Quick Links
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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 Line1-888-654-5444 www.cpa-ab.org
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Dear Wheel-E Newsletter Recipients:
Welcome to the April 2013 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 that individuals with disabilities face today. If you would like to receive Spinal Columns, please get in touch with us at 780-424-6312.
To make an online donation, click here
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Inspirational Quote
News - Province Wide
Discovering the Power in Me
Discovering the Power in Me is a powerful program about discovering the resiliency we all have within. You will have the opportunity to take part in a powerful, shared experience, where you learn to reflect on past attitudes and behaviors and then retrain through positive visualization of goals. Workshops are being held in the following locations:
Drayton Valley April 13 and 14th, 2013 Contact Allie at Adult Education at 780-542-3373
Voice Phone (Dial While on the Road!)
If your local law permits you to use your phone while you drive, you can use this application to DIAL your number without removing your eyes from the road (make sure you feel safe doing so).
Tired of not being able to see clearly which key you are pressing when dialing on your iPhone? Whether it's because the numbers are too small to see or your fingers end up pressing the wrong number because the screen is too small; that is now all over! This simple yet helpful application works by playing the key you pressed every time you do, so you know which one you pressed without having to guess or reach for your glasses!
This application is also perfect for those who are visually impaired.
We are constantly working on improvements and new applications that make our life with the iPhone more simple. Please share with us any ideas, suggestions or comments you may have!
Disclaimer: Important - Do not use this application while driving if you do not feel safe doing so. Observe all your your local laws. - Apple.com
Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC) Releases New Resources
Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC) has some new resources on their website that you might want to review and share with colleagues.
5 new videos that can be viewed on their site or YouTube. http://www.access-to-justice.org/p/videos
1. Communication access to justice for people with speech / language disabilities: For legal / justice sector
2. Communication rights when accessing justice services: For people with SLDs
3. The need for access to justice: An interview with Pamela Cross. For everyone.
4. Communicating with police
5. Communication and legal capacity.
Also:
Overview of Communication Intermediary Services at
http://www.access-to-justice.org/p/intermediaries
Summary of feasibility study at
http://www.access-to-justice.org/p/feasibility_study
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
All taxes will be completed in their office on an appointment only basis during the months of March and April. Please click the link below to register online or email [email protected] for more information http://www.gpvsb.com/career_position/553.aspx
Home Care Self-Referrals
If you are not currently receiving homecare services, you can self refer by speaking to an intake worker at 1-855-371-4122, Alberta Health Services - Coordinated Access to Continuing Care North Zone http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/7624.asp
Registered Disability Savings Plan
Are you a person with a disability, a family member or a friend of a person with a disability? If so, it is important that you know about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
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Events and News in Your Community
Calgary
Calgary 2013 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.
Restaurant Critics Needed!
Each month, two restaurants are chosen in order to assess the experience.
This is a great opportunity to socialize, share ideas, and enjoy some great food. for more information please click here.
Edmonton
Edmonton 2013 Peer Events
Check out some great peer event activities planned for Edmonton in the coming months. Information is also regularly posted on the CPA (Alberta) Facebook page (become a CPA (Alberta) Facebook fan)!
Meet and Greets take place on the first Wednesday of every month.
For more information, contact Brian McPherson at 780-424-6312, ext. 2241.
City Council appoints CPA (Alberta) Staff Member to Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities (ABSPD)
CPA (Alberta) is pleased to congratulate Zachary Weeks, Community Development/Communications Coordinator on recently being appointed by Mayor Stephen Mandel and Edmonton City Council to represent those with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities on ABSPD!
ABSPD Invites you to a Community Conversation!
Please see the attached invitation to the Community Conversation, hosted by the Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities (ABSPD) on Friday April 12th 2013.
The ABSPD invites your input to help guide the work identified in their 2013 strategic plan. As an advisory body on the status of persons with disabilities, the ABSPD undertakes a significant role in helping Council address the manner in which their strategies and policies affect people with disabilities in Edmonton.
Date: Friday, April 12, 2013
Time: 8:30 - 1:00 pm
Location: Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 116 Avenue
Adapted 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 broch ure. To view the Winter/ Spring 2013 Adapted Adventures newsletter, click here.
Aboriginal Services
Wicihitowin Community Gathering
June 15, 2013, Giovanni Caboto Park
For more information, call 780-809-1927 or [email protected]
Contact Kris Janvier at 780-424-6312 for more information about the CPA (Alberta) Aboriginal Services Program in Edmonton.
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Fort McMurray
Snow Mobility Challenge takes off in Fort McMurray
Councillor Christine Burton is unable to reach the top row of greeting cards, just one of multiple limitations she discovered.
On March 12 through the 14th, 2013, CPA (Alberta) Fort McMurray office shifted their focus to accessibility and the difficulties related to lack of adequate snow removal. Newly introduced to the community, the Snow Mobility Challenge included town councillors Christine Burton and Phil Meager as well as local DJ Nic Lindsay, from K Rock 100.5. All of the participants experienced challenging conditions related to weather, specifically snow and ice build-up, as well as general accessibility barriers throughout their day in a wheelchair. An interview from Fort McMurray Today made front page news and can be found here.
Grande Prairie CPA (Alberta) Grande Prairie Peer Information Sessions/Other Activities: For more information on any upcoming peer events please contact Mieke or Winona at 780-532-3305 or [email protected]. Parkinsons Support Group
Meets at 2:00 pm every second Tuesday of the Month at Wild Rose Manor. Parkinsons Voice Enhancement Group Weekly 1 pm every Tuesday at Wild Rose Manor.
Caregivers Support Group Monthly: 1st Mon. at 12:30pm at the PAS office (near KFC on 100 St). Parkinsons Disease Education Day: April 9, 2013. For more information contact Sherry at [email protected] Medicine Hat Chair-Leaders We will be hosting our first annual Chair-Leaders Event on May 4. Stay tuned for more info. CPA (Alberta) Casino Date Set for the Hat! Mark your calendars, June 14 and 15 is CPA's casino; if you would like to volunteer, call Sue or Shirley at 403-504-4001. West Central Sailing With Disabilities Day to Make A Splash this June! Plans are underway to hold the "Sailing With Disabilities" day at the Wabamun Sailing Club which will likely occur in June.
Discovering the Power in Me
A Discovering the Power in Me course is being held in Drayton Valley on the weekend of April 13/14. To register, contact Allie at Adult Education at 780-542-3373.
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Creative Solutions and Ideas
Reach Your Potential.
JACO Rehab Edition by Kinova |
Interesting Websites
Accessible Housing by Design - House Designs and Floor Plans
Accessible house design is design that will accommodate everyone, including people with disabilities. Accessible housing includes houses that are minimally accessible, houses that can easily be made accessible at a later date, and houses that are completely accessible with power door openers, large bathrooms and so on. Click here for more information.
Skinfix
http://www.skinfixinc.com/
National Mobility Awareness Month
This May marks the 2nd annual celebration of National Mobility Awareness Month, when we encourage people with disabilities to embody the spirit of Life Moving Forward by raising awareness of the mobility solutions available in your community. Whether you are living with a disability or have dedicated your time to helping someone who is, we want to hear what makes them a Local Hero.
Local Heroes can be defined as people who:
Volunteer, Educate, Advocate, Achieve, Persevere
Stories will be shared and voted on. Voting is open to the public and at least three customized wheelchair accessible vehicles will be awarded to the Local Hero Winners.
Over 18 million people in North America are living with restrictive mobility issues. This is your chance to change the lives of just a few of those triumphing in the face of adversity. Click here to vote or enter the contest!
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Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness
Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta 2013 Program Schedule Click here to review full schedule of events.
2013 Adapted Physical Activity, Fitness and Sport Symposium CPA (Alberta) recently participated in the 2013 Adapted Physical Activity, Fitness and Sport Symposium held in Grande Prairie and hosted by the Eastlink Centre, Grande Prairie Regional College and The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement. The Wolverines Wheelchair Sports Association would like to thank its symposium attendees, supporters and event sponsors: Government of Alberta, Western Air Rescue (WAR) and Mobility Plus.
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Fund Development
Optimize your support...
Use your Shoppers Optimum Points to support CPA (Alberta)
By donating some (or all) of your Shoppers Points to CPA (Alberta), you are enabling us to use your points toward the purchase of products and supplies we need for our ongoing fundraising activities.
To donate your points, just go online to www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/donate and browse the Shoppers Optimum section. Then click on "donate your points". What if you're not a Shoppers Optimum Member? No problem! All of the necessary forms can be found online as well as in any Shoppers Drug Mart store across Canada.
With your continued support, this initiative has the potential for us to greatly "optimize" our fundraising dollars.
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!
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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Ongoing Resources
Cushions Still Available
Thanks to the generosity of MEDIchair (Edmonton location), CPA (Alberta) received a donation of nearly 100 cushions! Special 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.
Get in Motion
Get in Motion is a nation-wide physical activity counseling service for Canadians with spinal cord injuries. 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.
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.
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.
Grande Prairie
Disabled Transportation Society
http://www.gpdts.ca/
- Will transport people to and from the Clairmont Ramada. Two days notice required to book.
- Use DTS between Clairmont Ramada and the Greyhound Bus Terminal by the Prairie Mall.
- $15.00 for non-members per trip. A small discount is possible for round trips.
Greyhound
1 800 752 4841 (travel assistance)
- Must be phoned at least 4 days in advance so the bus is in place;
- Find out if there is a bus available for the date required.
- Confirm 48 hours before the date to ensure the bus is still available
- Book ticket through Grande Prairie Terminal: (780) 539-1111.
Red Deer
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.
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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 May, 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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