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News - Province Wide
Events and News in Your Community
Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness
Fund Development
Classifieds
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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 MARCH 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 

Blue Wheel-E Divider

 

The Red Carpet Affair is Just Around the Corner!  

Red Carpet Affair - Last chance. Buy your tickets today.    

Buy your tickets now and be a part of this great annual event. With newly added entertainment by The Ivory Club's Dueling Pianos, it promises to be another inspiring and entertaining evening. For more information go to [email protected]
CTV News at Noon Interview with Bryce Clarke and Paul Nemetchek.
Click here for full interview.
City of Edmonton Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities - Community Mailbox Survey

Plans to Eliminate Door to Door Delivery by Canada Post 

Canada Post has recently announced the decision to phase out door-to-door mail delivery and install community mailboxes for all city residents. The City of Edmonton Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities (ABSPD) is requesting your help with providing an informed response on the effects of community mailboxes for people with disabilities through completion of a Community Mailbox Survey.

The ABSPD would like to identify what may be helpful to people with disabilities as these mailboxes are installed and identify any potential issues the City may be able to plan for.  We appreciate your assistance and request you submit your responses by March 7th, 2014. 

 

 

Paralympian Athletes Prepare for Sochi

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Edmonton/ID/2439123854/ 

 

Sochi 2014: 14 Paralympian Athletes to follow on Twitter

Click here to read more 

 

 
International Women's Day

The City of Edmonton is celebrating the important role that women in Edmonton play in making Edmonton a great place to live, work and play. The City's Women's Initiative is focused on encouraging women to increase their participation in civic life and improve the quality of life for all Edmontonians.

 

The Proclamation of International Women's Day in Edmonton will take place on March 7th, 2014, 1:00 - 1:40 p.m. at the Winspear Centre, Main Lobby.  

 

A celebration will also take place in Grande Prairie at the Grande Prairie Public Library on Saturday, March 8, 10:30 am to Noon in the Rotary Community Room.

Please click here for more information. 

 

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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 March, we will be checking out Red Lobster (south location - dinner) as well as Buffalo Wild Wings (north location - lunch). We hope you can join us for this great opportunity to socialize, share ideas, and enjoy some great food. For more information please click here.

  

Accessible, affordable housing
Calgary's Accessible, Affordable Housing

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.

 

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.

KwadSquad Spinathon 
Kwadsquad Spinathon Fundraiser on April 12, 2014  Click here for event poster. 
 
Last Call: Nominate An Outstanding Citizen For a Mayor's Award

Each year, Mayor's Awards are given to individuals and organizations in Edmonton who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

 
Award categories include:
  • Outstanding Service - recognizes individuals, organizations or businesses that provide accessible service to persons with disabilities
  • Universal Design in Architecture - given to a project team or architect whose designs or projects demonstrate creative sensitivity toward the accessibility of persons with disabilities
  • Employers - honours employers, businesses or organizations that have provided opportunity and support for employment or volunteer positions for one or more persons with disabilities
  • Ewen Nelson Self-Advocacy Award - recognizes the contributions of individuals with disabilities who have been self-advocates in the development of services and supports for people with disabilities
The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 7, 2014.For more information, please visit: edmonton.ca/disability or contact Leslie Tanzi, Event Planner with the Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities at 780-405-7731 or [email protected].

HOPE Program to All City Neighborhoods

The HOPE program for housing has expanded to all city neighborhoods. People can apply for up to $20,000 for home modifications, either disability related or regarding home efficiency, etc. Check out the following link for more information.

http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/programs/hope-program.aspx 

 

Better Choices, Better Health - Chronic Pain

Provides free workshops for people with chronic pain. Workshops are once a week for 2 � hours for 6 weeks. Each person gets a workbook and CD with an exercise program. Adult family members and caregivers are welcome. Click here to find out more. 

Edmonton Zone Registration: 780-401-BOOK (2665) Booking LineToll free 1-877-414-2665, Fax: 780-735-1079

 
Strathcona County Wheelchair Double-Decker Bus

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   

 

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].    

 

 

Coming to River Cree Casino, March 8, 2014   

Nicole Farley Inspirational Speaker  

  

 

Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society (PARDS) Annual Fund Ride and Community Carnival 

This fun event is taking place June 21, 2014 north-east of Evergreen Park at our new location!  Keep watch and there will be more information as it gets closer.

  

Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL)

AACL will hold its 2014 Family Conference on April 11 - 12, 2014 at Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton.  Please contact [email protected] for more information. 

 

Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS) Spring Conference 2014 

ACDS will be holding its Spring Conference 2014 on May 14 - 16, 2014 at the Radisson Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta.  For more information, vist http://acds.ca/contactus.html.

 

Disabled Transportation Society        

- 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. 

For more information please visit  http://www.gpdts.ca/ 

 

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

Muscular Dystrophy Canada - The new website is up and running!    

 

International Women's Day - Grande Prairie
Inspiring Change International Women's Day event takes place on Saturday, March 8, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Rotary Community Room.  Click here for more information.



 

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. 

 

Passionate Hearts Awarded for Social Service 

 

Generous hearts were celebrated and awarded for their dedicated work in social service positions, Friday. In total, nine awards were handed-out at the eighth annual Passionate Heart Awards, held at Elks Hall on Valentine's Day. Click here to read the entire story.

 

 

 

Research and Technology 

  

 

Research Volunteers Needed for Functional Electrical Stimulation Trial

Do you have an incomplete spinal cord injury from C3 to T10? Can you stand or walk a few steps with an assistive device? Can you spare one hour per day to work out? The University of Alberta is currently in need of research volunteers for FES trial. Click here to learn more about this opportunity.

  

Multiple Sclerosis Research Study Opportunity

A research team from McMaster University is conducting a study to evaluate the new MS Get Fit Toolkit. The purpose of the study is to examine the thoughts and feelings of adults with multiple sclerosis regarding the usefulness of the toolkit for promoting physical activity within the MS community. Click here to find out more. 

 

ICORD Physical Activity Centre

Click here to watch the video

  

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

Interesting Websites 

FacingDisability: Spinal Cord Injury Resources, Videos, and Research

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

 

Kenguru Wheelchair-Accessible EV | Translogic
Kenguru Wheelchair-Accessible EV | Translogic

 

  

Douglas Adams III Wins Porta-Potty Prank Lawsuit
A Pennsylvania man who was paralyzed from the neck down after relatives tipped over the Porta Potty he was using has won a $5 million settlement in a lawsuit over the prank gone wrong. Click here to read more.

 

National Decubitus Foundation

Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness

Team Canada Sledge Hockey  

 

Disabled Skiing Program, Edmonton; Carrie Anton
Disabled Skiing Program, Edmonton; Carrie Anton

 

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

 

Blue Wheel-E Divider 

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 and to and from the Grande Prairie Airport. 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.  

 

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: