Quick Links

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

calgary@cpa-ab.org

Fort McMurray

Phone: (780) 743-0307

fortmcmurray@cpa-ab.org

Grande Prairie

Phone: (780) 532-3305

Lethbridge

Phone: (403) 327-7577

lethbridge@cpa-ab.org

Medicine Hat

Phone: (403) 504-4001

Red Deer

Phone: (403) 341-5060

reddeer@cpa-ab.org

St. Paul

Phone: (780) 645-5116

Fax: (780) 645-5141

 

 

Toll Free Information Line
1-888-654-5444

 www.cpa-ab.org

In the News - Province Wide 

 

Chair-Leaders 

Chair-Leaders is an event that focuses primarily on the issues surrounding accessibility and mobility for persons with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities.  This special event has involved community leaders wheeling through their workdays, allowing them to gain firsthand insight into some of the accessibility issues faced by individuals with disabilities, our aging population, or even parents navigating with strollers.    

 

For further information regarding our 5th Annual Chair-Leaders "Enabling Access" Event, contact Ross Norton at 780-424-6312 or ross.norton@cpa-ab.org.  

 

Congratulations!

In recognition of their outstanding contributions and achievements to the City of Edmonton, nine individuals will be inducted into Edmonton's Salute to Excellence Hall of Fame, including long time CPA (Alberta) staff member, Larry Pempeit. 

Read more...  

Canada Releases First Report 

On Tuesday, February 17, 2014 Canada released its first report on how Canadians with disabilities are faring under the ratified United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The 61-page Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - First Report of Canada, prepared by the federal, provincial and territorial governments is the first and only report to occur. 

Visitability 

Edmonton architect, Ron Wickman talks about the benefits of incorporating "visitability" into the design of your home.

 

   
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.  We hope you can join us for this great opportunity to socialize, share ideas, and enjoy some great food. For more information about upcoming restaurant dates as well as upcoming peer events, click here.

On June 1, 2014, Scotiabank will be holding their annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. This year, CPA (Alberta) will be entering teams to help raise money for our programs and services. We are looking for people to run, walk, wheel (power or manual chair), or bike in this year's 5K event. You can register as an individual, a team or donate to someone else who is participating. For more information, contact  marilyn.erho@cpa-ab.org or russ.bray@cpa-ab.org, 403-228-3001. Please see the attached poster.

A limited number of FREE registrations are available for those who qualify.

Marilyn will be riding on her bike in the 5km event and hopes to see you there!

The Alberta Soccer Association is pleased to announce that the Calgary Soccability Powerchair Program is now based in North-East Calgary and seeks new players to join and have fun in this fast paced, sporting activity for youth and adult players. Coached sessions take place at the Genesis Centre with full accessibility for powerchairs. They are looking for adventurous players seeking a fun and competitive environment to develop soccer skills, play and compete. Sessions take place on May 12, 26, June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Attendance for all sessions require pre-registration as there is limited availabilty for support equipment. For the full 7 week program, please e-mail grassroots@albertasoccer.com. Single session rates also available for new players looking to try out the sport. E-mail grassroots@albertasoccer.com for player registration, waiver form and further information. 

Dancing:

Shaw TV is currently looking for an individual who uses a wheelchair who would like to participate in a show about belly dancing. Participant needs no prior knowledge about belly dancing (they would be taught) and would be required to commit to two Saturdays (May 17 and 31st). If interested, contact Emily at ejmody@gmail.com.

Dayle Sheehan Interior Design

Do you struggle with mobility issues? My expertise includes personal experience creating barrier free spaces. My new program allows you to benefit from this expertise without cost to you. I will consult on ways to fine tune or fully renovate your home to make it better for your life.   

For more information, go to www.daylesheehaninteriordesign.com  

Edmonton    

Edmonton 2014 Peer Events

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

The latest Adapted Adventures newsletter has been sent out. Missed it? Click here. 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. 
Upcoming events Include:

Edmonton Cycling Clinic - Thursday, May 15th, 6-9 pm

Adapted Sailing Day - Wabamun Sailing Club: Saturday, June 14th

Medicine Hat Cycling Clinic: Saturday, June 21st

Intermediate/Advanced Cycling Clinic - Jasper: July 11th, 12th, 13th

Big Valley Jamboree, Camrose - Volunteers Needed!:  July 30, 31, August 1, 2, 3

Hiking/TrailRider Weekend in the Mountains (Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel on the Jasper Icefields Parkway): August 15, 16, 17

Cycling Program - starts 1st week of June - Edmonton

Canoeing/Kayaking - starts 1st week of July - Edmonton

Medicine Hat Cycling Program - start TBD

For more information check out the Spring 2014 brochure, the latest newsletter or contact outdoor@cpa-ab.org or 780-424-6312 ext. 2247.  

 

Ron Hodgson Chevrolet Buick GMC Golf Classic 

 

   

 

 

Innovations at Work: A Learning Symposium on Employment and Persons with Disabilities

This is a free event taking place on May 22 - 23, 2014

For more information, click here. 

 

Medicine Hat   

Wheelchair/Stick Curling

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

Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation

Welcome to Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation who recently joined Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MHAdaptiveSport.

Boccia - Medicine Hat Sport and Recreation

Click here for information about Boccia for adults.

Click here for information about Boccia for kids.

Contact Tara at 587-253-5300 or tara@parasports.net for more information and/or to register!

Cycling / Handcycling 

Interested in cycling / handcycling? Join us on June 21, 2014. Location to be decided. Everyone welcome, regardless of ability. For more information, contact outdoor@cpa-ab.org or Amy or Sydney at 780-424-6312, ext. 2247.

Red Deer   

Marlin Styner Memorial Golf Classic 

CPA (Alberta) Grande Prairie Peer Information Sessions/Other Activities:

For more information on any upcoming peer events please contact Mieke at 780-532-3305 or grandeprairie@cpa-ab.org.     

May 2 - Join us as ambassadors at the Chair-Leaders Enabling Access Event taking place in downtown Grande Prairie. For more information, contact grandeprairie@cpa-ab.org call 780-532-3305.  

CNIB
New address: #229-9804-100 Avenue, T8V 0T8. Bookclub at the Public Library, third Tuesdays from 2-3pm. For more information phone (780) 539-4719.

Caregiving Community

"A place to share the journey of caring for family or friends who are aging or with challenging medical needs or mental health needs." Meetings facilitated by Christine Ayling and Florence Vanstone, 7:00pm first Mondays of every month, Lion's Learning Centre. Contact info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/723031487761322/, 780-830- 7742 (Eunice) info@bearcreekfuneral.com .  

Local contact Larry Gibson (780) 814-2345 or visit their website

Parkinson's Alberta - Voice Enhancement

Tuesdays at Wildrose Manor. Support groups for people with Parkinson's Disease and for caregivers are ongoing. For more information phone (780) 882-6640

PARDS (Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society) 

http://www.pards.ca/

Grande Prairie Public Library

Coffee Groups

Fort St. John, SCI-BC Volunteer Peer Coordinator, Lori Slater, hosts coffee groups on Tuesdays from 2 - 4. Contact her at (250) 787-1912 or peervolunteerfsj@sci-bc.ca if you'd like more information. We hope to pull something together in Dawson Creek, too - keep in touch!

Research and Technology  

Interesting Websites/Videos  

 

Afghanistan Wheelchair Basketball

 

 

An inspirational blog about a relatively new sport in Afghanistan, Women's Wheelchair Basketball.    

The Vacuum Elevator 

The Vacuum elevator comes in three sizes, ranging from single to a three passenger, wheelchair accessible home unit. 

Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness

Ways to Give

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, just complete the Membership Form and forward to our office. Membership payment can be made by credit card or cheque, payable to CPA (Alberta) or over the phone by credit card (VISA or MasterCard).  

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!

 
Ongoing Resources   

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 motion@mcmaster.ca or visit www.sciactioncanada.ca. 

Adapted Computer Technology Loan Program 

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 

 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. 

Submissions/Subscribers/Contact Us

Please let others know about Wheel-E! They can subscribe by emailing or giving us a call.                                                                

CPAAlbertaNewsletter@cpa-ab.org 
(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:
CPAAlbertaNewsletter@cpa-ab.org

The next issue of CPA (Alberta) Wheel-E will be published the first week of June 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.     

The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) is a Registered Charitable Association. 

Charitable Registration # 11883-5016-RR0001.  

To make an online donation, visit: