Dear Wheel-E Newsletter Recipients:
 
Welcome to the combined JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2016 issue of Wheel-E, the monthly newsletter of Spinal Cord Injury 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
Spinal Cord Injury Canada Has Moved
As of January 1, 2016 Spinal Cord Injury Canada has relocated and is now sharing space with SCI Ontario at 720 Belfast Road, Suite 104, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 0Z5.
 

Red Carpet Affair 2016 
Red Carpet Affair invitation _ join us on Friday_ March 18_ 2016
Join us on the Red Carpet to enjoy a delicious dinner, hear some wonderful stories, bid on numerous auction items and enjoy some light entertainment - all this on the famous red carpet! We are hoping to fill the room with over 500 guests on March 18. With your generosity, we can make this an evening to remember.  Tickets are limited! To purchase your ticket or to learn more about our Red Carpet Affair, contact Angie Barron or Jacqueline Jewett at 780-424-6312 or email [email protected].
 
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) 
Photo credit: VisitAble Housing Canada
If you're a senior or a person with a disability, or family member who lives with them, you may want to delay your home renovation project by a few months if you think you may qualify for the new "home accessibility tax credit." Read the full article and learn more by visiting Canada Revenue Agency's website.
 






Rick Hansen Institute to Host International Conference on SCI
Praxis 2016 Conference - Vancouver_ BC_ April 25 - 27_ 2016
Praxis 2016 is a unique conference aimed at accelerating the translation of research into implementation in the field of spinal cord injury. The conference will feature a poster session where presenting authors will have the opportunity to network with a diverse group of experts assembled to identify practical solutions to translational research barriers. 

Continuing Care and Community Living Expo 2016 
Calgary - April 21, 2016, Calgary Stampede Centre. Edmonton - May 6, 2016, Northlands Expo Centre. For up to date information on EXPO 2016 speakers, exhibitors and sponsors visit
www.ahs.ca/expo2016 , #CareExpoAB. Click here for more info.
What's Local in Your Community
Calgary  
Calgary 2016 Peer Events
Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the SCI Alberta website as well as on Facebook and TwitterFor more information, contact Marilyn Erho at 403-228-7434.   

Restaurants Critics Needed 
Typically, two restaurants are chosen each month in order to assess the experience...and provide an opportunity to socialize, share ideas and, of course, enjoy some great food!  We have two events coming up on February 16th and 25th. We hope you can join us!

February 16th, 2016 (Dinner)
South Restaurant
Oriental Phoenix
#80, 104 - 58th Avenue SE
6:00 pm (ordering at 6:30 pm)
 
February 25th, 2016 (Lunch)
North Restaurant
Chili's Texas 
North Hill Mall, 1632 14 Avenue NW)
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (ordering at 12:30 pm)
EasyStand Evolv Glider 
We are pleased to inform you that friends of SCI Alberta have donated their EasyStand Evolv Glider to the SCI Alberta Fitness and Wellness Centre in Calgary! The Evolve Glider is an active standing frame that provides lower body range of motion and upper body strengthening.
 
 
 
2016 Community and Recreation Expo
The Community and Recreation Expo, hosted in conjunction with the 2016 Western Canadian Sledge Hockey Tournament will take place Saturday, March 26th. The Calgary Sledge Hockey Association in collaboration with Motion Specialties Calgary, Spinal Cord Injury Alberta and the Canadian Paralympic Committee, have introduced this innovative event where members of the community can meet the various community partners and exhibitors in support of the adapted recreation community while watching sledge hockey of all levels. 
Edmonton
Edmonton 2016 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 Guy Coulombe at 587-410-2427. 
 
Casino Volunteers Needed
SCI Alberta is having a casino on Monday and Tuesday March 21-22, 2016 at the Casino Yellowhead. Still need a few volunteers for Chip Runners and the Countroom for both evenings.
The Chip Runner shift is from 6:15 pm - 3:30 am. The Countroom is from 11:00 pm to 3:45 am
We also need a few volunteers to act as back up for both daytime and nighttime in case someone has to cancel just before the casino dates. If you would like to volunteer, just contact
[email protected] or 780-760-2999.

Happy Retirement to Bev Matthiessen and Dr. John Guthrie
Congratulations and a huge thank you to two individuals who have made a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities: Bev Matthiessen will be retiring after many years as the Executive Director of the Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities as well as Chair of the Alberta Disabilities Forum. Dr. John Guthrie, long time physiatrist at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton has also announced his imminent retirement. Thank you on behalf of SCI Alberta for all that you have done. 
 
Important EPark Machine Information for Edmonton Citizens with Disabilities
Photo credit: iNews880
The City of Edmonton is currently replacing all on-street coin operated parking meters with EPark pay machines. Replacement expected to be completed by the end of 2015. During the transition period, vehicles displaying the Provincially Issued disabled placard are permitted to park at the on-street coin operated parking meters free of charge for the specified duration of the meter. For more information on Edmonton's EPark system click here.

Long Time Volunteer Spreads Holiday Cheer to SCI Alberta Staff
We would like to take the opportunity to say how surprised we were by one of our dedicated and longtime volunteers. This certain volunteer traveled by bus in a snowstorm to come and visit us. But this was no regular visit as she managed to bring Christmas presents for each and every staff member in our Edmonton office. Needless to say, we were sincerely moved and humbled by her actions. This is a day we will not soon forget and would like to say thank you so much for our beautiful gifts!
 
Mighty Wheels Rolling Towards Winter Accessibility Issue Awareness 
Photo: KEVIN TUONG/FOR METRO
Timothy Maxwell has been blogging since 2009 about accessibility issues, and is taking a show-don't-tell approach to highlighting winter-specific hurdles. Sidewalks that are "slanted, cracked, and basically unusable" in the summer become "10 times worse in the winter," he said. Read full article. 

Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta New Program Listing
The Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta is starting online registration for 2nd session programs and sessions following starting Monday February 1, 2016 at 9am. Here is the new CPAA Program Schedule. For more information, contact Kim Henye at 780-238-9232.
Medicine Hat
Adaptive Curling! 
Adaptive Curling has started partnering with Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation. Takes place Friday afternoons from 1:30 - 2:30 pm, Medicine Hat Curling Club. Upcoming curling dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26. 
Red Deer
Diamonds and Denim 2016 - February 12, 2016 
 
 
SCI Alberta and The Leadership Centre of Central Alberta are proud to co-host Diamonds and Denim 2016 on February 12, 2016. A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor, Red Deer Central Lions. The event is taking place at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer - featuring a romantic dinner, dance with live performance by the band "Fused", live and silent auction and the raffle of a beautiful diamond pendant! What a great way to get you in the mood for Valentine's Day! Contact [email protected] or 403-341-5060. Get your tickets now!   
Grande Prairie
SCI Alberta Grande Prairie Peer Information Sessions/Other Activities:
For more information on any upcoming peer events, contact Mieke at 780-532-3305 or [email protected].    
 
Social Bowling Group  
Join us each Tuesday for Social Bowling from 2:30 to 5:30  p.m. Join us for conversation if you don't want to bowl. 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. Phone Mieke at 780-831-1091 or keep your eye on the Accessible GP and Peace Region Facebook page for bowling updates. Check with Cecil if you have questions. He can be reached at [email protected].  

Congratulations Michelle!
On January 25, 2016, Michelle was our bowling Champion of the Day! Check out her score - an Awesome 135!

Downtown Rehabilitation Plan  Open  House
City of Grande Prairie Downtown Rehabilitation Plan  Open  House at the Library -- Rotary Room. To view and provide feedback, click here. For updates, click here. 

Information Session/Mingle
Wolverines Wheelchair Sports Association and SCI Alberta invite you to our offices on February 18, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM in the Eastlink Centre to meet Emily, new program coordinator for the Wolverines. Learn about existing programming and provide input regarding Life Fit programs, adaptive sports and recreation should in Grande Prairie.






Wheelchair Yoga - March 6 to April 24th at the eastlink centre
 
Youth Wheelchair Basketball is starting up again on Monday evenings at the Eastlink Centre from 6:00-7:00 pm starting January 18th. To register call 780-402-3331.
 
Basketball and sledge hockey will resume on January 3rd. Drop in to give it a try!! They are looking for new members!!! Bball 10-12 Eastlink Centre and sledge 8-9, Coca Cola Centre.
 
For More News and Community Events in Grande Prairie 
For information about other community news and events, click here.
Research and Innovation
Google Partnership Gives Away Hands-free Smartphones to Persons with Disabilities
An interesting partnership between Google and Sesame Enable, developers of the Sesame Phone, billed as the world's first completely touch-free smartphone. Click here to learn more.
 
Interesting Websites/Videos
Rio 2016 Tour Touches Down in Calgary with Chef De Mission Chantal Petitclerc 
CALGARY, Jan. 19, 2016 - Chantal Petitclerc, Canada's Chef de Mission for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, met with and encouraged local Rio hopeful athletes Chad Jassman, Morgan Bird, and Stefan Daniel in Calgary today, during the second stop on her Canadian tour, attending a wheelchair basketball demonstration and thanking the community. Read full article. 
 
Paralympic Medals as Difficult to Win as any Other Says Canadian Legend Chantal Petitclerc
Chantal Petit Clerc
Lyle Aspinall/Calgary Sun/Postmedia Network
Chantal Petitclerc, one of the fastest female wheelchair racers this world has ever seen, is touring the country to promote the 2016 Paralympic Games. A 21-time visitor to the Paralympic podium, Canada's chef de mission for the Rio Paralympics sat down with Postmedia recently to talk medals, misconceptions and motherhood. Read for article.
 

Toronto author Jewel Kats, inspiration for a Wheelchair Using Archie Comics character, dies
(Kaleidoscope Photography)
The Toronto children's author died on January 7, 2016 with her family by her side, according to an obituary which, as she had hoped, describes her as an advocate for people with disabilities.  "I could just imagine her pulling up in all her sparkly pink princess diva fashion and some little child, little girl, who may have a disability, seeing her and thinking of all the possibilities that are out there," said Claudia Lenart, a Chicago-based fibre artist and illustrator who worked with Kats. Read full article


Nutrition, Active Living and Wellbeing
 
February Nutrition Workshop
Everyone is invited to join us at our upcoming "Foods that Pair Perfectly Together" nutrition workshop! Click here for more information. If you are interested in attending please RSVP to [email protected] or 403-228-7427.
 
Spaghetti squash pasta with olives, feta, tomato and basil recipe.  Click here to check it out. 
 
Cutting Board Kitchen Gadget
 
Eat Well_ Live Well Image
Cool Blog about Adaptive Crossfit aka Wheelwod
  
2015 Recreation Resource Directory for People with Disabilities
 
Eat Well Live Well 
Eat Well Live Well is a practical guide to help address secondary health complications in SCI through nutrition. 
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.   

Agents of Change 
 
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 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 or toll free 1-888-654-5444 to renew your SCI Alberta membership.

 
Click here to find out more about our ongoing resources.

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 February 2016. 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.     

www.sci-ab.ca
Spinal Cord Injury Alberta
305 Hys Centre, 11010 - 101 Street, Edmonton, AB T5H 4B9  
SCI Alberta also has offices located in Red Deer, Calgary, St. Paul, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie. 
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