JULY 2024

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Soak up the sun and attend one of our summer events! Stop by the Okanagan Paddling and Recreation Expo (Jul 17), Learn to Camp in Victoria (Jul 19-21), attend the Vancouver Peer BBQ (Jul 25), try Adaptive Mountain Biking in Prince George (Aug 3/4) or find another event that interests you and your family.


Keep scrolling for more events, announcements and exciting opportunities, including a new issue of The Spin, advocacy and research opportunities, the GRAGOPEAN scholarship, amazing partner events and more!


 
 
IN-PERSON EVENTS!
 

ADAPTIVE CYCLING CLUB BYOB (BRING YOUR OWN BIKE) GROUP RIDE - MUNDY PARK


SUN, JUL 7 | 2 - 4 PM | COQUITLAM


Do you own a handcycle or adaptive bike and would like to connect with other cycling enthusiasts? Join Ride Leader, Peter Chisholm, and other experienced cyclists for a group ride at Coquitlam’s Mundy Park.


Contact Emma at peerprogram@sci-bc.ca for more information and to reserve your spot.


DETAILS

NELSON PEER MEETUP


WED, JUL 10 | 1 - 3 PM | NELSON


Join us for our casual, supportive and fun Nelson Peer Meetup!


Come by the Prestige Lakeside Resort to build connections, share experiences, and get support or advice from other people with SCI and related disabilities. We’ll even treat you to a delicious beverage!


Questions? Contact Scotty at sjames@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS

OKANAGAN WOMEN'S PADDLE AND PIZZA


FRI, JUL 12 | 1 - 4 PM | VERNON


Enjoy the perfect summer day with paddling, pizza and pals!


Join us for an afternoon on Okanagan Lake. Try adaptive paddleboarding or kayaking, get familiar with the Vernon Adaptive Program, connect with other women with SCI and enjoy some pizza.


Please RSVP to Sonja at sgaudet@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS

ABBOTSFORD SUMMER BBQ AND HANDCYCLE TRY-IT DAY


SAT, JUL 13 | 10 AM - 2 PM | ABBOTSFORD


Join us for the Abbotsford Summer BBQ and Handcycle Try-It Day! Whether you come just for tasty BBQ, want to test drive one of our fleet of adaptive trikes, or just to check it out & chat with experienced cyclists with SCI, come on out! (Cycling not required but we think you’ll like it!) If you have a bike or handcycle, feel free to bring it.


Please RSVP to Rod at rbitz@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS

OKANAGAN PADDLING AND RECREATION EXPO


WED, JUL 17 | 10 AM - 2 PM | KELOWNA


Enjoy the sunshine and make waves at the Okanagan Paddling & Recreation Expo!


Head out on the water with CRIS Adaptive Adventures! Afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch courtesy of Accessible Okanagan, connect with friends and check out the showcase of our recreation partner organizations.


Please RSVP to Scotty at sjames@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS

LEARN TO CAMP


FRI, JUL 19 - SUN, JUL 21 | ALL DAY | VICTORIA


Do you love sleeping under the stars? How about roasting marshmallows and telling stories around the campfire? We’re excited to team up with Power to Be to offer an exciting weekend of camping at Prospect Lake in Victoria.


Sit back and relax, enjoy the great outdoors, eat s’mores and connect with other happy campers!


Please RSVP to Scott at sheron@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS

PADDLING IN VANCOUVER


SAT, JUL 20 | 10 AM - 4 PM | VANCOUVER


Water you waiting for? Join SCI BC and the British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS) for an exciting day on the water!


Whether you’re a pro or want to try something new, everyone is welcome. Drift into good times and give kayaking or paddleboarding a try.


Questions? Contact Avery at aalbrecht@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS | REGISTER

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS SOCCER GAME


SAT, JUL 20 | 7 - 10 PM | VANCOUVER


Kick off the weekend with a Vancouver Whitecaps soccer game!


Wear your best blue, chat with friends and enjoy an exciting evening of MLS Soccer action as the Caps take on the Houston Dynamo.


Please RSVP to Peter at pchisholm@sci-bc.ca. 


DETAILS

TERRACE WHEELCHAIR TENNIS HAVE-A-GO AND PICNIC IN THE PARK


SUN, JUL 21 | 12 - 2 PM | TERRACE


Serve up fun at the Wheelchair Tennis Have-A-Go & Picnic in the Park!


Join SCI BC, Northern Adapted Sports Association and BC Wheelchair Sports for a smashing good time. Try out tennis, make new friends and enjoy a picnic lunch in Heritage Park.


All ages and abilities welcome. No experience necessary. All equipment (and lunch!) will be provided.


Please RSVP to Caleb at cbrousseau@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS

ICE CREAM SOCIALS


SUN, JUL 21 | 2 - 4 PM | COQUITLAM | DETAILS

TUE, JUL 23 | 1 - 3 PM | BURNABY | DETAILS

THU, JUL 25 | 1 - 3 PM | MAPLE RIDGE | DETAILS

TUE, JUL 30 | 1 - 3 PM | LANGLEY | DETAILS


You’re invited to chill with fellow peers at our upcoming Ice Cream Socials! Enjoy a sweet treat while you catch up with friends, melt with laughter and have fun.

VANCOUVER PEER BBQ


THU, JUL 25 | 5 - 7 PM | VANCOUVER


When in doubt, grill it out!


Join us for our annual Vancouver Peer BBQ at John Hendry Park's covered picnic area! We will be serving up BBQ for you and your family or friends, playing yard games and enjoying the good company of SCI BC members!


Questions? Contact Avery at aalbrecht@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS | REGISTER

ADAPTIVE CYCLING CLUB BYOB (BRING YOUR OWN BIKE) GROUP RIDE - SOUTH SURREY


SAT, JUL 27 | 1 - 4 PM | SURREY


Do you own a handcycle or adaptive bike and would like to connect with other cycling enthusiasts? Join other experienced cyclists for a group ride. Starting at the South Surrey Rec Centre we will cruise along a series of trails and bike paths. The ride will be a loop through the parks and neighborhoods of South Surrey.


Contact Emma at peerprogram@sci-bc.ca for more information and to reserve your spot.


DETAILS

FORT ST. JOHN WHEELCHAIR TENNIS HAVE-A-GO AND PICNIC IN THE PARK


SUN, JUL 28 | 12 - 2 PM | FORT ST. JOHN


Serve up fun at the Wheelchair Tennis Have-A-Go & Picnic in the Park!


Join SCI BC, Northern Adapted Sports Association and BC Wheelchair Sports for a smashing good time. Try out tennis, make new friends and enjoy a picnic lunch in Surerus Park.


All ages and abilities welcome. No experience necessary. All equipment (and lunch!) will be provided.


Please RSVP to Caleb at cbrousseau@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS

ADAPTIVE BIKE CLINIC AND RIDE - TROUT LAKE


TUE, JUL 30 | 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | VANCOUVER


Whether you’re a complete beginner or experienced cyclist, we’ve got you covered!


Do you want to try adaptive cycling, but don’t know where to start? Attend an Adaptive Bike Clinic & Ride (ABC+)! Learn basic cycling skills, go on a guided ride and try out a handcycle, recumbent or upright trike that works for you.


Contact Emma at peerprogram@sci-bc.ca for more information and to reserve your spot.


DETAILS

PADDLING IN KAMLOOPS


WED, JUL 31 | 10 AM - 3:30 PM | KAMLOOPS


Get on board! Join SCI BC for an exciting day on the water in Kamloops!


Drift into good times and give adaptive paddleboarding a try. Whether you’re a pro or want to try something new, everyone is welcome.


Please RSVP to Tyler at ttingle@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS

PRINCE GEORGE ADAPTIVE MOUNTAIN BIKING WEEKEND


SAT, AUG 3 - SUN, AUG 4 | PRINCE GEORGE


Gear up for a good time at the Prince George Adaptive Mountain Biking Weekend!


Join SCI BC in partnership with Kootenay Adaptive Sports and Prince George Cycling Club for this opportunity to get out on the trails and explore the great outdoors.


Equipment available to try will include e-assist adaptive hand cycle and Bowhead all electric off road adaptive trike.


Please RSVP to Caleb at cbrousseau@sci-bc.ca.


DETAILS

PEER MEETUPS!
 
