Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)

News and Events

Retraining Walking after Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Participants needed for University of AlbertaRetraining Walking after Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury” research project. Read more…

Drug Test for Muscle Spasticity

The researchers at the University of Alberta are investigating how spasticity develops after spinal cord injury to help develop new anti-spastic drugs. They will be using two separate drugs, cyproheptadine and citalopram, during two separate experiments in order to understand what kind of change is happening to motor neurons after an injury. The study requires two days of your time, for 3 to 4 hours each experiment. If interested, you will be screened by phone to make sure that you do not have any conditions that make it unsafe for you to take the drug. Participants should have some spasticity present in their legs, but movement is not necessary. There is no cost to be involved in the study and parking costs and transportation to and from the University will be covered. If you are interested in this study please contact Kelly Brunton, MScPT at (780) 492-2258 or by email kelly.brunton@ualberta.ca. Kuen Tang at the CPA can also be contacted at (780) 424-6312 x2235 or by email kuen.tang@cpa-ab.org.

In Your Mailbox Soon - Summer Issue of Spinal Columns! 

Watch for the Summer issue of the CPA (Alberta) magazine with features and regular columns covering many different areas related to spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities.

On the front cover and feature in this issue is playwright James Sanders talking about drama, disability and the power of stories.

Identifying Barriers to Health and Medical Services in Alberta – Your Input is Needed.
The Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD) recently received a grant from the Alberta Human Rights and Multiculturalism Fund for a project entitled Barrier-Free Health and Medical Services in Alberta. This is not a government initiative but rather a project developed by ACCD in response to personal experiences/difficulties of members in accessing health and medical services at doctor’s offices throughout the province. ACCD has developed a survey to gather information on these experiences. Your help will help to assess the needs of Albertans with disabilities when accessing health and medical services. Deadline to complete the survey is June 30, 2010. Please answer only the questions that relate to you personally. The questionnaire takes 15-20 minutes to complete. To start the questionnaire, please click on the following link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B9XVPHS

Push to Open Nature Dialogues

Be a part of the vision for inclusion for persons with disabilities in Alberta Provincial Parks

Edmonton 2010 Peer Events

What’s on your Horizon?
Pilot Mike Evjen shares his struggles and triumphs on life with a disability.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

GlenroseRehabilitationHospital, Unit 3B, Quiet Atrium, 10230 – 111 Avenue, Edmonton.

RSVP/more information, contact Roswitha Dziwenko at 780-424-6312, ext. 2241 or roswitha.dziwenko@cpa-ab.org 

Information is also available on the CPA (Alberta) Facebook page.

Calgary 2010 Peer Events

Unlocking the Potential of New Technology and Advancement in Care for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries.
Wine and cheese provided.

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Presenter: Bonny Fox, R.N., B.N.
Dover
Community Association, 3031 – 30 Avenue SE, Calgary.

“Making Connections” – Odyssey Peer Conference and Trade Show
Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
Deerfoot Inn and Casino, 1000, 11500 – 35 Street SE,
Calgary
Cost: $10.00/person
RSVP to Sharlene at 403-228-7428 or sharlene.bridal@cpa-ab.org
Information is also available at www.cpa-ab.org and on the
CPA (Alberta) Facebook page.

Sail Your Own Ship – a New Wellness Program Offered by CPA (Alberta)
Sail Your Own Ship is a program that focuses on teaching skills to individuals with chronic health conditions. The program is designed to assist individuals to manage their own health and wellness through proactive decision making and lifestyle behavior changes. Click here for more information. 

Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event on June 13th – It’s just around the corner!
Sign up as an individual or as a team!

Since 2003, Wheels In Motion has raised over $10.8 million!  You can help maintain this momentum by registering a team for this year’s event, being held across
Canada on June 13. Wheels In Motion is for people of all ages and all abilities. No one is left on the sidelines with on-site activities to get everyone moving. The event features a wheelchair challenge, designed to provide participants with a better understanding of what it is like to navigate through life in a wheelchair. Teams race against the clock through an obstacle course and test their dexterity, manouvering techniques, and wheelchair sports skills. The fastest team wins! You can also walk in support of Wheels. Just collect pledges and join the fun. C’mon out, try your hand at various challenges and listen to some awe-inspiring stories – all while supporting a great cause. 

Check out our ONLINE AUCTION FUNDRAISERS and find amazing deals on items such as dinner for two, local sports events, golf packages, weekend getaways, hockey jerseys…and much more:

Edmonton - www.campusauctionmarket.com

Calgary - www.elevateauctions.com/wheelsinmotion

Wheels in Motion events are being held across the province on June 13th in the following locations:
Calgary
, Edmonton, Elnora, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, Olds, Red Deer, Vermilion.

Register your team and start fundraising online at www.wheelsinmotion.org.

For more information about events in Alberta, please call Angie (Northern Alberta) or Amy (Southern Alberta) at 780-424- 6312.  

Fundraiser BBQ for Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event
With the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion event just around the corner, there are some great pre-event activities. Coming up this Saturday, June 5th, 92.5 JOE FM presents the Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion Fundraiser BBQ at Southgate Centre parking lot (North) from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Join us for some fun and fundraising… with wheelchair challenges, Johnsonville Brats on the barbeque, and your chance to win tickets to hot concerts – like Lilith Fair, Big Valley Jamboree, and U2!

Enhanced 9-1-1 Service
As of February 1st, all mobile service providers will have enhanced
9-1-1 accessibility, but not in all cities. At Stage 1, the 9-1-1 service provider can obtain your phone number and narrow down your location to the closest tower. Stage Two will allow the 9-1-1 service provider to find your exact location from your phone. Click here for break down of each phone company and their accessibility to the enhanced 9-1-1 service.

The First Person Project
Tell us your story. reachAbility is a charitable organization committed to creating an even playing field for persons with all types of disability.

reachAbility is asking Canadians with disabilities to share their personal experiences with employment in a book being published in 2010.  Read more…

Drug Test for Muscle Spasticity after Spinal Cord Injury
Researchers at the University of Alberta are investigating how spasticity develops after spinal cord injury to help develop new anti-spastic drugs. They will be using two separate drugs, cyproheptadine and citalopram, during two separate experiments in order to understand what kind of change is happening to motor neurons after an injury. The study requires two days of your time, for 3 to 4 hours for each experiment. If interested, you will be screened by phone to make sure that you do not have any conditions that make it unsafe for you to take the drug. Participants should have some spasticity present in their legs, but movement is not necessary. There is no cost to be involved in the study and parking costs and transportation to and from the University will be covered. If you are interested in this study please contact Kelly Brunton, MScPT at (780) 492-2258 or by email kelly.brunton@ualberta.ca. Kuen Tang at the CPA can also be contacted at (780) 424-6312 x2235 or by email kuen.tang@cpa-ab.org.

Registered Disability Savings Plan
If you or someone you know is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, there is a new registered savings program that you should know about: the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The RDSP was introduced by the Federal Government to help Canadians to save and invest for themselves or a family member with a disability in a tax deferred environment. Go to www.rbc.com/rdsp to find out more.

Get in Motion
Get in Motion
is a nation-wide physical activity counseling service for Canadians with spinal cord injury. This FREE service is designed to provide the participant 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 the voicemail line at 1-866-678-1966, or email motion@mcmaster.ca or visit www.sciactioncanada.ca.