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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 OCTOBER 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.

Canada Helps donation logo 

To make an online donation, click here


Provincial News  
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New Phone System
As mentioned in our last newsletter, just a reminder that 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. If you have been experiencing any difficulty reaching us. or if you have any comments/concerns, please contact [email protected]. For a complete list of staff and phone numbers, click here. 
 

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

St. Paul
587-410-2516 

Lloydminster
587-410-2594

Fort McMurray
587-410-2603


Disability Tax Credit 
In order to inform the public, mobilize communities and present a request to the political party leaders, the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) has launched a website with a petition, as well as Facebook and Twitter pages. The theme of the campaign is #DTCforAll.
Here's why:
  • The current Disability Tax Credit (DTC) provides tax relief for eligible Canadians with disabilities who are working and paying taxes.
  • For 2/3 of the demographic - about 750,000 people - the DTC is of no assistance because they are not earning enough money to receive tax credits.
  • A new Refundable Disability Tax Credit (#DTCforAll) would help offset additional costs for persons living with significant disabilities, regardless of their income.
  • This reform would extend a modest annual amount of financial support to many of the lowest income earners in Canada and create new opportunities for inclusion and participation.
  • Go to the website and sign the petition: www.dtcforall.org
  • Follow CCD on Facebook and Twitter:  www.facebook.com/DTCforAll, @DTCforAll
 
For more information, contact Council of Canadians with Disabilities,  204-947-0303; Independent Living Canada, 613-563-2581 or e-mail: [email protected] .

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.

Alberta Minimum Wage Increase - Self Managed Care 
Effective October 1, Alberta's minimum wage will increase to $11.20 which may affect those receiving Self Managed Care funding from Alberta Health Services. The monthly minimum wage for domestic workers who live in their employer's residence will rise from $1,973 to $2,127. Click here to find out more.

Canadians with Disabilities Act 
Barrier Free Canada is currently seeking organizations to pledge their support for a Canadians with Disabilities Act.
SCI Alberta's letter of support can be found here.

Barrier Free Canada (BFC) is also asking its supporters to help us make a final push to get commitments from federal parties to enact a Canadians with Disabilities Act. They have introduced a letter writing tool that makes it easier than ever to join the campaign. All you need to do is fill out a short form, and a prewritten letter will automatically be addressed to all the candidates in your riding. You'll have the option of changing the letter or sending it as is. And you have the ability to easily share through email and social media. There's no need for you to look up candidates or to try to find their email addresses as BFC takes care of all that. Just fill out the form, and you're ready to go!

The NDP and the Green Party have both committed to introducing a Canadians with Disabilities Act. We know our efforts are having an impact. Let's make sure that every Liberal and Conservative candidate across the country gets the message that Canadians are calling for a Canadians with Disabilities Act. Please take a minute to let candidates in your area know that you support the call for a Canadians with Disabilities Act. Then invite your friends and family to join the campaign. Let's make these last couple of weeks really count! Go to
   
2015 Elections Canada
Election Image Get the skinny on each party's platform before you vote thanks to this awesome blog post from our friends at Spinal Cord Injury BC!     









Access to Service Dogs for Albertans with Disabilities
    
The Alberta Disabilities Forum has developed a Service Dog Working Group Discussion Paper. If you would like to provide your comments or concerns regarding the paper, please contact [email protected] or 780-488-9088.  
 
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. 

Remembering Clark Sloan
This is a time
Clark Sloanof grieving for staff, board members and many members of Spinal Cord Injury Alberta. Our colleague, friend and mentor Clark Sloan passed away peacefully at Agape Hospice in Calgary after a courageous fight with cancer on September 3rd, 2015.  











 

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.   
 
 
Living Your Best Life Peer Conference   
Monte P. Presenter Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this conference our best yet! Between our sponsors, Pipella Law and Motion Specialties, Brasson Nissan as well as collaboration with Alberta Health Services, our amazing volunteers and our all-star speakers, Dr. Ian Rigby and Rob Parsons, it will be a day not soon forgotten. We hope our attendees enjoyed the conference and found the information useful.  
  














 
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].

Charity of Choice for ATCO 
On September 18, SCI Alberta staff was invited to ATCO's EPIC campaign BBQ launch, where we were announced as charity of choice for their 2015 EPIC Campaign, along with Ronald McDonald House!

Post Secondary Awards 
The Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Centre Society offers four awards at four post-secondary institutions: 
Grocery Delivery Service
Grocery Delivery Service in Edmontoncom Allbox.com is a new company that offers grocery delivery within Edmonton.


 

Let's Talk Transit for Edmontonians with Disabilities
How can we make Edmonton's bus and LRT system better for everyone? You are invited to share your ideas to help create a future plan for transit.  
DATE: Tuesday, October 6, 2015  
TIME: Networking 9:00 a.m., Workshop 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.  
ADDRESS: Heritage Room, City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Sq.  
CONTACT: [email protected]  
NOTE: Transit tickets can be provided, if required.





Wills Week
Wills Week begins October 5th. The Edmonton Community Foundation will be presenting free public seminars that provide professional information on wills and estates - beginning October 5th, 2015.

Job Opportunity: Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta 

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].
 
Health and Wellness Peer Conference - September 4, 2015 
Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported the 2015 Peer Conference and Trade Show held in Red Deer. Thanks also go to Scotiabank as sponsor as well as some great speakers, including Kasey Aiello who provided great nutrition tips.   
 
 
Medicine Hat 
 
Medicine Hat BBQ Meet and Greet 
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the September 23 Medicine Hat BBQ Meet and Greet sponsored by Scotiabank.    

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.

The Wheel Deal on Nutrition 
November 17, 2015, 1:30 p.m., SCI Alberta Medicine Hat office, 101 1201 Kingsway Avenue SE. For more information, contact [email protected] or 403-504-4001.
Wheel Deal on Nutrition Peer Event  
 
    
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].    

SCI Grande Prairie Bowling Group - FALL/WINTER Hours!
 
Join us each Tuesday for Social Bowling  from 2:30 to 5:30  p.m. 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. 








 
Grande Prairie Airport "Live Exercise"  
The theme of the exercise is "aircraft crash landing at the Grande Prairie Airport". This exercise will test the response from the Grande Prairie Airport and agencies that support the airport such as, Fire Department, RCMP; Alberta Health Services Emergency Services, airlines, hospitals, etc. The more realistic the exercise, the more it will assist agencies in understanding their roles and capabilities.Volunteers are required to role play passengers and crew, family members and friends who would be waiting for the arrival of the aircraft, etc.  The greater the number of you, the greater the success of the exercise will be. The Grande Prairie Airport is looking for volunteers for a "Live Exercise" on October 13th, 2015 from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon. Join Mieke and Mel for an orientation on Oct. 3 at the Grande Prairie Airport at 10:00 am. If interested, contact Ray Poirier: [email protected].  

 
Wolverines Wheelchair Sports Association  
Join the wheelchair basketball team in practice on Thursdays, 7pm - 9pm and Sundays 10:00am - noon at the Eastlink Centre. Sports cycles supplied. Try out sledge hockey!  Sundays 8:00pm - 9:15 pm at the Coca-Cola Centre, south rink. Equipment supplied.
 
Wheelchair Basketball Tournament  
November 21 - 22 - Alberta Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at the Eastlink Centre.  Come out and cheer on the Wolverines!
 
For More News and Community Events in Grande Prairie 
For information about other community news and events, click here.     
Aboriginal News
   
 
Maskw�t�h Park Opens
The Maskw�t�h Park officially opened on September 10th with a ceremony at Centre 2000, including a ribbon-tying, prayer offerings, traditional music, a site tour and presentations. Maskwoteh Park is wheelchair accessible and was a collaborative effort between the Rotary club, the City of Grande Prairie and the Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services. Full details: http://bit.ly/1gfpghJ

Sister in Spirit Walk 
Coming up on October 4, 2015, Riverfront Park, Peace River. To honor and remember Aboriginal individuals who have gone missing and whose lives have been taken. Contact [email protected], 780-624-6316.
Research and Innovation   
  

 
Edmonton Man with Spinal Cord Injury Takes Part in Charity Walk Using Robotic Exoskeleton
Denny Ross used the ReWalk robotics exoskeleton to take part in the N.E.R.D. Run/walk at Hawrelak Park Saturday morning. Click here for full story. 
 

   
Interesting Websites/Videos  
 
Heart of a Lion
Ted embraces the importance of physical activity after experiencing a spinal cord injury in 2014. No matter the challenges in the gym, Ted faces it head on with the help of SCI Alberta's Fitness and Wellness Centre in Calgary.
Heart of a Lion 
Heart of a Lion
 
Using Ingenuity to Adapt Your Home
Check out our latest video from our friend Monte as he gives us a tour of the adaptions he has made to his condo.
Using Ingenuity to Adapt Your Home 
Using Ingenuity to Adapt Your Home
 
Active Living and Wellbeing

Adapted Gymnastics Survey  
Are you interested in adapted gymnastics for your child? Complete the following parent survey of 7 questions. The survey is done by a private consultant on behalf of a gymnastics club that is wanting to become more inclusive.
Click here for the survey link.

Sport Gives Hope for the Future

Check out this awesome video featuring Sarah Mickey who attended the Paralympic Sports Association sledge camp this summer. 
Sport Gave Her Hope for the Future 
Sport Gave Her Hope for the Future
 
   

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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 November 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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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: