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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
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
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Dear Wheel-E Newsletter Recipients:
Welcome to the October 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. 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 publications@cpa-ab.org.
To make an online donation, click here
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In the News - Province Wide 
Retirement of Long Time CPA (Alberta) Staff Member  After 30+ years of committed service, Larry Pempeit is retiring.
A drop-in farewell get together is planned for:
October 8th, 1:00 - 4:00, 305 Hys Centre, 11010 - 101 Street, Edmonton. Please join us as we bid a fond farewell to our friend and colleague.
RSVP to angie.barron@cpa-ab.org. Thank You Electronic Recycling Association
An Understanding of Neurological Conditions The Public Health Agency of Canada, in partnership with Health Canada, Neurological Health Charities Canada and the Canadian Institute of Health Research, have released a report titled, Mapping Connections: An understanding of neurological conditions in Canada. This report provides an overview of the impacts, services available, risk factors and barriers for people who have neurological conditions, including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, among many more. Click here to read full report. Education Opportunity Starting Wednesday, October 1, the Alberta Caregiver Association is offering Caregiver Information Sessions for all family caregivers and their supporters. The information sessions provide an opportunity to: - Connect with other caregivers,
- Gain knowledge & practical tools
- Receive support & wisdom.
It will not matter if your journey as a Caregiver has just started or whether you have been caregiving for a long time. You may attend the series or pick and choose the topics that interest you. Click here for poster. All sessions are free. Refreshments will be served. To register, contact cassy@albertacaregivers.org or 780-453-5088 (Toll-Free 1-877-453-5088). If leaving a message to register, please provide your full name, and contact information (phone # and/or e-mail address). |
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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 as well as on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, contact Marilyn Erho at 403-228-7434. Click here to find out more about upcoming activities and events in Calgary.
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. The Restaurant Review for October is just on hold until November. More good food to follow so keep checking back!
Lunch and Bowl
Join us on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 for a "Lunch and Bowl" from noon til about 4:00 p.m. where we combine good food and socializing with a fun activity!
Edmonton
Edmonton 2014 Peer Events
Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the
Engaged Community Members Needed!
Are you engaged in your community and want to make a difference for persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities? CPA (Alberta) is looking for fundraising committee members who are interested in making a difference and would be able to commit to approximately for 4 to 5 hours a month! For more information, contact angie.barron@cpa-ab.org.
Exploring Career and College Options Conference  October 18, 2014, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more information contact Metis Training to Employment Services, 780-423-2237, www.metisemployment.ca. To download event poster, click here.
MEDIchair Education Day - You're Invited
October 30, 2014, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Delta Hotel South (Grand Ballroom), 4404 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB. For more information or to register online go to www.edmonton.medichair.com or phone 780-437-3300.
Disability Pride Rally - October 3, 2014
The Self Advocacy Federation is hosting their annual disability pride rally on October 3, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton. There will be musicians and a performance from Cripsies, with guest speakers from the City of Edmonton and self-advocates. The Self Advocacy Federation invites you to come out and celebrate the advancement that people with disabilities have made in this world regarding human rights, education, employment and citizenship. For more information, call 780-454-0701 ext. 108 for more information.
Para Camp
October 31, 2014 to November 2, 2014 at the University of Alberta, Edmonton
Deadline to register has been extended to Sunday, October 5th.
Swimmers who have attended International events are encouraged to attend.
All personal coaches are invited, register online.
Camp Criteria - http://www.swimalberta.ca/swimmers/tour-teams-camps
Registration for Camp http://www.tfaforms.com/294138.
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Medicine Hat
Wheelchair/Stick Curling
Friday's at 1:00 PM at the Medicine Hat Curling Club.
Red Deer
Red Deer Office Change
Please note that the CPA (Alberta) Red Deer Regional office has transitioned to a home based operation. We will continue working towards providing quality service to persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities in Red Deer and area. Contact information will remain the same at 403-341-5060 or reddeer@cpa-ab.org.
Grande Prairie
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.
Six Week Attendant Training Program - Grande Prairie
 Tell people about it! Become a volunteer! Share a personal story! CPA (Alberta) is running a program in Grande Prairie called the Community Living Attendant Training Program. Click here to find out more or contact Kristopher Hvamb at 780-532-3306.
Would You Like to be a Home Host?
Home Hosts invite CLAT students into their home to observe their regular caregiver conduct their normal care routine for day one. This allows students to provide care with the on-call employed caregiver present for a typical work week. Click here for more information.
Adapted I Can Swim Program for Adults
Contact Mieke if you would like to learn more.
Sisters in Spirit
 October 4, 2014, 2:00 p.m. Sisters in Spirit memorial walk from bear sculpture and flags at Grande Prairie Regional College to the Community Centre of Grande Prairie Friendship Centre. Click here for poster.
2014 Film and Story Tea "The Other Side of Politics and Government Services"
October 5, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Golden Age Centre. Free. Join South Peace Regional Archives for an afternoon of memories about politics and government services in the South Peace, featuring a variety of speakers, historical photographs, and "Grande Prairie, A Way of Life" on 16mm film. Popcorn and refreshments provided. Phone Mieke if you would like company!
Grande Prairie Primary Care Network's 4th Annual Health Trade Show
October 6, 2014, 4 p.m.- 8 p.m., Holiday Inn & Suites Grande Prairie (Staple's Corner), CPA (Alberta) will be hosting a table.
CPA (Alberta)/Cerebral Palsy Association Collaborate to Form Cross-Disabilities Support Group
October 16, 2014. For confirmation of time and place, contact grandeprairie@cpa-ab.org or phone Kimberly Mayer, 1-888-477-8030 or kimberly@cpalberta.com;
Accessibility Advisory Committee of Grande Prairie
On October 17, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., the Accessibility Advisory Committee of Grande Prairie will meet with various departments of the City of Grande Prairie regarding winter mobility. Contact Mieke at 780-532-3305 or grandeprairie@cpa-ab.org or any of the support groups listed below with any concerns you would like to bring forward.
High Quality Firewood
United Commercial Travelers, a registered non-profit society, raises funds to reduce the cost share portion to people receiving AADL equipment through the sale of high quality firewood and bottle donations. They will stack wood free for seniors and people with disabilities. For more information, contact Roger at 780-512-3407.
Operation Traffic Watch
If there are problems with accessible parking, take a photo and send it to: http://www.cityofgp.com/index.aspx?page=1074.
See Click Fix
If there are problems with the path you travel in Grande Prairie, contact the city at
Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games Grande Prairie 2015
February 20, 21 & 22, 2015 Contact the Volunteer Services Bureau for information
Local Support Groups (Volunteers needed!)
ASLS Brain Injury Support - (780) 539-0433 Cerebral Palsy Association - 1-888-477-8030
CNIB - (780) 539-4719
Caregiving Community Grande Prairie - https://www.facebook.com/groups/723031487761322/ Multiple Sclerosis Society - (780) 532-3204
Muscular Dystrophy Canada - (780) 814-2345
Parkinson's Alberta - (780) 882-6640
PARDS (Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society) http://www.pards.ca/ |
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Research and Technology
UofL Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Research Program Garners Significant Support
At three months of age, Emmalie Smith suffered a spinal cord injury leaving her paralyzed. Her parents, Amy and Bryce, took her to traditional physical and occupational therapy three times a week with the hope that their little girl would regain her ability to move. Click here to read full article.
Interesting Websites/Videos
CarePartners Mobile App
 It's a free app that you can use to create a shared "to-do" list for a private network of people you invite. You can see at a glance who is doing what, and what tasks still need volunteers. And you can take the tasks for which you are responsible, put them in your smartphone's calendar, and receive reminders.
Features
- Coordinate your caregiving.
- Create a private, secure online community.
- Create, manage and view upcoming caregiving tasks. Assign tasks to individuals or ask for volunteers.
- Put tasks for which you are responsible directly into your smartphone's calendar. Receive reminders.
CarePartners Mobile is free and is available for both iPhone and Android smartphones.
Download from iTunes (for iOS)
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Sports / Physical Activity / Wellness
CPA (Alberta)'s Ross Norton Named Head Coach
CPA (Alberta) staff member and two time Paralympic gold medallist, Ross Norton, named head coach of U25 Women's National Wheelchair Basketball team Click here to read the full media release.
Farewell to Executive Director Kim McDonald, Paralympic Sports Association
CPA (Alberta) wishes a fond farewell to Kim McDonald and her family on her recent retirement.
Paralympic Sports Association - Wheelchair Accessible Oilers Tickets!
Oiler Season is just around the corner so If you are interested in wheelchair accessible Oilers tickets for the 2014 - 2015 Season let the PSA office know by calling 780-439-8687 or email ED@parasports.net. Tickets are $120/two accessible tickets. Tickets will be based on availability and when you get your request in. Here is a link to the games for the season.
The Last Life of Michael Johnson, Paralyzed Race Car Driver
Click here to read full article
The Calgary Wheelchair Curling Association Kicking Off 2014-2015 Season
The Calgary Wheelchair Curling Association kicks off the 2014-2015 season on October 18, 2014, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Calgary Curling Club, 720 - 3 Street NW. If you are interested in trying wheelchair curling, come on out, all are welcome. The group meets weekly each Saturday from October 18 - March 21 (some dates subject to change). For more information contact calgarywheelchaircurling@gmail.com
The Steadward Bears Para-Swim Team
The Steadward Bears Para-Swim Team now accepting registrations for their fall programs. Whether you see yourself swimming in a recreational setting or in a competitive program, the Bears Para-Swim Team could be a great fit for you.
Program dates: Monday, September 15 - Thursday, December 4, 2014. Click here for more information. Canadian Women's Sledge Hockey Congratulations to Eri MacDonald, Geneva Coulter and Alanna Mah for making the Canadian Women's Sledge Hockey Team. Click here for Roster Announcement.
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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!
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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 motion@mcmaster.ca 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.
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.
Vertical Platform Lifts
Available at Silver Cross at
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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.
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 November 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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