Newsletter Banner for October 2013
In This Issue
News - Province Wide
Events and News in Your Community
Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness
Fund Development
Classifieds
Contact Us

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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]

 

Medicine Hat

Phone: (403) 504-4001

Red Deer

Phone: (403) 341-5060

[email protected]

 

St. Paul

Phone: (780) 645-5116

Fax: (780) 645-5141

 

 

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 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.

Canada Helps donation logo 

To make an online donation, click here


 

In the News - Province Wide 

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CPA (Alberta) Opening Doors with Planat
Access Matters Planat Ad CPA (Alberta) is now an authorized re-seller of planat. An easy to use, interactive and innovative online tool that allows you to showcase your venue accessibility features; help customers make informed decisions; and grow your business. CPA (Alberta) can provide a detailed site assessment and offer practical accessibility solutions. Click here to find out more, go to www.planat.com or e-mail us at [email protected].

Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability kicks off 25th anniversary with National Survey
September 25, 2013 - In anticipation of celebrating 25 years in 2014, the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALACD) will be engaging active living, sport and recreation leaders in a series of conversations on the quality of programs and services for Canadians with a disability. Read press release...  

Vancouver Makes Accessibility a Priority! 
City of Vancouver legislates new standards for single-family, townhouse homes.  
Wheelchair Accessible Home
Letter to City of Vancouver: Thank you for making housing more accessible.
Blog by Chris McBride, Executive Director of SCI BC
 
Tech Talk
 

TabletTail for iPads, Tablets and e-Readers

  

TabletTail??? Stands for iPads, Tablets and e-Readers: Monkey Kit and Whale Kit 
TabletTail??? Stands for iPads, Tablets and e-Readers: Monkey Kit and Whale Kit

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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.

 

Some great October restaurant locations have been chosen....find out more.

 

Save the Date! Calgary Annual Peer Christmas Event  

December 1st, Carriage House Inn, Calgary.  More details to follow.       

Modeling Success: A Case for Consumer Directed Care
This video explains the success of Consumer-Directed Care, a valuable and vital component of Alberta's continuing care system.

 

Modeling Success: A Case for Consumer Directed Care
Modeling Success: A Case for Consumer Directed Care

Edmonton    

Edmonton 2013 Peer Events

Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the CPA (Alberta)

website at www.cpa-ab.org as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Edmonton Peer Program Christmas Social 

Thursday, December 5th, 2013
Please join us as we celebrate the holidays, share experiences, spend time with old friends and meet new people. Find out more. 


For more information, contact [email protected] at 780-424-6312, ext. 2241.

 

Job Opportunity  

CPA (Alberta) in Edmonton is looking to hire a companion for our Community Access for People in Continuing Care (CAPCC) program. This program facilitates outings for people under the age of 65 who live in long term care centres. We are looking for a companion to accompany two participants for outings on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons (outings include: volunteer opportunities, trips to shopping centres, and local events). 

Requirements:

  • Experience working with people with disabilities
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Criminal Record Check

If you are interested in this position, please send your resume to Kristie Coulombe, [email protected] or fax (780) 424-6313.


Volunteer hands up image CPA (Alberta) needs your help at bingos in the Castledowns Bingo Hall. Hours are from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Three to four bingos are held per month but you can volunteer around your availability. Great 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]. 

 

Adapted Adventures Program  

 

Adapted Adventures Logo Check out the
 Fall 2013 Adapted Adventures newsletter to find out about upcoming activities this Fall. The CPA (Alberta) Adapted Adventures Program offers opportunities to participate in various recreational activities, such as
spin classes, rock climbing, cross country skiing, scuba diving, etc. CPA (Alberta) provides 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. For more information please contact us at [email protected]
or ask for Amy or Sidney at 780-424-6312.

St. Albert Enhances New Handibus Service 
New St. Albert Handibus  
Shawna Desmond of St. Albert is a regular Handibus user,
with driver Thomas Wielobob
Handibus service into Edmonton should be available to registered users by early November. Click here to find out more. 
 

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].     

 

Correction!! Accessible Vehicle Rental 
The September issue of Wheel-E indicated there was a cab company in Grande Prairie that would provide accessible vehicle rentals. This information was incorrect. The vehicle rental company is the well known, Driving Force. To the best of our knowledge, Driving Force has acknowleged difficulties with the return of rental vehicles and has expressed an interest in trying to improve this process. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Chamber of Commerce Offers Discount
CPA (Alberta) members are entitled to a 20% discount for any annual pre-paid membership. Proof of CPA (Alberta) membership required.

 

Grande Prairie Chair-Leaders 2014  
First meeting held with lots of discussion and fabulous ideas for May 2014. A warm welcome to Corrie Funk who has recently joined the 2014 Chair-Leaders committees! Her daughter Reeghan, recently joined Mayor Bill Given in proclaiming October 24, 2013, Cerebral Palsy Day (Click here for photo)

Members Needed for the Following 2014 Committees: 
Please let the Grande Prairie office know if you are interested in helping as a committee member or as an event volunteer:

   

- 2014 Chair-Leaders (Grande Prairie, Grande Cache, and possibly Peace River) -  Fundraising (Cash for Camping or Cars for Christmas)  

- Accessibility Advisory Committees (assessing need and laying the ground work in Peace River and Grande Cache for September 2014, possibly in Valleyview) 

- Community Living Attendant Training (home hosts, trainers and room monitors for class session in Spring, 2014)

- Restaurant Groups (maybe) 

- International Day of Persons with Disabilities (contact Winona directly).

  

Webinar - Board Roles and Responsibilities

CPA Grande Prairie will be joining a webinar on   

Board Roles and Responsibilities for Non-Profit Organizations 

Sponsored by Alberta Culture in partnership with Northern Lakes College

October 17, 2013, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, LIVE Online

If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch with [email protected] or call 780-532-3305.

 

City News   

Aquatics Needs Assessment Survey, highlighting Bear Creek Outdoor Pool and the Leisure Centre   http://www.cityofgp.com/index.aspx?page=1198&recordid=2261&returnURL=%2Findex.aspx%3Fpage%3D1198 

 

GPSmartGuide Events Calendar  http://www.gpsmartguide.com/events.php

 

Congratulations to the First Ever Buddy Walk in Grande Prairie http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/2013/09/15/first-ever-buddy-walk-receives-huge-community-support 

 

Grande Prairie to host 2015 Special Olympics Winter Games  http://specialolympics.ab.ca/grande-prairie-to-host-2015-winter-games  

 

Pool lift and Submersible Wheelchair One Step Closer

The Rotary Club's community initiative to raise funds for a lift and submersable wheelchair for the pool is very close to it's goal. They've raised $10,000 so far and only need a couple more donations!


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 -

 

Muscular Dystrophy Grande Prairie/West Peace Chapter 

Parkinson's Society Alberta - Grande Prairie Region 
Please contact any of the above member groups for more information.
 

Medicine Hat and Area

 

Stick/Wheelchair Curling League

Hosted by the Medicine Hat Curling Club on Friday afternoons at 1:00 pm. For more information call Shirley at 403-866-8528.

Para Cycling Clinic 

Medicine Hat Regional Office is excited to welcome a Para Cycling Clinic on October 15. For more information, call Sue at 403-504-4001.  

   

REDI Bottle Depot Donation
CPA in Medicine Hat was the recipient of $2,186.10 from the REDI Bottle Depot's "What are you waiting for" program. This is a way for patrons to donate to a local charity instead of waiting in line to recycle their bottles.

 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)
Planning has started and we have hopes to expand beyond our School Program and share information with more community members.  

 

5th Annual Caregiver Workshop titled "Relax to your own Drum" 
November 6, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Chinook Village. $20.00. Caregivers can register by calling 406-529-6797.

 

Research and Technology 


Extreme Offload Tracked Wheelchair

The original tracked Wheelchair now in production as its extreme 2.0 version, developed by Howe and Howe Tech for wheelchair users.

 

Extreme Offroad Tracked Wheelchair the Original Ripchair 2.0
Extreme Offroad Tracked Wheelchair
the Original Ripchair 2.0

Tetra's "Gizmo" Newsletter Now Online
The latest newsletter from the Tetra Society illustrates the innovative ways that engineers give their time to barrier-breaking inventions for people with disabilities.

Interesting Websites 

 

Why is Accessibility Important?
Government of Ontario infographic tells the story of why accessibility is good for Ontario.

Disability Placards 
Surge in numbers of disability placards prompt U.S. cities to push back

http://www.sportsabilities.com/#!article-90913/c109z 

 

Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness

Wheelchair Tennis Image 

    
Wheelchair Sports Alberta   
Wheelchair Sports Alberta is currently seeking a Program Supervisor to administer weekly sessions in conjunction with the Bridging the Gap - Getting Physically Active Program. Contact BJ Engerdahl, Bridging the Gap Program Coordinator 
780-427-8699. 

 

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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 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 

 

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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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 November, 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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Pipella 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: