|
The season of giving has arrived! This November, there are two exciting ways to support SCI BC: the 50/50 Raffle Fundraiser (November 2 - 30) and Online Holiday Auction (November 16 - 30).
Whether you're dreaming of a vacation or hoping to score a Nintendo Switch, John Mulaney comedy tickets, or a signed George Springer baseball bat
Share in the joy of giving and bid on a variety of amazing items in SCI BC's beloved Online Holiday Auction, just in time for the holiday season. From dream vacations and fun experiences to a Nintendo Switch, John Mulaney tickets and a signed George Springer baseball bat, this year's Online Holiday Auction has something for everyone. Purchase a gift for yourself or someone you love and give back to your community at the same time.
Every bid and raffle ticket purchased supports SCI BC's Peer Support and Information Services programs, helping people with SCI and related disabilities adjust, adapt, and thrive.
Keep scrolling for...
- In Person Events
- Peer Meetups
- Updates
- Research Opportunities
- Partner News
| | | | |
Surrey Paint Night
Tue, Nov 3 | 6 - 8 pm | Surrey
Unleash your inner artist at our Surrey Paint Night! Whether you’re a total beginner or a casual dabbler, join us at the Cloverdale Recreation Centre for a fun acrylic paint workshop with a holiday theme. Create your own acrylic painting on a 12 x 16” canvas following step-by-step instructions from a qualified instructor.
Come out to create your masterpiece for the holidays and take home your artwork that’s uniquely yours! Refreshments and painting materials will be provided.
Please RSVP to Rod at rbitz@sci-bc.ca.
| | | | |
Bowling & Pizza Night in Coquitlam
Wed, Nov 4 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Coquitlam
Pin it to win it at our Bowling & Pizza Night in Coquitlam! Whether you roll a strike or a gutter ball, you'll have a great time bowling the night away, enjoying drinks and pizza (food is on us!) and chatting with peers. Family and friends are welcome.
Please RSVP to Agasha at amutesasira@sci-bc.ca.
| | | | |
20th Annual Hockey Night in Victoria
Sat, Nov 7 | 4 - 9 pm | Victoria
Stick around for an evening of fun and cheer on the Victoria Royals as they face the Tri-City Americans!
The puck drops at 6:05 pm, but join us at 4 pm for a fabulous feast (dinner served at 4:30 pm) at the Lion’s Den Restaurant.
This event is free for SCI BC Members. You are welcome to bring an attendant or a guest. Children always welcome. Tickets are “first come”, limited seating is available.
To register, contact Scott at sheron@sci-bc.ca.
| | | | |
Kelowna Bowling Night
Tue, Nov 17 | 7 - 8:30 pm | Kelowna
Strike up some fun at SCI BC's Kelowna Bowling Night! Spend an evening at McCurdy Lanes sharing laughs, cheering each other on and enjoying time together on and off the lanes. Plus, snacks from Freddy's Brewpub are included.
Please RSVP to Scotty at sjames@sci-bc.ca.
| | | | |
SCI Community Research Night
Thu, Nov 19 | 6 - 8 pm | Vancouver
Curiosity and community meet at Community Research Night! Join ICORD and SCI BC to talk about research, how it happens and the different types of research happening at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre. Have the opportunity to meet community partners and learn about their lived experiences. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the event begins at 6 pm. Pizza will be provided.
Register online.
| | | | |
Pizza Party at PARC
Fri, Nov 20 | 4 - 6 pm | Vancouver
Game on! Come enjoy pizza, board games and table tennis with SCI BC and the Physical Activity Research Centre (PARC). Whether you’re rallying at the ping pong table or rolling the dice with new friends, this is a great chance to connect and have fun together. Come for the pizza, stay for the friendly competition!
Please RSVP to Peter at pchisholm@sci-bc.ca
| | | | |
Fall Art Night in Coquitlam
Thu, Nov 26 | 3:30 - 6 pm | Coquitlam
Leaves are falling, and creativity is calling!
Join us for a cozy evening of crafting at Millarville Community Centre as we create an oversized acorn luminary together. We'll guide you through the process while exploring ways to make your creation your own. Test out metallic effects, tinted liners and experiment with different finishes.
Come connect with fellow peers, get creative and take home a beautiful fall-themed decoration.
Please RSVP to Agasha at amutesasira@sci-bc.ca by Nov 23.
| | | | |
Nanaimo Holiday Party
Thu, Nov 26 | 6 - 9 pm | Nanaimo
All is merry and all is bright at our holiday night! Get into the festive spirit by joining your Nanaimo peers over fantastic food, fun and conversation. We'll meet on the second floor of the Nanaimo Curling Club.
Please RSVP to Bert at babbott@sci-bc.ca.
| | |
Save the Date
More SCI BC events are coming your way! You can add SCI BC events to your digital calendar with just a few clicks! Visit our event calendar, click any event for more details, then click “CALENDAR” or “GOOGLECAL” to save the event to your Outlook, Apple or Google calendar.
Save the date for our upcoming events (more details to come):
| | |
Greater Vancouver
Fraser Valley
Vancouver Island
Northern BC
Okanagan
| | | | |
50/50 Holiday Raffle Fundraiser
One lucky ticket holder will take home half the jackpot. Could it be you?
From now until November 30, SCI BC is hosting its holiday 50/50 fundraiser, to help raise funds for our online programming and Peer Support Program in various communities across BC.
The winning ticket will be drawn on Dec 1 at 10:30 am PCT and the lucky winner will receive half of the final amount raised from ticket sales (with the chance to win up to $9,995).
BC Gaming Event License #176793. Chances are 1 in 4,373 (total tickets for sale) to win. Full Rules of Play found here.
Know your limit, play within it.
Problem Gambling Help Line: call 1-888-795-6111.
| | | | |
We Are Hiring!
Be the person you needed when you were starting out. Join our team and help others find connection and support at SCI BC! We are currently hiring for a Peer Program Coordinator – Northern BC in the Prince George area.
The Peer Program Coordinator is responsible for supporting the goals and objectives of SCI BC’s Peer Program by providing peer support opportunities that foster connection for individuals living with SCI and related disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers.
- Develop, plan, budget, promote and facilitate peer support activities across Northern BC.
- Encourage peers and members to participate actively and meaningfully in Peer Program activities and maintain regular communications with peers.
- Provide information, referrals and follow-up support to peers, members, families and caregivers based on identified needs.
- Seek feedback from peers, members, volunteers and community partners regarding program needs, experiences and opportunities for improvement.
The deadline to apply is Nov 15, 2026.
| | | | |
GRAGOPEAN Scholarship Winter 2027 Intake
We're calling on all prospective and returning post-secondary students with SCI to apply for the GRAGOPEAN Scholarship Trust. This can tremendously help with your tuition, books, learning aids and other expenses related to your disability, such as housing, transportation and in-class assistance.
In partnership with the Vancouver Foundation, this fund has made a life-changing difference for many students.
Apply by 5 pm on Nov 15, 2026.
| | | | |
Featured Online Events
Travel Talks
Mon, Nov 2, 9, 16 & 23 | 6:15 - 7 pm
Travel doesn’t end with a disability. It simply evolves. Join host Mary-Jo and featured guests as they explore local, regional, national and international travel with a disability. Each week, we unpack the logistics, the challenges and the charm of getting out of your routine. Travel can help you look at the world and yourself in a new and exciting way!
- Nov 2 – Ryan shares his adventures roving and camping across Canada
- Nov 9 – Terry talks all things Baja, snorkeling and scuba diving
- Nov 16 – Brian brings an inside look at cruising the world
- Nov 23 – Shira covers accessible features of Parks Canada
30-Day Sleep Hyigene Challenge
Education & discussion: Tue, Nov 3 & Dec 1 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
+ Weekly check-in: Tue, Nov 10, 17 & 24 | 6:30 - 7 pm
Build healthier sleep habits, together!
We’re inviting you to join a community of peers for a 30-day exploration of sleep hygiene. Over the next month, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your own sleep patterns, experiment with small changes and discover which habits work best for you.
The goal isn’t simply to spend more time in bed. It’s to develop a healthier relationship with sleep so that you can wake feeling more rested, think more clearly and participate more fully in your life.
Vision Board Workshop Series with Mary-Jo and Olivia
Sat, Nov 14 & 28 + Sat, Dec 19 | 2 - 3:30 pm
As the year winds down and colder months settle in, it’s a natural time time to reflect on where you’ve been and think about where you’d like to go next. Join Mary-Jo, Olivia and fellow peers for a workshop series where you’ll create your own physical or digital vision board!
A vision board is a collage of images, words and affirmations that represent your goals, dreams and intentions. For many people living with SCI and related disabilities, life doesn’t always unfold as planned. A vision board can help you reconnect with your priorities, identify new possibilities and focus on what brings meaning and purpose to your life.
Ask an Expert: The Right Fit Program
Wed, Nov 25 | 5 - 6 pm
Everyone deserves a home that works for them.
The Right Fit Program, managed by Disability Alliance BC, is a multi-partner service designed to address the crisis in wheelchair accessible housing by matching affordable, accessible homes and independent living supports with people who need them in the Metro Vancouver region.
Recently, the Right Fit Program has expanded its services to the Capital Regional District (CRD), the regional local government for the southern tip of Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands.
We hope you’ll join us for this Ask an Expert session, where you’ll learn about the The Right Fit Program and how you can participate.
| | | | |
Remembrance Day
In 1945, World War II veterans with paraplegia founded the Canadian Paraplegic Association (now Spinal Cord Injury Canada). Among the founders were John Counsell, Arthur Hay, Joseph Wrangham, Jack Higman, Douglas Quirt, Edward Higginbottom and Andrew Clarke.
John Counsell, who fought and was injured at Dieppe, established Lyndhurst Lodge, a community-based rehab centre run by the Canadian Paraplegic Association in collaboration with medical leaders in SCI and the newly established Department of Veteran Affairs. It became the world's first dedicated SCI rehabilitation centre.
This Remembrance Day, we honour the veterans whose courage and advocacy laid the foundation for SCI care in Canada. Their legacy continues to guide our work today.
Please note: The SCI BC offices and InfoLine will be closed on Wednesday, November 11.
| | | | |
Contribute to The Spin Magazine
We hope you enjoyed the Fall 2026 issue of The Spin! We're already working on the next issue and are looking for:
- Peers willing to share their experiences on cruises, including accessibility tips, challenges and advice for others
- Advice and insights on building confidence and navigating sexuality as a catheter user
- Peer Shoutouts celebrating the achievements, contributions and milestones of fellow peers
Have something to share? Email TheSpin@sci-bc.ca.
As always, we love to hear your suggestions for future issues of The Spin!
| | | | |
Thank You City of North Vancouver
A super shoutout to the City of North Vancouver for their ongoing support of SCI BC's Peer Program on the North Shore. Their support means more opportunities for connection, adventure and empowerment. Thank you for making an impact!
| | | | |
Thank You City of Kelowna
We are so grateful to the City of Kelowna for helping make peer events possible in Kelowna! From summer BBQs, coffee chats, camping, and more, their generosity helps us build a strong, supportive community for peers and their families. Thank you!
| | | | |
Latest Videos & Stories
The Road Ahead: Your Gears, Gadgets and Great Ideas (Video)
Get inspired by the gears, gadgets and creative solutions SCI BC members use to make life more accessible! Watch to discover member-submitted solutions, such as magnetic buttons, footplate straps, airtags and more.
A Faster Way to Go
A new study suggests that adding 30 minutes of electrical stimulation before your bowel routine could make it faster and more efficient.
Feeling the Heat
With guidance from peers, clinicians, and researchers, women with SCI can embrace menopause with confidence.
Your Two Cents
What SCI BC peers shared during this year’s Feedback February and how we’re putting your ideas into action to strengthen peer support.
| | | | |
SCI BC Marketplace
The SCI BC Marketplace is your one stop hub for disability-related items and accessible housing! Buy and sell used medical equipment and supplies and adapted vehicles, and find listings for accessible housing and home support workers.
| | |
Intermittent Catheterization Survey
SCI BC, in collaboration with Coloplast Canada, is inviting individuals who use intermittent catheters to participate in a survey. We are seeking to better understand the experiences, knowledge and educational needs of individuals who use intermittent catheters. Your responses will help us identify opportunities to improve patient education and support related to bladder health, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and catheter use. The survey should take 10 minutes to complete.
*Please note: The virtual discussion and survey are sponsored by Coloplast.
| | |
The Joy Active Study
The Joy-Active Project focuses on promoting and implementing physical activity guidelines for youth and adults with disabilities. The purposes of the study are to look at participation within a community-based exercise program and to better understand the experiences and perceptions of participants. Participants will take part in a 12-week exercise program, which includes a session with a fitness trainer, a personalized exercise prescription and group-based exercise sessions in the research gym.
- Location: UBC Okanagan (Kelowna)
- Time commitment: 4 hours of testing + exercise training 2-3 hours per week for 12 weeks.
- Eligibility: >15 years old; Have SCI, CP, or a progressive neurological disorder; Able to perform upper-body exercises, and lower-body exercises (for those with lower-body mobility); Cleared by a physician for moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercises
- Compensation: No, but you will free access 2x/week to an accessible gym over the study period.
-
Contact: aleks.jevdjevic@ubc.ca
| | |
Potential benefits of passive heating (hot tub) on your health – A pilot study
The goal of this pilot study is to demonstrate the safety, tolerance, and effectiveness of a 45-minute passive heating session providing a mild/moderate exercise response (warm up and 20-25 min activity equivalent) from full-body hot-water immersion in individuals with higher-level SCI (T7-C4). Participants will come to Dr. Victoria Claydon’s lab at SFU for a single hot tub immersion session. The session will take about 3 to 4 hours, including up to 45 min of hot tub immersion. Transfers to and from the hot tub will use a Hoyer style lift.
- Location: Simon Fraser University (Burnaby).
- Time commitment: 3-4 hours.
-
Eligibility: Have an SCI T7 to C4 (of any AIS level); Engage in a regular/consistent bowel/bladder management program; Are able to perform a level transfer with minimal assistance; Have received full immunization against COVID-19; Do not smoke/use tobacco products; Do not have any cardiac/respiratory illness or diabetes mellitus
- Compensation: $100 + parking pass/taxi reimbursement.
-
Contact: james.laskin@gmail.com or (604) 200-3426.
| | |
Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation for Cardiovascular, Bladder, Bowel and Sexual Function in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
This study will assess the safety and effectiveness of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation in recovering cardiovascular, bladder, bowel, and sexual functions in people with SCI. We are interested in both the immediate effects (i.e., effects when the stimulation is turned on), effects after eight weeks of therapy (24 sessions), and long-term persisting effects (i.e., changes in functions when the stimulation is turned off, after several weeks of using the stimulation regularly). If eligible, you will be randomly assigned to receive stimulation at either mid/low thoracic (Group 1) or lumbosacral (Group 2) spinal cord levels for 8 weeks (3 times/week).
- Location: ICORD and the Gastroenterology Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital (Vancouver)
- Time commitment: 42 visits for assessments, therapy, and follow-up, for a total of about 30 weeks.
- Eligibility: BC resident with active provincial medical services plan; 19-60 years old; Traumatic SCI at or above T6 (AIS A or B); > 1 year post-injury; At least 6 months from any spinal surgery; Experience bladder, bowel, or sexual dysfunction; Not pregnant or intending to become pregnant.
- Compensation: Yes.
-
Contact: amaharaj@icord.org or (604) 675-8856.
| | |
Can Regular Use of a Standing Frame Combined with Nerve Stimulation Improve Bladder Function?
Bladder dysfunction significantly impacts quality of life in people with SCI, but rehabilitation options for managing bladder symptoms in SCI have been scarcely considered. Previous research has shown that there is important overlap between the part of the spinal cord that sends nerves to the bladder and the part of the spinal cord that receives sensory information from the legs. Other research has shown that walking programs, which inherently involve giving sensation to the feet through the soles, can improve bladder function in people with SCI. In this study, we will continue to explore these relationships by evaluating the potential effects of combining electrical leg stimulation and standing therapy on bladder symptoms.
- Location: ICORD (Vancouver).
- Time commitment: 3-month intervention of 3 sessions per week.
- Eligibility: SCI > 12 months ago; Have symptoms of urinary dysfunction from your SCI; Able to use a standing frame; Do not walk as your main mode of daily mobility.
- Compensation: Yes.
-
Contact: lamlab@icord.org or 604-675-8815.
| | |
Exercise your pelvic floor muscles to improve bladder function
The pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are a group of muscles that help control bladder and bowel storage and emptying. They also play an important role in sexual health. We want to examine whether exercise-based PFM training can improve PFM function in people with chronic motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants will be prescribed PFM training exercises to complete at home and at ICORD for 3 months. The initial sessions will be guided by a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
- Location: ICORD (Vancouver).
-
Time commitment: 3 months of PFM training exercises, with follow-up surveys 3 and 6 months post-intervention.
-
Eligibility: Motor-incomplete SCI > 12 months ago; Experience bladder or urinary tract dysfunction due to SCI; Not planning to receive intra-detrusor Botox injections in the next 6 months.
- Compensation: Yes.
-
Contact: jiho.song@ubc.ca or (604) 675-8815.
| | | | |
Technology for Living Peer Hub
Tue, Nov 3 | 2 - 3 pm | Online
Join Technology for Living's Peer Hub, a monthly online social group for people with physical disabilities. Open discussions, casual chats, and occasional guest speakers based on your interests. Meetings are on the first Tue of every month at 2 pm.
During the Nov 3 session, the Association of CSIL Employers (ACE) will introduce BC’s Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) program, share their advocacy work and discuss how we can strengthen independent living in our communities.
Share, learn, and grow together in a welcoming environment. It’s a new opportunity to connect!
Questions? Contact peer@technologyforliving.org.
| | | | | |
Open Call for Artworks & Artist Residencies: Support 2028 Festival, Edmonton
Based at the University of Alberta, the Co-Designing a Smartwear Revolution project is currently trying to develop “smart” garments that can respond to the body and provide support when it is needed. In order to spark conversation, critique, and co-design with the communities that its smart garments aim to serve, the project invites artists to engage with and creatively respond to its work.
The project is inviting artists, designers, performers, & artist-researchers to propose artwork for an arts festival on the theme of Support, to be held in Edmonton, Alberta in 2028. Propose new or existing work exploring the topics of support, disability, smart textiles, technology, access, and embodiment.
In addition, the project also has an open call for two artist-in-residence opportunities, one in-person and one fully remote.
Deadline: December 15, 2026
| | | | | |
Peers on Pages: A Creative Writing Workshop
Thu, Nov 5 | 4 - 5 pm | Online
Let's tell our stories! Peers on Pages is a once-a-month writing group for Technology for Living members that offers a community of support and a welcoming space to write about our lives. Short paragraphs, essays, poetry, screenplays or even just emails...the creativity is yours. Join them on Zoom on the first Thursday of each month.
Questions? Contact peer@technologyforliving.org.
| | | | | |
Team Canada Sitting Volleyball Development Camp
Fri, Nov 6 - Sun, Nov 8 | Richmond
Team Canada Sitting Volleyball is excited to host a Development Camp at the Richmond Olympic Oval this November. This camp is designed for athletes to grow within the Sitting Volleyball pathway and continue to build skills and train in an inclusive environment.
Questions? Contact Lmousseau@volleyball.ca.
| | | | | |
Team BC Para Ice Hockey High Performance Evaluation Camp
Sat, Nov 7 - Sun, Nov 8 | Richmond
The Team BC Para Ice Hockey High-Performance Evaluation Camp is coming up on Nov 7-8 at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
This camp is open to all para hockey players in BC interested in pursuing provincial team opportunities, including selection for Team BC at the National Para Hockey Championships, hosted in Richmond, BC.
In-person evaluations are required to confirm Team BC selections and tournament participation. SportAbility strongly encourages athletes from outside the Lower Mainland to attend in person wherever possible. If travel is not feasible, please contact them directly to discuss a virtual testing option so you can still participate in the evaluation process. Travel assistance may be available to eligible participants as well.
Questions? Contact Claire at clairecoleman@sportabilitybc.ca
| | | | | |
Join PARC for a workout, stretch, spin class, exercise or dance session! The updated Sep schedule is now live.
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.
| | | | | |
Basic Employment Skills and Advocacy (Virtual Series)
Mon, Nov 9 | 2 - 3:30 pm | Online
Join ConnecTra Society’s 4-week virtual program focused on employment readiness and self-advocacy. Led by Emily Gillespie, the series covers topics like strengths, networking, interviews, and workplace navigation in a supportive group setting.
| | | | | |
Creative Employment Options Webinar: Navigating the Hidden Job Market
Tue, Nov 10 | 10 - 11 am | Online
Many jobs are never posted online. Learn how to find opportunities others miss. This session explores how to find work through networking, direct contact, and other approaches that go beyond job boards.
You will learn practical ways to connect with employers, start conversations about opportunities, and build a network that supports your job search. The focus is on clear, realistic steps you can use right away.
Questions? Contact info@neilsquire.ca.
| | | | | |
Strong Sessions Returns to Vancouver on November 10!
Tue, Nov 10 | 6 - 10 pm | Vancouver
Get ready for an evening of live music and local talent!
The Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) is bringing Strong Sessions to the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, featuring performances by talented musicians with disabilities.
From alternative rock to a variety of other musical styles, the lineup includes Agasha, Route97, Turner, Sylvie, and Them Ordinary Things, each bringing their own sound and energy to the stage.
Join VAMS for a celebration of music, creativity, and community, and discover the artists making their mark on the local music scene. Reserve your tickets (tickets are pay what you can).
| | | | | |
Adaptive Chair Yoga (Virtual Program)
Bi-weekly on Wed | 12 - 1 pm | Online
Join ConnecTra Society for adaptive chair yoga sessions led by Bobbie Seale-Cobiskey. This virtual program focuses on gentle movement, breathing, and accessible practices for a range of abilities.
Register online today, and explore more ConnecTogether events including Adaptive Fitness (bi-weekly on Thu) and Improve Dance (bi-weekly on Fri).
| | | | | |
2026 Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering
Tue, Nov 17 - Thu, Nov 19 | Sidney
Join BCANDS for the 2026 Indigenous Disability & Wellness Gathering, bringing people together to connect, share and learn.
During this event, we will also celebrate the 35th anniversary of Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC) / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS), as well as the 12th anniversary of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM), which has been acknowledged and proclaimed both in Canada and internationally!
The 2026 Gathering will bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments, leadership, service providers, community members, and others to learn, connect, and collaborate in addressing the unique barriers Indigenous Peoples with disabilities face.
| | | | | |
Discover Wheelchair Curling
Every Sun | 2 - 4 pm | Delta
Check out wheelchair curling at the Delta Thistle Curling Club on Sundays and get ready to love the roarin' game! Curling sticks are provided. Join South Fraser Active Living (SFAL) after for a peer social.
Questions? Contact info@deltathistle.ca.
| | |
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.
| |
*NOTE: If you choose to click Unsubscribe below you will no longer receive any communications from us ever again. Please consider clicking Update Profile instead, so you receive only the content that interests you. Thanks!*
| | | | |
