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Welcome back to a new year with SCI BC!
As we head into January, a monthly gift is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to support SCI BC. Monthly donors help SCI BC build a stronger foundation with reliable funding so that we can remain focused on our mission to help people with physical disabilities adjust, adapt and thrive in their daily lives.
BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR
Keep scrolling for...
- In Person Events
- Peer Meetups
- Updates
- Research Opportunities
- Partner News
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Vancouver Giants Hockey Game
Fri, Jan 9 | 7 - 9 pm | Langley | LEARN MORE
Stick around for an evening of fun and cheer with the Vancouver Giants as they face the Tri-City Americans! See the action live at the Langley Events Centre. Two complimentary tickets with two $20 food vouchers per peer.
Tickets are limited. Please RSVP to Rod at rbitz@sci-bc.ca.
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Wheelchair Pickleball Try-It Night
Thu, Jan 15 | 5:45 - 7:15 pm | Langley | LEARN MORE
What’s the dill with pickleball? Whether you’re brand new or just curious, this is a low-pressure chance to give pickleball a roll. A few sports chairs are available to try or just use your usual day chair to get a feel for the game. We’ll provide the paddles and balls, as well as snacks and refreshments.
Please RSVP to Rod at rbitz@sci-bc.ca.
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Prince George After Hours Peer Meetup
Fri, Jan 16 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Prince George | LEARN MORE
Unwind and connect at the Prince George After Hours Peer Meetup!
Looking for a casual space to connect with others who get it? Join us at Trench Brewing & Distilling to meet others with SCI and related disabilities, share experiences and get support or advice.
Reach out to Emily at ewiebe@sci-bc.ca if you have any questions. We hope to see you there!
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Procrastinator's Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
Thu, Jan 22 | 1 - 3 pm | Victoria | LEARN MORE
We are dishing out gratitude at our annual Procrastinator’s Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in Victoria! Volunteers, past and present, are warmly invited for post-holiday festivities with other friends and volunteers of SCI BC. We hope to see you there!
Please RSVP to Scott at sheron@sci-bc.ca.
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North Shore Procrastinator's Holiday Party
Sat, Jan 31 | 1 - 5 pm | West Vancouver | LEARN MORE
The holidays aren’t over until we say they are! Join us for the North Shore Procrastinator’s Holiday Party, our annual holiday get-together (just on our own schedule).
There’ll be food, music, games, and lots of good company. Family and friends are welcome, and we’d love to celebrate with you.
Please RSVP to Rod at rbitz@sci-bc.ca (location will be shared once you RSVP).
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Greater Vancouver
Fraser Valley
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Surrey South Asian Group: Sat, Jan 17 | 2 - 4 pm | LEARN MORE
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Chilliwack: Wed, Jan 21 | 3 - 5 pm | LEARN MORE
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Langley: Tue, Jan 27 | 1 - 3 pm | LEARN MORE
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Coquitlam: Wed, Jan 28 | 2 - 4 pm | LEARN MORE
Vancouver Island
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Victoria Aneurysm & Stroke Group: Fri, Jan 9 | 11:30 am - 1 pm | LEARN MORE
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Courtenay: Fri, Jan 9 | 2 - 4 pm | LEARN MORE
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Nanaimo: Thu, Jan 15 | 2 - 4 pm | LEARN MORE
Northern BC
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Fort St. John: Mon, Jan 19 | 1:30 - 3:30 pm | LEARN MORE
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Prince George: Tue, Jan 27 | 1:30 - 3:30 pm | LEARN MORE
Okanagan
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Gracie's Story
READ NOW
“You’ve given me a connection to people who are going through similar struggles or who have gone down this road before. It makes life easier knowing I can take their experiences and integrate them into my own. I’ve gained so much from the group.”
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The Spin Winter 2025
READ NOW
Cozy up with the Winter 2025 issue of The Spin and discover the latest SCI stories, research and news. Our latest issue covers stories on mindfulness, adaptive skateboarding, Ozempic, menopause and much more!
Free subscriptions are available to BC residents and health professionals, just email thespin@sci-bc.ca with your full name and mailing address.
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Featured Online Events
Dance Flow with Harmanie Rose
Mon, Jan 12, 19 & 26 | 6 - 7 pm | LEARN MORE
Explore, create and get moving in Dance Flow! Led by Harmanie Rose, this inclusive class welcomes everyone, regardless of experience or ability. We begin with simple, imaginative prompts to gently warm up your body and get you dancing.
Ask an Expert: Learn More About the SpineAlly App
Wed, Jan 14 | 5 - 6 pm | LEARN MORE
Learn about the SpineAlly App, a dual-purpose mobile platform for people living with SCI! The app provides people living with SCI with evidence-based educational materials, extensive support tools and a custom SCI chatbot to guide them in their individualized journey. SpineAlly also facilitates the continuous and remote collection of health data, allowing researchers and people living with SCI to gain deeper insights into real-world health outcomes.
Refresh Your Writing Practice Workshop
Fri, Jan 23 | 1 - 4 pm | LEARN MORE
Has your writing practice turned from an inspiration-driven expression of your creativity to just another thing on your to-do list? Join professional editor Lisa Hislop and the SCI BC Writers’ Group for an afternoon of writing, personalized feedback, playful exploration and spirited discussion to refresh every part of your writing process.
The Road Ahead Education Session: Respiratory Health and SCI
Tue, Jan 27 | 1 - 2 pm | LEARN MORE
Exhale your worries! Join Dr. Aditi Shah for an informative session exploring how aging can affect respiratory health, what changes to expect, the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program (PROP) and practical strategies to maintain respiratory function.
Find more in our January Online Events Newsletter!
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Susan Marshall Fighting Spirit Award
Meet Marney Smithies, the recipient of the 2025 Susan Marshall Fighting Spirit Award. READ NOW
And nominations for the 2026 Susan Marshall Fighting Spirit Award are now open! Do you know a peer with a fighting spirit who contributes to their community? Fill out the (short) nomination by June 1, 2026. LEARN MORE
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Latest Stories & Videos
SCI BC Wrapped: Top Stories of 2025 | LEARN MORE
Your SCI BC 2025 Wrapped is here, featuring the stories that topped the charts with our community!
Financial Options Through the Life Span | LEARN MORE
The cost of living in BC hits harder when you’re living with a disability. In this Ask an Expert video, SCI BC's Barry and Heather help you understand what financial support options are available.
Gaming for Health | LEARN MORE
New studies show playing video games can provide health benefits for people with SCI.
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Peer Health Coaching
LEARN MORE
Want to reduce the frequency of UTIs? Lose or maintain your weight? Build strength to make transfers easier? Whatever your goal is, our Peer Health Coaches are here to help! Open to anyone with an SCI or related disability, SCI BC's Peer Health Coaching Program helps you take actionable steps toward better health and a more independent lifestyle. The program is free and consists of up to eight one-hour online sessions.
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Winter Weather Tips
Are you ready for winter? Stay warm and safe with our cold weather resources, including:
Our SCI InfoLine provides answers, resources and support related to SCI and living with a disability. You can call our InfoLine toll-free from 9 am - 5 pm, Mon to Fri at 1-800-689-2477 or email info@sci-bc.ca.
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2026 Media Kit
LEARN MORE
Looking to promote your new business or target the SCI community? Our media kit provides everything you need to know on SCI BC reach, readership, and ad rates.
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SCI BC MARKETPLACE
LEARN MORE
Interested in buying or selling disability related items? Looking for accessible housing and jobs? SCI BC's Marketplace is the one-stop hub for all of the above!
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SCI&U Peer Health Coaching | LEARN MORE
Living a healthy life with SCI can be challenging. Health coaches are people who live with SCI, so they “get it.” They have been trained to help you develop your skills in problem-solving, goal setting and action planning, so you can manage your health more effectively. You will meet with a peer health coach online or by telephone for semi-weekly peer coaching sessions.
- Location: Online.
- Time commitment: Semi-weekly peer coaching sessions.
- Eligibility: Had SCI for 3 years or less.
- Compensation: Yes, gift card.
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Contact: barana@sci-bc.ca.
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PleasureABLE 2.0: Participating in Sexual Activities After SCI | LEARN MORE
This study invites individuals with SCI and their partners to provide feedback on PleasureABLE 2.0, an updated version of a sexual adaptation manual designed to support sexual participation and sexual well-being after SCI. Feedback will help guide revisions to ensure the manual reflects diverse lived experiences and meets the sexual health needs of people with SCI.
- Location: Online.
- Time commitment: 3 hours total.
- Eligibility: 19 years or older; have an SCI (partners also welcome to participate); identify as sexually active.
- Compensation: Yes, e-transfer.
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Contact: sophbrum@student.ubc.ca.
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Can you teach a Robot Dog new tricks? Exploring perspectives of wheelchair users on the usability, acceptability, and potential benefits of a robotic dog | LEARN MORE
This research is trying to better understand the perspectives of wheelchair users on the usability, acceptability, and potential benefits of a robotic dog for physical assistance, mobility, and companionship. Primarily, to look at how wheelchair users perceive robot dogs, how they would use them, and for what functions. The overall aim of this project will guide the developmental design of BCIT’s robot dog.
- Location: Online or in-person (Blusson, UBC, GF Strong).
- Time commitment: Interview (60 minutes) and focus group (120 minutes).
- Eligibility: Are a wheelchair user.
- Compensation: Yes, $25 for interview and $50 for focus group ($75 for in-person).
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Contact: mwhl@student.ubc.ca.
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Low oxygen therapy as a cardiac treatment for improving 24-hour blood pressure stability | LEARN MORE
This study aims to characterize the cardiovascular responses to low oxygen therapy in people with complete and incomplete cervical SCI. Low oxygen therapy is the repeated exposure to mildly decreased oxygen. In this study, they will test whether breathing low oxygen for a short period of time improves the function of the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain.
- Location: ICORD (Vancouver) or UBC Okanagan Campus (Kelowna).
- Time commitment: 11.5 hours total (7 visits separated over at least 11 days).
- Eligibility: Traumatic cervical SCI (at or above T1 level) > 12 months ago.
- Compensation: $500.
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Contact: sthrall@student.ubc.ca or (250) 807-8083.
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Patterns of respiration: paced and sleep breathing dynamics in SCI | LEARN MORE
ICORD researcher Dr. Claydon and her research team at SFU are interested in studying how SCI may impact the relationship between breathing and cardiovascular function, and to characterise the interactions between breathing-related cardiovascular regulation and obstructive sleep apnoea. Participation in this study will involve one lab visit and two nights of sleep testing from the comfort of your own home.
- Location: ICORD or the SFU Burnaby Campus.
- Time commitment: 2 hours (in-person) + at-home sleep testing over 2 nights.
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Eligibility: SCI >1 year ago and able to transfer to a testing bed independently or with assistance; Do not use a ventilator or positive airway pressure (PAP) machine.
- Compensation: $20 and parking pass.
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Contact: rebekah_lee@sfu.ca or call (778) 782-8513.
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Measuring sedentary behaviour and pain among people with SCI | LEARN MORE
People with SCI engage in 12-13 hours a day of sedentary behaviour, which includes sitting. Prolonged inactivity may influence pain intensity, although no one has measured how sedentary behaviour may interact with pain experienced by people with SCI. The goal of this research is to begin to understand how sedentary behaviours could be modified to improve quality of life for people with SCI.
- Location: UBC Okanagan Campus (Kelowna).
- Time commitment: 12.5 hours total.
- Eligibility: Have a traumatic SCI; do not ambulate (primary mode of mobility is a wheelchair); experience chronic pain.
- Compensation: $250.
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Contact: adamsnt@student.ubc.ca.
| | | | WorkBC Assistive Technology Services Webinar | |
Wed, Jan 7, 14, 21 & | 12:30 - 1 PM | Online | LEARN MORE
Join Marketing Manager, Nate Toevs, for a webinar on assistive technology, ergonomics, and the services available to people who have work-related barriers due to a disability or functional limitation. Register today and learn more about the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program, operated by Neil Squire.
Questions? Contact natet@neilsquire.ca or 604-355-0578.
| | | | | Standing Adaptive Ski Lessons | |
Mon - Thu | 9 - 11:30 am & 12:30 - 3 pm | Whistler | LEARN MORE
Whistler Adaptive's 1-on-1 ski lessons offer personalized instruction tailored to each participant’s ability level, from beginner to expert. These lessons focus on advancing skills for peers who are ambulatory, building confidence and ensuring a positive experience on the mountain.
Whistler Blackcomb lift Ticket must be purchased separately. Ski/Snowboard Rentals included if needed. Bring skis/board, boots, jacket, snow pants, toque, gloves, helmet, poles if applicable Pricing Options:12 Week Block Booking: $1,134. Drop in lesson: $130.
Questions? Contact info@whistleradaptive.com.
| | | | | South Fraser Active Living Monthly Meeting with Kim and Marney | |
Mon, Jan 12 | 2 - 4 pm | Online | LEARN MORE
Join this fun and active group from the Surrey, Delta and Langley areas for some great conversation. This event is video, voice and phone friendly.
Questions? Email sfactiveliving@gmail.com.
| | | | | Creative Employment Options Webinar: Wellness for Job Seekers with Disabilities | |
Tue, Jan 13 | 10 - 11 am | Online | LEARN MORE
Navigating your employment journey as a person with a disability comes with unique challenges, and your well-being matters every step of the way. How do you manage stress during your job search or transition to employment? Can you build a healthy work-life balance while pursuing your career goals? What are the best ways to care for your mental and physical health during this process?
In this webinar, we’ll explore these questions and share practical strategies to help you thrive as you move forward in your career, all while keeping your well-being a top priority.
Questions? Contact info@neilsquire.ca or 604-473-9363.
| | | | | Saving & Investing: Accessible Financial Literacy Workshop | |
Wed, Jan 21 | 2 - 4 pm | Online | LEARN MORE
Interested in learning how to choose the right saving and investment strategies for your goals? Join ConnecTra for an accessible financial literacy workshop presented by Joanna Monteiro from Family Services of Greater Vancouver, covering RDSPs, RRSPs, RESPs, TFSAs, and FHSAs.
This workshop introduces participants to registered investment options and how they can support long-term financial planning. Whether you are planning for your own future, saving for retirement, or supporting someone else, this session will help you better understand your options and take greater control of your financial decisions.
| | | | | Accessible Okanagan Weekly Peer Meetups | |
Every Wed | 1 - 3 pm | Kelowna | LEARN MORE
Join Accessible Okanagan every Wed at Blenz in the Orchard Park Shopping Centre for good coffee and great conversation. This casual weekly meetup is a chance for peers to connect, share stories and welcome new faces. Some days, the group heads out for a ride together afterward, so bring your front drive if you have one.
On the last Wednesday of each month, SCI BC hosts and your drinks are on us. Don’t miss it!
| | | | | Technology For Living Peer Hub | |
Tue, Feb 3 | 2 - 3 pm | Online | LEARN MORE
Join Technology For Living’s Peer Hub, a monthly online social group for people with physical disabilities. Build community and reduce social isolation. Open discussions, casual chats, and occasional guest speakers based on your interests.
Peer Hubs are all about YOU – people with physical disabilities. Share, learn, and grow together in a welcoming environment. It’s a new opportunity to connect!
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Sat, Feb 14 & Mar 14 | 10 am - 3 pm | Whistler | LEARN MORE
Skiing is Believing is a FREE full-day Adaptive Nordic skiing event designed for people with physical disabilities or who are visually impaired, and provides an incredible opportunity to try Nordic skiing in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Whether you're interested in sit skiing or adaptive stand skiing, their team of certified coaches and trained volunteers will ensure everyone can enjoy the snow safely. The event is open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced skiers and all ski equipment, as well as a day pass to Whistler Olympic Park, are provided free of charge for participants.
You are encouraged to bring friends and family! A support person receives a free day pass, and additional guests can purchase passes online or at the park. Follow-up ski sessions are also available through Whistler Adaptive Sports at the park.
Questions? Contact noconnor@whistleradaptive.com.
| | | | | PARC Online Fitness Classes | |
Online | LEARN MORE
Join PARC for a workout, stretch, spin class, exercise or dance session!
Participating in the classes will help you stay healthy and will enable you to connect with the PARC community remotely. The classes follow a regular schedule and are led by the UBC Kinesiology students.
Questions? Contact parc@icord.org.
| | | | | Carefree Service Accessible & Inclusive Tours | |
Prince George | LEARN MORE
The CareFree Society offers accessible and inclusive transportation services in Prince George and area. They provide universal door-to-door access to nature, recreation, culture, heritage and arts.
Every month, the CareFree Society offers trips to destinations around Prince George, from casual sightseeing to exciting adventures!
Questions? Contact Book@carefreesociety.org or 250-562-1397.
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We respectfully acknowledge that our head office is on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically, the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. Our provincial work takes place on the territories of Indigenous peoples who have lived on and cared for the land for time immemorial.
We are grateful to live, work, share stories, and connect in these spaces.
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