Quick Links
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Check out CPA (Alberta) Videos
CPA (Alberta) has over 100 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
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Dear Wheel-E Newsletter Recipients:
Welcome to the September 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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In the News - Province Wide
Check out CPA (Alberta)'s Online Auction
Well over 50 items, including gift certificates, hockey stuff, artwork.....you name it.
We will continue to post items so keep checking back. Auction ends September 13, 2013.
Recruiting Volunteer Council Positions Do you have personal experience with a disability or disabilities? Would you like to make a difference in the lives of Albertans with disabilities? The Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities is now recruiting new members and a Chair person. The role of this Council is to advise, report and make recommendations to government on various disability issues and raise awareness of issues important to persons with disabilities living in Alberta.
Nominations Now Open for Premier's Council Awards
Nominations are now open for the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Awards, which recognize Albertans who create communities that are inclusive of people with disabilities. Nominations for all awards open until September 30th. Nomination packages are available on the Council's website at http://humanservices.alberta.ca/department/premiers-council-awards.html
or by calling 1-800-272-8841.
Jasper Icefields Cycling Trip September 13 - 17, 2013, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Planat
planat.com is an innovation of the Rick Hansen Foundation. It's an easy-to-use, interactive, digital media tool for showcasing your accessibility features.
The comprehensive, five star rating system empowers individuals to make informed decisions on every day activities.
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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.
September restaurant locations have been chosen....click here for more information about restaurant dates, locations and times.
Save the Date - Calgary Annual Peer Christmas Event
December 1st, Carriage House Inn, Calgary. More details to follow.
Fitness Centre on YouTube The CPA (Alberta) SCI Fitness & Wellness Center Calgary offers a remarkable combination of certified, knowledgeable health professionals and state of the art equipment. Check out this video.
| Spinal Cord Injury Fitness and Wellness Centre Calgary |
Edmonton Edmonton 2013 Peer Events Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the CPA (Alberta) Become a CPA (Alberta) Facebook fan! For more information, contact [email protected] at 780-424-6312, ext. 2241. Bingo Anyone? CPA (Alberta) Needs Volunteers
CPA (Alberta) needs your help at bingos in the Castledowns Bingo Hall. The hours are from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. 3-4 bingos are held per month but you can volunteer around your availability. This is a good opportunity to meet other volunteers and make friends. By volunteering, you will help us provide services to persons with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. Contact Susan at 780-424-6312 or [email protected]. Big Lake Pointe Open House Affordable rental units located in beautiful St. Albert offers one, two and three bedroom suites with one and two bathrooms. It is also wheelchair accessible and includes 28 suites with barrier free design for individuals with mobility challenges. September 12, 2013, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., the parking lot at Big Lake Pointe at 10 & 12 Nevada Place, St. Albert AB. For more information, about Big Lake Pointe, click here. Queen Elizabeth Offers Greater Accessibility The Queen Elizabeth Park Master Plan was approved by City Council on August 28, 2013. The final document will be available on the project website later this week. The master plan that has been prepared will guide the phased development of the park over the next 10 years. The realization of the master plan can be truly transformative and has immense potential to add to the vibrancy and quality of life in Edmonton. Among the funded projects for the park is an improved crosswalk across Queen Elizabeth Park Road, to be constructed through Fall 2013. In 2014, the new accessible trail from Saskatchewan Drive down to the improved crosswalk will be constructed and old parking lot areas in the upper park will be naturalized. Re-Development of The Steadward Centre (TSC) Parking Area
Starts Monday September 9, 2013. What does this mean for current parking lot users? - LOCATION: New parking location for TSC parking permit holders is the 'old' Varsity parking lot-corner of 87 Ave and 116 St., access off 116 St. Currently called the Clark Builders Parking Lot. The TSC designated parking area is along the north fence (facing the field).
- ACCESS: To access and use this lot you will require a second parking pass. This is labeled "CLARK BUILDERS Parking Pass". These are available at TSC reception. Please pick up a pass at your earliest convenience. If you do not receive a pass prior to Monday, you can park in the CLARK BUILDERS lot and then proceed to reception. A TSC staff member will assist you with placing the placard in your vehicle if required. You need to have a valid parking permit to receive a Clark Builders lot pass.
- GETTING to TSC: A pathway at the Northeast corner of the parking lot will be cleared and opened. This will take you to "our current parking" area. Please enter the building using the west door-same entrance you use now.
- How long will we have to park here? It is anticipated that construction will be completed by the end of October.
- What is being done? The new DATS turnaround and parking lot is being developed. The new parking lot will encompass the entire basketball court area. Walk ways from the parking lot to the building entrance will be created.
- What if I still have questions? Please speak to our receptionist (Shirley) at 780-492-3182 or one of the program staff.
- Please take extra caution. This will be a construction zone. Please be careful and follow all signage and instruction from workers in the area.
Enhance Your Employment Potential and Register Today! An Entry level employability skills program, offered by EmployAbilities, starts October 7, 2013. Click here to find out more. Adapted Adventures Program Check out the
Summer 2013 Adapted Adventures newsletter to find out about upcoming activities this summer. 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. 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.
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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].
Wheelchair accessible taxis available in Edmonton for your future medical trips, which need to be booked a day ahead. The Yellow Cab company in Edmonton can be reached at 1(780) 462-3456 or booked on line at http://www.edmontontaxiservicegroup.com/taxi_services/disabilities.html. The cost to the city downtown is a little less than $60.00 one way. The other Cab company is the Co-op, phone 780 425 - 2525 and on-line at http://www.co-optaxi.com/our-services-2/wheelchair-taxis.
Accessible Vehicle Rental
There is a cab company in Grande Prairie that will provide accessible vehicle rentals. Driving Force indicated that it would take a week to get a vehicle in if you wish to rent through them and the daily rate is $39.95/day, plus any application charges. They are located at 11507-100 Street, Grande Prairie, phone 780-814-9596.
Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Mixer CPA (Alberta) and the Wolverines Wheelchair Sports Association sponsored the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Mixer on August 8, 2013. Over thirty people attended, and we appreciate their obvious support. Everett MacDonald, MLA Grande Prairie Smokey; Jerry Napier, Disabled Transportation Society; and Bill Given, Mayor of the City of Grande Prairie all expressed interest in coordinated transportation to and from Edmonton for medical purposes. Send any comments or concerns to 780-532-3305, or [email protected]. Let's get together and figure out how to approach the problem!
Call to Action! Your Voice is Important!
The City of Grande Prairie is hosting a Community Conversation to further expand on the 2013 Citizen Satisfaction Survey. Full information can be found at
E-Magazines
Grande Prairie Interagency News
Accessibility Advisory Committee of Grande Prairie - the committee created by CPA and members in 2011 to speak with the Honourable Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River Constituency, has reformed. Including agencies providing services to adults with physical disabilities, members include CNIB; ASLS; Parkinsons Alberta; Multiple Sclerosis Society - Northern Alberta; GPRC - Accessibility Supports and Disability Services; and representatives of the City of Grande Prairie. We are looking at a committee structure that will invite other agencies to work together toward specific interests. Meetings will be monthly from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. on the third Friday of each month. Locations to be announced. Please contact any of the member groups for more information: Brain Injury Support Group - Every Friday, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. with ASLS in their new location at Town Centre Mall. Phone (780) 539-0433 CNIB In-Sight Support Group - Third Tuesdays, phone 780-539-1328. Multiple Sclerosis Society - Support groups (780) 532-3204 Parkinson's Alberta - September 7, 2013 Step'n'Stride, Muskoseepi Park. Phone (780) 882-6640.
Medicine Hat and Area New Beach Chair at Echo Dale Regional Park City of Medicine Hat now has a beach chair for use at Echo Dale Regional Park. Anyone wishing to access the beach and not able to due to accessibility can ask for information at the life guard stand. You must be able to self transfer or supply your own help as staff are not trained in this area. For more information contact the Medicine Hat CPA office at 403-504-4001. |
Research
Prairie to Penguins
Self proclaimed bike-a-holic, Dave Ranson is teaming up with the Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Centre Society to raise funds to purchase a Bionic Exoskeleton. You can follow Dave on his exciting six month journey from St. Albert to Argentina as well as post encouraging comments by visiting www.prairiestopenguins.com
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Interesting Websites
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Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness
Camp TRIumph Invite
If you are new to Paratriathlon, Won With One invites you to come and learn from your peers. You will be provided with the knowledge and support you need to start training, get involved in the triathlon and paratriathlon community and complete your first race. For those of you who are experienced paratriathletes, you will have the opportunity to train in a beautiful environment, swap training tips with your peers and gain knowledge from experienced coaches. All the action takes place on September 16, 2013. For more information and to submit an application visit: www.wonwithone.com
Steadward Centre Para-swim Development Program
This fall The Steadward Centre, in partnership with the Golden Bears and Pandas Swimming and the support of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, will be offering a 10 week program to engage individuals experiencing physical and/or sensory impairment in the sport of swimming.With the support of qualified coaches and adapted physical activity consultants, this program will focus on the development of competitive swimming skills for sport minded individuals ages 12 and up. An Exposure Session for potential participants on August 15th at 700 PM at the U of A West Pool is available! Please contact Nathan or Kirsti if you are interested.
Junior National Wheelchair Basketball Championships
The Edmonton Wheelchair Basketball Community, led by the Alberta Northern Lights Wheelchair Basketball Society, is proud to host the Junior National Championships on March 28-30, 2014 in Edmonton, AB. https://www.facebook.com/JrNatWheelchairBasketball2014.
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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!
Sponsor Energy Announces Special Rate for Power
Sponsor Energy is pleased to announce a special rate on power for seniors. For more details, go to http://www.sponsorenergy.com/special-senior-rate-on-power
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
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.
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.
Silver Cross Canada
Find recycled or new health care equipment in your area by contacting Silver Cross Canada.
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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 October, 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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