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Check out SCI Alberta Videos
SCI Alberta has over 100 videos on our website, covering a wide variety of topics including housing, parenting, research, wheelchair transfers....and much more.  
  
SCI Alberta Offices  
Edmonton Head Office
Phone: (780) 424-6312
Calgary
Phone: (403) 228-3001

Fort McMurray
Phone: (587) 410-2603

Grande Prairie
Phone: (780) 532-3305
Lloydminster
Phone: (587) 410-2594

Lethbridge
Phone: (403) 327-7577

Medicine Hat
Phone: (403) 504-4001
Red Deer
Phone: (403) 341-5060

St. Paul
Phone: (587) 410-2516
 

Toll Free Information Line
1-888-654-5444

 www.sci-ab.ca





Dear Wheel-E Newsletter Recipients:
 
Welcome to the SEPTEMBER 2015 issue of Wheel-E, the monthly newsletter of Spinal Cord Injury Alberta,  formerly Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta). Wheel-E includes information about news and events related to spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities.

SCI Alberta also publishes Spinal Columns, a magazine that includes features and regular columns about important issues that individuals with disabilities face today. Click here to read our most recent issue. 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] or click here to sign up to receive your issue of Spinal Columns by email.

Summer 2015 Spinal Columns magazine

Canada Helps donation logo 

To make an online donation, click here


Provincial News  
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New Phone System
We have implemented a new phone system throughout the province that will provide an updated service as well as greater flexibility and control. Most of our staff can now be reached either through a general phone number or through a direct number. We are still in the learning stages though, so please bear with us if you have been experiencing any difficulty reaching us. If you have any comments/concerns, please contact [email protected].
 

ATTENTION: Phone Number Change
Please note the following new phone and fax numbers for the St. Paul, Lloydminster and Fort McMurray offices.

St. Paul
NEW PHONE/FAX NUMBER
587-410-2516 

Lloydminster
NEW PHONE/FAX NUMBER
587-410-2594

Fort McMurray
NEW PHONE/FAX NUMBER
587-410-2603









Congratulations to CEO Teren Clarke
SCI Alberta would like to congratulate CEO Teren Clarke on recently joining the steering committee for Campus Alberta Neuroscience, a province-wide network of 250 research professionals working in neuroscience and mental health. To learn more about Campus Alberta Neuroscience visit http://www.albertaneuro.ca/


2015 Elections Canada
For accessible voting options for the upcoming election on October 19, 2015, click here and/or click on the video below.
Accessible Voting Options - Elections Canada 2015 
Accessible Voting Options - Elections Canada 2015
 

Start Your Own Conversations  
SCI Ontario worked with a local theater company last summer to produce a play about living with SCI. A few scenes from the play "Borne" was included in their Annual Report. Click here to view three of the nine scenes. These short videos are now being used to start discussions that hopefully lead to increased understanding, appreciation and embracing of citizens with disabilities. Start your own conversations!  

Borne - a play about living with SCI 
Borne - a play about living with SCI
 
 
Disability Tax Credit
The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. 
Image of a calculator  
  
Rick Hansen Foundation 2015 Quality of Life Program   
Online application forms will be available Tuesday, August 4, 2015.  Deadline for submission of grant applications is Wednesday, September 30, 2015. Click here for more information on how to apply, deadlines, funding amounts and eligibility criteria. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions on Quality of Life Grants. 

Neurotrauma to Neurorecovery (NtoN) Network 
The NtoN network is a group of researchers, health care providers, and people with a brain or spinal cord injuries from across Canada. This group is led by brain and spinal cord injury organizations. SCI Alberta is a member of this group. The group aims to make Canada a leader in research that improves the lives of people with brain and spinal cord injuries. They are asking for your help to identify research areas in which they should invest their time and resources by completing this survey .

The survey will help provincial brain and spinal cord associations develop a national strategy to include people with brain and spinal cord injuries in the research process. If you have any questions or need help completing the survey, please contact Peter Athanasopoulos, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario ([email protected]) or Rick Riopelle, Brain Injury Canada ([email protected]).  
 
What's Local in Your Community
 
Calgary 
Calgary 2015 Peer Events
Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the SCI Alberta website  as well as on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, contact Marilyn Erho at 403-228-7434.  
 
Restaurant Critics Needed!
Typically, two restaurants are chosen each month in order to assess the experience.  Keep checking back as we plan for more summer restaurant events.
  
We hope you can join us for these great opportunities to socialize, share ideas, and enjoy some great food.   
 
 


Lunch&Bowl - Great Turnout  
Such a nice turnout at our Peer Dinner Event at Red Lobster on August 17, 2015. Thank you to our amazing sponsors MEDIChair and Pipella Law for their continued support of our peer program in Calgary! 
Red Lobster attendees 

2015 "Living Your Best Life" Peer Conference - Calgary
Join SCI Alberta and the Foothills Hospital Spinal Cord Injury Patient Education Team for the "Living Your Best Life" Peer Conference coming up on September 24, 2015 at the Carriage House Inn, 9030 MacLeod Trail S., Calgary from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Guest speakers Dr. Ian Rigby and Rob Parsons will provide their insights into living with a spinal cord injury.The day will include information about technology and innovation, research, aging with a disability, trade show, dinner, free massages, aboriginal culture and art features and much more! This event is open to everyone but registration is required by September 8th to [email protected] or 403-228-7434. Thank you to Motion Specialties and Pipella Law for being the main sponsors and to Brasson Nissan for shipping the race car. We will be posting information daily on TWITTER @SCIAlberta #SCIPeerConf, INSTAGRAM @SCIAlberta and FACEBOOK facebook.com/SpinalCordInjuryAlberta

For more information and visuals about emergency room physician, Dr. Ian Rigby and professional race car driver, Rob Parsons, check out the videos below:
Guest Speaker Dr. Ian Rigby
Guest Speaker Dr. Ian Rigby
Guest Speaker Rob Parons
Guest Speaker Rob Parsons

 
Edmonton    
Edmonton 2015 Peer Events
Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the
Spinal Cord Injury Alberta website as well as on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, contact Guy Coulombe at 780-424-6312 or [email protected].

Peer Travel Event
If there is enough interest, SCI Alberta will host a Peer Travel Event. The event would be scheduled for the 2nd or 3rd week of September with guest presenter, Designing Travel Inc. and would be held at the Edmonton International Airport. If you are interested in attending a Peer Travel Event, please let us know. More details below.  RSVP to [email protected] or 780-424-6312.  

Another Great Golf TournamenT!
Thank you to all of our supporters and participants who joined us for the annual Ron Hodgson Chevrolet Buick GMC Golf Classic on August 27th. It was another great event. Click here to see pictures. Edmonton Golf Tournament Banner
 
Bottle Drive
A huge thank you to SCI Alberta volunteer Kiley Geddie and everyone who donated their bottles to our bottle drive on August 22! And another huge thank you to Fort Saskatchewan Record and Mix 107.9 FM for spreading the word and promoting us! Picture of Kiley Geddie
 
Red Deer    
Red Deer Office - New Location    
The Red Deer office of SCI Alberta is now located at 105, 4807 - 50 Avenue (sharing space with the Multiple Sclerosis Society), Red Deer, AB T4N 4A5. Contact information remains the same at 403-341-5060 or [email protected].
 
Marlin Styner Memorial Golf tournament - Thank You! 
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Red Deer Golf Tournament, held on August 14th such a success! It was a beautiful day with120 amazing golfers and volunteers. We couldn't have done it without you!
 
Health and Wellness Peer Conference - September 4, 2015 
The SCI Alberta Red Deer office is looking forward to hosting a Health and Wellness Peer Conference 
at the Red Deer Sheraton Hotel.  Free for SCI Alberta members and $25 for all others. If you haven't registered yet, contact [email protected] or call 403-341-5060.    
 
 
Medicine Hat 
 
Medicine Hat BBQ Meet and Greet 
Join us for our Medicine Hat BBQ Meet and Greet Sponsored by Scotiabank coming up on September 23, 2015, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. RSVP by September 17, 2015 to [email protected] or call 403-504-4001. See you there!
 


Summer Cycling Fun!
Had a blast with Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and the cycling group that meets every Thursday night in Medicine Hat! Thanks to everyone who came out!

Discovering the Power in Me Workshop - November 2 and 3rd, 2015 
This is a powerful program that provides tools to manage change, set and achieve goals, be more effective, and think in ways to create success. To find out more or to register, contact [email protected] or call 403-504-4001.
 


   
Grande Prairie
SCI Alberta Grande Prairie Peer Information Sessions/Other Activities:
For more information on any upcoming peer events please contact Mieke at 780-532-3305 or [email protected].    
  
Grande Prairie Phones Updated
The Grande Prairie regional phones have been updated!  The old main number remains the same at 780-532-3305 but caller options have changed. To reach reception, press zero, and to reach Mieke press 1.

Accessible Parking Stalls in Town of Manning
Thanks to the efforts of Richard Dechant, the Town of Manning now has handicap parking stalls in six locations throughout the town!  DeChant approached City Council on behalf of SCI Alberta in May to request additional parking spaces. Click here to see article in the Banner Post.

SCI Grande Prairie Bowling Group - Summer Hours!

Join us each Tuesday for Wheelchair Bowling from 5:30 to 7:30  p.m. (summer hours) to bowl or to cheer us on! Taking place at Grande Prairie's Bowling Stones Ten Pin Entertainment Center, 11005 - 106 Avenue. $4.00 per game. Cribbage, pool and other games are often available as well. Volunteers welcome. 

September 15th Bowlers Wanted 
Winter hours will begin.  Watch for posters announcing the date and new time! Fee per game: $4.00, food is available at the venue.

United Way Kick-off Luncheon
September 10, 11:30 - 1:00 pm, Montrose Cultural Centre. One free ticket available. Contact Mieke if you would like to attend as a representative of SCI Alberta.



Maskwoteh Park Official Opening
September 10, 2015, 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Starts at Centre 2000. Please join us as the Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services and SCI Alberta both had input into the design of the park!

Volunteer Services Bureau 
Offering workshop to develop skills for advisory boards. September 19,  9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Good for all organizations. Please register with them directly or contact Mieke for more details.

Peace River Social Bowling
Mieke will be making another trip to Peace River before the end of October, and possibly in September. Please contact the Grande Prairie office if you are interested in more information.

Bottle Drive Anyone? 
Contact Mieke if you are interested in helping with a bottle drive for SCI Alberta.
 
For More News and Community Events in Grande Prairie 
For information about other community news and events, click here.     
 Aboriginal News
   
 
Sweatgrass Ceremonies

Research and Innovation   
  

 
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC)
This website has lots of practical information about living with a spinal cord injury, including skin care, pain, safe transfers, etc. Click here to check it out!

   
Interesting Websites/Videos  
 
Wheel Life Giveaway - Free Bumper Stickers for Your Ride 
Checked out their website and grab your free bumper sticker by clicking here!

Accessible Travel
wheelchairtraveling.com is an online community for accessible travel. Here you will find thousands of resources, reviews, guides, and tips from over 100 writers worldwide about accessible travel.
 
Active Living and Wellbeing

Adaptive Yoga 
The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) invites you to the City of Edmonton - Adaptive Yoga Event. A 1.5 hour Adaptive Yoga class designed for participants with a variety of physical needs who would like to experience the benefits of yoga, including increased flexibility, greater sense of balance, and moderate strengthening. Thursday, September 3rd, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, $16.00 per person (16+), Commonwealth Community Recreation Center, Barcode: 551622. For more information, contact Darlene Cathcart, Phone: 780-451-6921, [email protected]

Fall Program Registration is Open
Check out these organizations for registration for fall programs for individuals with disabilities.  See their websites for more information.

1) Paralympic Sports Association newsletter and website
www.parasports.net
2) Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta website
www.cpalberta.com
3) Steadward Centre website www.steadwardcentre.ualberta.ca
4) Nina Haggerty Center for the Arts
www.thenina.ca



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Ways to Give

 

Click here to find out more about how you can support us.

      

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.   

 

Agents of Change
An Innovative New Way to Support Us!

Our partnership with Agents of Change empowers you to support us in a substantial way if you are considering buying or selling a home.   

Click here to find out more. 

 

Become a Spinal Cord Injury Alberta Member - Make Your Voice Count 

Spinal Cord Injury Alberta [(formerly 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 $25 membership, click here. Call 780-424-6312, ext 2241 or toll free 1-888-654-5444 to renew your SCI Alberta membership.

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Ongoing Resources
   

 

Click here to find out more about our ongoing resources.   

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 Classifieds / Equipment for Sale 

 

Classifieds

Welcome to the classified section of the Spinal Cord Injury Alberta. New ads are added regularly. 

 

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 at [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 SCI Alberta Wheel-E will be published the first week of October 2015. 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 Spinal Cord Injury Alberta, visit our website at http://www.sci-ab.ca     

Spinal Cord Injury 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
Spinal Cord Injury Alberta
#305, 11010 - 101 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4B9
Toll free #: 1-888-654-5444
 

Spinal Cord Injury Alberta is a Registered Charitable Association.   

 Charitable Registration # 11883-5016-RR0001.  

To make an online donation, visit: