2012, location to be announced. For more information, contact Communtiy Services at 780-442-4847.  

 

Aboriginal Arts and Crafts Sale Food Bank Fundraiser 
December 5th, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Canada Place North Atrium, 9700 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton. For information, contact  [email protected], 780-495-4707.

Community Christmas Dinner

The Canadian Native Friendship Centre in partnership with the Creating Hope Society is hosting their annual Community Christmas Dinner:

December 21, 2012, 3:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., Alberta Avenue Community Hall, 9210 - 118 Avenue. Must pre-register for the event with the CNFC at 780-761-1900 no later than December 12, 2012 in order to receive a gift.  

Grande Prairie   

CPA (Alberta) Grande Prairie Peer Information Sessions/Other Activities

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

780-532-3305 or [email protected].  

  

Office Closure 
The CPA (Alberta) office in Grande Prairie will be closed from December 24, 2012 to January 2, 2013 for the Holidays. 

 

Disabled Transportation Society: Now Accessible Service to and from the Airport in Grande Prairie!
Accessible Taxi and membership information http://gpdts.ca/pages/news/
 

 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Grande Prairie
CPA (Alberta) in Grande Prairie will host an Open House and Adapted Physical Activities at the EastLink Centre from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. Mayor Bill Given will read the proclamation at 11:00 a.m. at the Field House. Visit the Menzie's Stop to raffle for a home made quilt...only 50 tickets will be sold! 

  

International Volunteer Day and Pancake Breakfast 
December 5, 2012 at the Golden Age Centre, 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Trouble with Accessible Parking Being Used by People Who Do Not Need It?  
Contact Operation Traffic Watch
http://www.cityofgp.com/index.aspx?page=1074

Activate GP Workshop
The workshop was held on November 5th, 2012. Check out this video at http://youtu.be/g9NjrUrnCic  


Congratulations!

Mel and Cate Gunson were recognized by the CPA (Alberta) at the June 9, 2012 Volunteers Recognition Awards Luncheon. They have distributed CPA (Alberta) information folders and brochures to Care Centres, hospitals, and physiotherapists in three communities in the Peace region. Cate and Mel have been of tremendous support to our peers as great listeners, offering rides to CPA events, and as huge supporters of the Chair-Leaders Enabling Access event as recruiters for sponsorships and participants. Mel is currently focusing on raising awareness of building accessibility and Cate is already on board with the ChairLeaders Planning Committee for May 13, 2013.  

 

Strategic Planning 
Held on November 15th, the Strategic planning meeting for the Grande Prairie Region was attended by 14 people with great participation by all. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm!

Reserved Parking 
The Grande Prairie CPA office and the Wolverines Wheelchair Sports Association now have reserved parking at the EastLink Centre, south parking lot: two accessible spaces and two regular spaces.

Continuing Education  
Canadian Institute for Relief of Pain and Disability Webinars include work related pain and mental health  issues. View them at

Grande Prairie Regional College 
Winter Continuing Education and On-line Courses.
Information available at 

Red Deer 

 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) - Red Deer 

December 3rd, IDPD celebrations will commence at 9:15 to 11:00 am at The Hub on Ross. Community Recognition Awards will be presented to local businesses in their efforts to create a barrier free city. Please join us for an awards ceremony with the Premiers Council, the Mayor of the City of Red Deer and the Red Deer IDPD Committee for some light refreshments, local entertainment and mingling.   

   

Gym Membership 

CPA (Alberta) clients are eligible to receive a one year Gym Membership at the Red Deer College Train Station. Please contact the Red Deer Office for more information at 403-341-5060.   

 

Red Deer MEDIChair and Motion Specialties Amalgamate!

Effective November 21. Click here for more information. 

 

West Central 

 


 Creative Solutions & Ideas

 Miracle Mat  

Tired of waiting for the snow to melt off your wheels or tracking in dirt into your home? The miracle mat is a cure for that! This super absorbent doormats comes in 3 sizes - medium, (28 inches long x 18 inches wide) large (36 inches long x 24 inches wide) and runner (59 inches long x 24 inches wide). This mat DOES work and is very effective in removing dirt, mud and snow from wheelchair tires and shoes. For more information on this machine washable product, visit http://www.pizazzdirect.com/miracle_mat.htm.

 

Interesting Websites 


FacingDisability is designed to provide Internet-based information and support for people with spinal cord injuries and members of their families. This website has more than 1,000 videos of family members answering real-life questions about how they cope with a spinal cord injury.
http://bit.ly/Svdykf  


Various experts met in Weston Massachusetts to talk online about spinal cord injury. This website includes videos by many experts in the field.
http://bit.ly/U6OTP7  

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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.

 

Recreation Discovery 

Contact Recreation Discovery to connect with agencies offering recreation for people with disabilities in Calgary.

Click here for more information 

 

Wheelchair Tennis 
Developmental Lessons at Court 1, Saville Community Sports Centre, 11610 - 65 Avenue, U of A., Edmonton. October 20th - December 15th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, $50.00 for 9 lessons. Manual and power wheelchairs welcome. Contact BJ Engerdahl, 780-427-8721 or [email protected].

Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre 
Adaptive Sports Centre (RMASC) 10 Week Alpine Ski Program and 8 week Nordic Ski Program for the 2012/2013 Winter Season. Click here for more information about the Adaptive Nordic Ski Program. Click here for ten week information sheet.
For more information, contact Jamie McCulloch, General Manager, Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre,Tel: 403-431-1154, [email protected] or www.rmasc.ca

Soccability 
The Alberta Soccer Association (ASA), in partnership with the Paralympic Sports Association and other disability organizations, is running the Soccability program (an adapted soccer program for people of all abilities). This program will be held every 2 weeks, beginning November 5, on Mondays from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic High School (10830 109 Street). Email or phone John at the ASA for more information: 780-474-2200 ext. 250 (W), 587-435-5611 (D), www.albertasoccer.com

Goalball 
The Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind will be hosting co-ed recreational Goalball on Wednesday nights. For more information call (780) 437 - 8159 or email [email protected]

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Research 

  

Ekso Bionics Presentation and Demonstration   
Ekso Bionics is an American company that designs hydraulically powered exoskeleton systems which allow individuals who cannot stand and walk to do so.

Date: December 14, 2012
11:00 am - 12:30 pm (Katz Bldg. 3003)
Presentation and demonstration by Ekso Bionics
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm (University of Alberta, Katz Bldg. 5032)
Demonstration of pilot fitting to local volunteer 

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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.

 

 

 

Donate A Car

Donate A Car Canada accepts vehicle donations for the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta). To donate a vehicle to CPA (Alberta), simply fill out the DONATE NOW tab at www.donatecar.ca. Donate A Car Canada will look after everything to make your donation easy. CPA (Alberta) will send you a tax receipt after your car donation is complete!

 

Sponsor Energy Logo 

Use Your Power for Good

50% of profits on your electricity usage each month can help individuals with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities!
Click here to find out more.  




 

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 will post your item as quickly as possible.

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.

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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 the first week of January, 2013. Deadline for submissions is on or before the 26th of each month. 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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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: