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 FEBRUARY 2014 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. The Summer and Fall issue has been published and should have landed in your mailbox if you are on our mailing list. If your contact information has changed or if you would like to receive Spinal Columns, please contact us at 780-424-6312, 1-888-654-5444 or [email protected].

Canada Helps donation logo 

To make an online donation, click here



In the News - Province Wide 

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Red Carpet Affair Save the Date for March 13, 2014  

For more information about the Red Carpet Affair, contact [email protected]
Click here for Member Survey 2014
Canada Post Trucks

Is There A Need for Canada Post to Ensure Mail is Accessible to Individuals with Disabilities?

As many of you are aware, Canada Post recently announced its plans to end the delivery of mail to individual homes and for this to be replaced by community mailboxes. This announcement raised concerns about how individuals with disabilities, particularly those with mobility challenges, will be able to readily receive their mail in the future. Click here for more. 

 

Compassionate Care in Alberta

Effective February 1, 2014, Compassionate Care Leave will be available in Alberta under the Employment Standards Code and Regulation. Compassionate Care Leave provides an eligible employee with up to eight weeks' unpaid, job-protected leave from work to care for a seriously ill family member. You can also check out the Compassionate Care Fact Sheet or go to 1-877-427-3731 (or 780-427-3731 in the Edmonton area) for more information.  

 

Update from Rick Hansen Institute

In this first issue of 2014, CEO Bill Barrable provides updates on a number of fronts, including new roadmaps for two of their flagship programs - Cure and Care - as well as the latest news from the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry and updates on a number of projects and research conducted by network partners.   

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Events and News in Your Community

 

Calgary 

Calgary 2014 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. In January, we will be checking out Original Joe's Restaurant and Bar as well as the Starlite Restaurant.This is a great opportunity to socialize, share ideas, and enjoy some great food. For more information please click here.

  

Scotiabank Charity Challenge in Conjunction with Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is an opportunity to create teams of racers to fundraise for CPA (Alberta). It's easy.  Register in any of the 5 races and then create a team to race on behalf of CPA (Alberta). Invite colleagues and friends to join your team or sponsor it.  100% of donations go directly to CPA (Alberta) and you will instantly receive an online official tax donation.

Step one:  Register in any of the 5 races. Step two:  Create a team of fundraisers.


Edmonton    

Edmonton 2014 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.

For February's peer event, you'll want to check out our "McLovin" evening on February 6th. The evening will include guest speakers with spinal cord injuries talking about their experiences and offering advice, "sexual jeopardy" and information on devices and aides. Bring all your questions and get all the answers! Family and friends are welcome. Click here to find out more. 


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

 

Adapted Adventures Program - Winter 2014 
Adapted Adventures LogoMore information about upcoming activities for Winter 2014 will be coming your way soon! 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.
 

Adapted Adventures Update!

Cross country Skiing is due to start the week of January 20th from 6:30-8pm at Gold Bar Park.


Integrated Spin Class is starting up January 15 from 6:30-8pm at the University of Alberta and will go until April 2nd.

 

Please contact [email protected] or 780-424-6312 for more information or to sign up!

 

My House Beautiful: Modern Edmonton Infill Designed for Aging in Place

When Cathy and Peter Nissen decided to downsize, their initial thought was one that's not uncommon: buy a condominium. Read more 


City of Edmonton Career Fair 

The Recruitment Team at the City of Edmonton is excited about hosting Canada's 1st Career Fair on FACEBOOK on February 5, 2014 from 11 - 2 pm. Click here for more information.      

 

'Measuring Up Edmonton' Launched on Friday, January 24, 2014

The new Measuring Up Toolkit educates local businesses about how to be more inclusive to people with a range of abilities.  

  

 

Medicine Hat   

Wheelchair/Stick Curling

Friday's at 1:00 PM at the Medicine Hat Curling Club.

 

Caregiver Cafe

Thursday, March 20, 2014,10 AM to 11:30 AM
Chinook Village -Terrace Room, 2801, 13th Ave. SE, Medicine Hat

 

Grande Prairie   

 

Special Note: Staff Members, Mieke de Groot and Winona Lafreniere Away February 13 - 27, 2014

Messages can be left at 780 532 3306 and a volunteer will return your call if necessary. For urgent matters please phone the information line at 1-888-654-5444 or the Manager of Regional Services, Doug Manderville at 1-403 341-5060

 

Volunteer Snow Removal, City of Grande Prairie    

Snow Removal in Grande Prairie 

The CPA office in Grande Prairie has contact information for a volunteer to help clear snow. If you have a serious concern or medical condition however, please contact the City's snow removal hotline, 780-538-0354, extension 3. 

Volunteer Services Bureau can be contacted for the name and phone number of volunteer snow movers for residential areas - (780) 538-2727.

 
City of GP Snow Angel program - acknowledge the people who help without being asked. 


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].    

 

Distracted Driving Lunch and Learn

Tuesday, February 4th, 2014. Free session.   

 

Coming to River Cree Casino, March 8, 2014   

Nicole Farley Inspirational Speaker  


Volunteer Puppy Raisers Needed in Grande Prairie  

They can be your best friend, your companion and even your helper. A dog has so many purposes that sometimes we forget that they can be more than just your friend. Click here for more information.  

 

New Program Coordinator - Wolverine's Wheelchair Sports Association!     

Dee Belle is familiar to CPA (Alberta) and Wolverine's through her excellent Crank Cycle Classes. She plans to be in the office on Tuesdays/Wednesdays and will be putting together a survey to identify interests among membership.Dee can be reached at 780-402-3331 for information regarding programming.    

  

Coffee Groups for Dawson Creek, B.C. and Hines Creek, AB 

Contact Lori Slater,

SCI BC Peer Volunteer at [email protected] for more information.       

 

 

Local Support Groups
ASLS - Brain Injury support group every Friday 1-3 at Town Centre Mall. For information phone (780) 539-0433
CNIB - Bookclub at the Public Library, third Tuesdays from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, For more information phone  (780) 539-4719.
Parkinson's Alberta -  Voice enhancement, Tuesdays at Wildrose Manor.  Support groups for people with Parkinson's Disease and caregivers. For more information, phone (780) 882-6640.
Multiple Sclerosis Society - Drop In program every Friday from 1-3pm. Automatic door opener soon to be installed! MS information session being held on March 15 at Muskoseepi Park. MS Grande Prairie Facebook page. For more information phone (780) 532-3204.

Wolverine's Wheelchair Sports Association Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/WolverinesWheelchairSportsAssociation

 

    

 

Aboriginal News

  

 

DECSA Aboriginal Cultural Program

February 11 - May 1, 2014
Will include history of indigenous peoples, cross cultural awareness, traditions, elders, ceremonies and foods. Participants will learn to make bannock and crafts

Truth and Reconciliation Conference 

 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) is holding its Alberta National Event in Edmonton from March 27 to 30, 2014. Come and share your truth about the schools and their legacy. Witness and celebrate the resilience of Aboriginal cultures!

Click here for event poster. 

 

Walking the Prevention Circle   

Walkint the Prevention Circle Poster  

Research and Technology 



Local Musicians Take a Stand to Aid Woman

Christmas was coming up, and Jocelyn Dennis wanted to return to Cobourg, Ontario to be around her family and her doctor for the pregnancy. Seven weeks into the pregnancy, Dennis' life was changed forever - Daily Herald Tribune.

Read more 

 

The HumanPad

The HumanPad is a gamepad, developed by Elmar Hanlhofer. The special design allows physically challenged people (without "finger function" ex. tetra plegic) to play with the Microsoft XBOX. The main problem with the XBOX Controller is to use the analog triggers (with the forefingers) and the buttons or sticks (with the thumb) at the same time. The solution is to use the triggers with the wrist. It should be easy to modify the HumanPad to help people with other disabilities too. Click here to learn more about the HumanPad. 

 

Marioway

 

 

Marioway
Marioway
 

 

Interesting Websites 

 

Made By Brad

Looking for someone to put together that IKEA cabinet? Check this young man out!

Has a knack for reading any instructions, blueprints. Brad puts together furniture, etc. for $10-$20 per job. Visit http://www.madebybrad.com/ 

 

A Compact Electric Vehicle Specially Designed for People with Disabilities

A new eco-friendly vehicle from Absolute Design could make independent, low-emission transportation possible for people who utilize a wheelchair. Click here to read more

 

Instructions for a Bad Day

Shane Koyczan was born in Yellowknife where they continue to produce and nurture incredible artists and musicians. Forwarded by CPA (Alberta) friend, Emily Lawson, in Yellowknife.

Instructions For A Bad Day - Shane Koyczan Poem
Instructions For A Bad Day - Shane Koyczan Poem

 

Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness

Team Canada Sledge Hockey  

Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games    

WINNIPEG, December 6, 2013 - It will be a battle-tested team that that has been nominated to play for a third consecutive wheelchair curling gold medal for Canada at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, March 7 to 16 in Sochi, Russia. Read more... 

 

Mix of Veterans and Young Guns Nominated to Canadian Para-Alpine Team for Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games

CALGARY, January 21, 2014 - Thirteen of the nation's best para-alpine skiers have been nominated to the Canadian team that will compete at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in March, it was announced today by Alpine Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Click here to read more.

 

Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta (CPAA) 

The CPAA is offering several programs in 2014; please refer to the Winter/Spring 2014 Program Schedule for an overview of the programs offered for Children, Youth and Adults. All CPAA programs are open to everyone (all disabilities). 

 
Dance Without Limits 

Dance Without Limits is a unique therapeutic dance program made possible through the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta - tailored for children ages 3 - 15 with and without disabilities. 

Click here to learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

Workplace Physical Activity Program for All: Focus on Mobility Issues

 

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Ways to Give

 Sponsor Energy Information    

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 them 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 March 2014. 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: