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You're invited! SCI BC's Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held via Zoom on Tue, Sep 22 at 4 pm.
The AGM will feature presentations from Rob Shaw, National Peer Program Lead, on member evaluation and feedback of SCI BC's Peer Program and Teri Thorson, Manager of Peer Coaching and Outreach, on the evaluation of SCI BC's Peer Health Coaching Program. In addition, the 2026 Susan Marshall Fighting Spirit Award will be presented.
Voting Members in good standing who attend the AGM will automatically be entered to win a $50 gift card (only Voting Members are eligible and must be present when the draw is made during the AGM).
Please register by Sep 8 by emailing membership@sci-bc.ca, to receive the agenda and meeting materials in a timely manner. Registering after this date will result in your not receiving the meeting materials until you register. Registration will remain open until 10 am on Sep 21.
Keep scrolling for...
- In Person Events
- Peer Meetups
- Updates
- Research Opportunities
- Partner News
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Fintry Camping Trip (+ BBQ)
Tue, Sep 1 - Fri, Sep 4 | Fintry
Life is better around the campfire (and with friends)!
Join SCI BC and Accessible Okanagan at Fintry Provincial Park (just outside West Kelowna and Vernon) for a fun-filled camping trip! Spend time in the great outdoors, partake in fun games and activities, hang out with friends by the campfire and enjoy a sweet treat or two.
Whether you come for all four days, or just want to stop by, we hope to see you there! On Wed, Sep 2, join us for BBQ lunch at 1 pm and adaptive paddleboarding with Access Revolution. As always, family and friends are welcome.
Please RSVP to Scotty at sjames@sci-bc.ca.
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Abbotsford Swim, Sweat and Socialize!
Thu, Sep 3 | 11 am - 1 pm | Abbotsford
Have you been weight-ing for the right time to workout? Join SCI BC at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre for a free swim or workout.
The amazing Abbotsford Recreation Centre offers an accessible pool, adaptive cardio equipment and an indoor track. As well, learn exercises on the hi-low cable for all abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned gym rat or a complete beginner, we hope to see you there!
Please RSVP to Rod at rbitz@sci-bc.ca.
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Nanaimo Paint Night
Thu, Sep 17 | 6 - 8 pm | Nanaimo
Unleash your inner artist at our Nanaimo Paint Night! Whether you’re a total beginner or a casual dabbler, join us at Creative Escape Art inside the Nanaimo North Town Centre Mall for a relaxed, social evening.
Create a painting of your choice or choose from some suggestions from the Creative Escape Art team. All materials (canvas, paint, brushes) will be provided. Enjoy a night of creativity and connection and leave with a painting that’s uniquely yours!
Please RSVP to Bert at babbott@sci-bc.ca. Space is limited, so we are only able to accommodate one guest per peer.
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Surrey Swim, Sweat, and Socialize!
Tue, Sep 22 | 11 am - 1 pm | Surrey
Ready to dive in or power up your workout? Join SCI BC at the Guildford Recreation Centre for a free swim or workout.
The amazing Guildford Recreation Centre has everything you need for an active afternoon. With an accessible pool, adaptive fitness equipment, 1/8 mile indoor track and a café to relax and socialize. We will meet at the café on the second floor outside the library. Whether your goal is fitness, fun or trying something new, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment waiting for you.
Please RSVP to Rod at rbitz@sci-bc.ca.
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Disability Peer Picnic
Tue, Sep 29 | 1 - 3 pm | Victoria
A perfect day for a picnic with peers! Join SCI BC, Technology For Living Victoria, the MS Wellness Centre and the MS Canada Alternative Therapies Group for a multi-organization picnic at Beacon Hill Park. Bring your own picnic lunch and refreshments for a relaxed afternoon of conversation and fun with peers from other peer support groups.
Please RSVP to Scott at sheron@sci-bc.ca.
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Langley Ice Cream Social
Tue, Sep 29 | 1 - 3 pm | Langley
You’re invited to chill with fellow peers at the Langley Ice Cream Social! Enjoy a sweet treat while you catch up with friends, melt with laughter and have fun.
Please RSVP to Rod at rbitz@sci-bc.ca.
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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.
Upcoming events:
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Greater Vancouver
Fraser Valley
Vancouver Island
Northern BC
Okanagan
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Peer Health Coaching
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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Become a Monthly Donor
A monthly gift to SCI BC is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to support people living with SCI and related disabilities in BC!
Whether you donate $5, $10 or $20 a month, your generosity keeps our organization running smoothly so that we can make a bigger difference in the lives of British Columbians with physical disabilities. You’ll receive updated on your impact and one consolidated tax receipt for the whole year.
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Seeking Holiday Auction Items
Our annual online Holiday Auction will return in November! We are asking for donations of gift cards, gift baskets, merchandise, services, travel experiences, accommodations and other fun items to auction off.
If you have an item to donate or know of a business we should reach out to, please email Krystyna at kpangilinan@sci-bc.ca.
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National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
In recognition of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, the SCI BC offices and InfoLine will be closed on Sep 30. We are committed to standing with Indigenous communities every day of the year, and we provide time and support staff in attending events and continue their learning about the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.
To mark the day, staff will wear orange at our staff meeting in honour of residential school survivors and their families, and in remembrance of the children who never returned home.
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Thank You Chair Stuff
We’re beyond grateful to Chair Stuff for their generous support of the disability community! As a provincial sponsor, they help us bring adaptive adventures, peer support groups, and fun social events to peers and their families across the province. Thank you!
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Thank You City of Surrey
We are greatly appreciative to the City of Surrey for their support of our peer program. Their support makes events like our Surrey Summer BBQ possible. Thank you for helping us build a supportive community in Surrey!
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Thank You District of West Vancouver
A big thank you to the District of West Vancouver for their kindness and generosity. Their support allows us to deliver activities and events for North Shore peers and their families. Thank you for making a difference!
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SCI Info Database
The SCI Info Database features more than 1,000 current and comprehensive resources for people with SCI and related disabilities in BC.
The Outdoor and Adventure section includes accessible beaches and trails in BC, adaptive equipment rentals, and where to try activities such as adaptive sailing, paddleboarding, fishing and more!
A few resources we're excited about:
- *NEW* Beach wheelchairs available for free rental in White Rock through Naakua Paddle Boards
- Hiking, paddling and cycling in Metro Vancouver with BCMOS
- Wheelin' N Reeling Adventures Accessible Fishing Charter in Campbell River
- Year-round adventures with Whistler Adaptive Sports Program
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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.
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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.
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Contact: aleks.jevdjevic@ubc.ca
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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.
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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.
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Contact: james.laskin@gmail.com or (604) 200-3426.
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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.
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Contact: amaharaj@icord.org or (604) 675-8856.
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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.
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Contact: lamlab@icord.org or 604-675-8815.
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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).
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Time commitment: 3 months of PFM training exercises, with follow-up surveys 3 and 6 months post-intervention.
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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.
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Contact: jiho.song@ubc.ca or (604) 675-8815.
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Technology for Living Peer Hub
Tue, Sep 1 & Oct 6 | 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.
Share, learn, and grow together in a welcoming environment. It’s a new opportunity to connect!
Questions? Contact peer@technologyforliving.org.
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Get Involved: Association of CSIL Employers
The Association of CSIL Employers (ACE) has launched a province-wide campaign to strengthen and protect Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL), which enables disabled British Columbians with significant support needs to live independently and manage their own home support.
CSIL Employers across BC are contacting their MLAs to call for three priorities:
- Increase the CSIL funding rate to address recruitment and retention challenges.
- Improve assessments and reassessments so support hours reflect people’s current needs.
- Strengthen the CSIL community’s voice by asking the Minister of Health to meet with ACE.
CSIL Employers, family members, and legal representatives can join the campaign by contacting their MLA.
Follow ACE on Instagram, view their resources (including an evidence briefing and letter template) and contact acecsilemployers@gmail.com to get involved or learn more.
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1-1 Adaptive Bike Lessons with Whistler Adaptive
Whether you are trying adaptive mountain biking for the first time or seeking to build your skills, Whistler Adaptive has a range of adaptive bikes to support a variety of rider requirements.
1-1 adaptive bike lessons are available at Whistler Mountain Bike Park throughout Sep. To book a lesson, please contact Sean at admin@whistleradaptive.com.
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Peers on Pages: A Creative Writing Workshop
Thu, Sep 3 | 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.
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Celebrate Mobility Cup 2026 in Vancouver
Tue, Sep 8 - Sat, Sep 12 | Vancouver
Mobility Cup 2026 is returning to Vancouver for its 35th anniversary, bringing adaptive sailors from across Canada and abroad together for racing on English Bay from Sep 8 - 12.
The Adaptive Sailing Association of BC (ASABC) is inviting community members to be part of the celebration at two special events: the Jericho Beach BBQ and the Mobility Cup Awards Banquet at the Museum of Vancouver. Tickets are available for both the BBQ and Awards Banquet.
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CPABC Education Bursary
Are you a BC resident with cerebral palsy planning to attend post-secondary school in 2026–27? You could be eligible for a Cerebral Palsy Association of BC Education Bursary!
Bursaries can help cover tuition, support attendants, and transportation or other expenses related to your studies.
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Apply by Sep 15 with decisions to be sent out on Sep 17
- Must be 17+, a BC resident and have a cerebral palsy diagnosis
- Must be attending an accredited post-secondary institution in BC
Questions? Contact info@bccererbralpalsy.com.
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Creative Employment Options Webinar: Disclosure of a Disability
Tue, Sep 8 | 10 - 11 am | Online
Not sure if you should disclose your disability during your job search? This session will help you decide what is right for you. Deciding if, when, and how to talk to an employer about your disability is an important part of your return-to-work plan. This session looks at your options and helps you understand what disclosure can look like at different stages of the job search and in the workplace. You will learn how to approach these conversations with confidence, reduce uncertainty for employers, and explain your needs in a clear and practical way. The focus is on helping you make informed decisions that work for you.
Questions? Contact info@neilsquire.ca.
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New One-Time Supplement for Canada Disability Benefit Recipients
On Jul 1, the federal government announced that recipients of the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) will be entitled to a $150 supplement, to reduce costs associated with applying for its pre-requisite, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) starting Sep 1, 2026.
This payment will be available for anyone who was approved for the DTC and is entitled to any amount of the CDB. Anyone who is currently receiving or has received a CDB payment will still be eligible, even if they are no longer receiving CDB payments.
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WorkBC Assistive Technology Services Webinar
Wed, Sep 9, 23 & 30 | 12:30 - 1 pm | Online
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 Nate Toevs at 604-355-0578 or natet@neilsquire.ca.
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Power PARC: More Than a Machine Fundraiser
Sep 15 - Oct 15
Please consider helping PARC fundraise for a new Nustep Recumbent Cross Trainer! Their goal is to raise $15,000.
PARC is an accessible gym, located in the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre (BSCC) in Vancouver for people with SCI and MS. The NuStep is one of PARC’s busiest pieces of equipment, providing members with an accessible cardiovascular and strength training option.
During the challenge, everyone is invited to participate in a Doubles Table Tennis Tournament on Oct 9, 1 - 4 pm in the BSCC lecture hall ($20 sign-up fee/team). If you’re able, they would appreciate your support with a donation (all donations over 20$ are eligible for a tax receipt).
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Join TransLink's Accessibility Advisory Committees
Applications are now available for TransLink’s Access Transit Users’ and HandyDART Users’ Advisory Committees.
Applicants to both of these committees must:
- Live within the TransLink service region (Metro Vancouver);
- Have the ability to receive and reply to email correspondence in a timely manner;
- Have access to technology which will allow them to review electronic agenda packages prior to meetings, and
- Attend a virtual new member orientation at the beginning of the year.
Meetings are primarily held virtually over Zoom, and they will plan for one in-person meeting to be held at TransLink’s head office in New Westminster. Committee members receive a $100 honorarium for each meeting attended.
If interested in either of these committees, please complete the online application form before Wed, Sep 9 at 11:59 pm.
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Basic Employment Skills and Advocacy (Virtual Series)
Mon (starting Sep 14) | 10 - 11 am | 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.
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Clubs that Care: Talk To Us Tuesday
Tue, Sep 15 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm | Online
Join members of Neil Squire’s Makers Making Change Team and other Club That Care leaders at our quarterly Clubs That Care: Talk To Us Tuesday virtual event. This is a space to come with questions and learn more about the Clubs that Care Leaders.
Questions? Contact info@makersmakingchange.com.
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Discover the World of BC Bats
Wed, Sep 16 | 1 - 3 pm | Vancouver
Join the Disabled Independent Gardeners Association (DIGA) at the Creekside Community Centre for an engaging workshop with Brynne from BC Bats exploring bats and the important role they play in our ecosystems.
Learn about bat species found in BC, their habitats, their environmental benefits, and how people and bats can safely coexist. Optional group gathering afterwards. Register online today!
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WorkBC Assistive Technology Services Virtual Lunch and Learn
Thu, Sep 17 | 11:50 am - 1 pm | Online
Join Marketing Manager, Nate Toevs, for an in-person lunch and learn and learn about assistive technology, ergonomics, and the services available to people who have work-related barriers due to a disability or functional limitation.
Questions? Contact Nate Toevs at 604-355-0578 or natet@neilsquire.ca.
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Phil Nealy Book Launch: I Won't Stand For This
Sat, Sep 26 | 7: 15 - 8:15 pm | Victoria
In I Won’t Stand for This! Embracing My Disability to Empower Others, Phil Nealy shares his experience of life after SCI that resulted in quadriplegia. With clarity and honesty, he reflects on rehabilitation, self-advocacy, and the ongoing work of building a full and independent life.
Rather than presenting disability as tragedy or inspiration, Phil challenges common assumptions about ability, productivity, and worth. He writes about navigating physical limitations, social barriers, and shifting identities, while emphasizing resilience, persistence, and personal agency.
At the booklaunch readers will be given the opportunity to connect with Phil Nealy, hear his story, talk about his memoir and get signed copies for themselves.
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All-Comers Wheelchair Basketball Night
Mon, Sep 28 | 7 - 9 pm | Richmond
Celebrate Wheelchair Basketball Week! Join BC Wheelchair Basketball for fun drills and scrimmage for anyone who wants to enjoy playing wheelchair basketball. Free. Ages: 12+. Levels: Beginners to Intermediate
Questions? Contact info@bcwbs.ca.
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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.
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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).
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BC Wheelchair Sports 55th Anniversary
Sat, Oct 3 | Burnaby
Save the date for BC Wheelchair Sports Association (BCWSA)'s 55th Anniversary Event on Oct 3 at the Riverway Clubhouse to celebrate the past, present and future of BCWSA and share many of the fantastic accomplishments of BC athletes and builders in wheelchair sports.
More information, including tickets will be available soon!
To help tell their story, they're inviting the community to loan memorabilia for a special historical display at the 55th Anniversary Celebration.
They're looking for items such as:
- Team jackets or uniforms
- Medals, trophies, and awards
- Event posters
- Newspaper clippings
- Pins, patches, and promotional items
- Equipment from past eras
- Any other memorabilia that represents the history of BC Wheelchair Sports
If you're willing to loan memorabilia, please contact info@bcwheelchairsports.com with a description of the item, a brief explanation of its importance and a photo of the item.
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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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