KAMLOOPS PEER MEETUP

TUE, JUL 2 | 1 - 2 PM | DETAILS

TUE, JUL 16 | 1 - 2 PM | DETAILS

TERRACE PEER MEETUP

THU, JUL 4 | 2 - 3 PM | DETAILS

VICTORIA WOMEN'S PEER MEETUP

MON, JUL 8 | 2 - 4 PM | DETAILS

NELSON PEER MEETUP

WED, JUL 10 | 1 - PM | DETAILS

VICTORIA ANEURYSM & STROKE PEER MEETUP

FRI, JUL 12 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | DETAILS

FORT ST. JOHN PEER MEETUP

MON, JUL 15 | 1:30 - 3:30 PM | DETAILS

SURREY PEER MEETUP

WED, JUL 17 | 1 - 3 PM | DETAILS

FRASER VALLEY PEER MEETUP

WED, JUL 17 | 3 - 5 PM | DETAILS

NORTH SHORE PEER MEETUP

WED, JUL 17 | 3 - 5 PM | DETAILS

OKANAGAN WOMEN'S PEER MEETUP

THU, JUL 18 | 1 - 4 PM | DETAILS

VERNON PEER MEETUP

FRI, JUL 19 | 1 - 3 PM | DETAILS

SURREY SOUTH ASIAN MEETUP

SAT, JUL 20 | 2 - 4 PM | DETAILS

PRINCE GEORGE PEER MEETUP

TUE, JUL 23 | 1:30 - 3:30 PM | DETAILS

RICHMOND PEER MEETUP

THU, JUL 25 | 12 - 2 PM | DETAILS

VANCOUVER PEER MEETUP

THU, JUL 25 | 1 - 3 PM | DETAILS

VICTORIA PEER MEETUP

THU, JUL 25 | 1 - 3 PM | DETAILS

KELOWNA PEER MEETUP

WED, JUL 31 | 1 - 3 PM | DETAILS

TRI-CITY PEER MEETUP

WED, JUL 31 | 2 - 4 PM | DETAILS

 
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
 

THE SPIN SUMMER 2024


Here comes the sun—and the latest issue of The Spin! Our Summer 2024 issue covers stories on adaptive paragliding, artificial intelligence, sports nutrition, partner exercise, a research roadshow and much more.


READ NOW

CHARITY CHALLENGE: A BIG THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!


Wow…WE DID IT! Thank you for making the 2024 Charity Challenge such a success! We passed our fundraising goal and raised over $77,000 for people with SCI and related disabilities.


There's still time to give! Donations are accepted until Jul 22 and your gift will go towards SCI BC’s Peer Program and Information Services.


DONATE NOW

CHARITY CHALLENGE PHOTO ALBUM


The Charity Challenge was a blast and we've got the photos to prove it!


Head to our Facebook page to take a peek at the fun we had at our Charity Challenge events across the province.


CHECK IT OUT

BLOG POST: I CAN STILL DO THIS


After her spinal cord injury, Catherine feared that she wouldn’t be able to enjoy the outdoors in the same way she always had. Thanks to SCI BC, this adventurous grandmother was able to get back to camping and spending time with her family outdoors.


READ NOW

VIDEOS: AGING WITH SCI WEBINARS


Did you miss one of our Aging with SCI webinars? Don't miss your chance to grow older and wiser! Find the latest webinar recordings on our YouTube channel.


Pain & Aging | WATCH NOW

Mental Health & Aging | WATCH NOW

VIDEO: ASK AN EXPERT: CENTRAL SENSITIZATION


The term “central sensitization” is increasingly used in public discourse, often in the context of pain. But what does it really mean and how do we know a person might be centrally sensitized?


In this Ask an Expert video, Dr. John Kramer describes the history of central sensitization and where, in the context of SCI, this term most accurately describes health and disease.


WATCH NOW

SCI BC MARKETPLACE

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!

 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
 

APPLY FOR THE GRAGOPEAN SCHOLARSHIP


We're calling on all prospective and returning postsecondary students 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. The deadline to apply is Jul 15.


LEARN MORE

BC ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS CONSULTATION ONLINE FOCUS GROUPS


SESSION 1: WED, JUL 10 | 5 - 7 PM | DETAILS

SESSION 2: FRI, JUL 12 | 1 - 3 PM | DETAILS


Shape the future of accessibility regulations in BC!


You are invited to provide input on draft recommendations for Accessible Service Delivery and Employment Accessibility standards under the Accessible British Columbia Act. These recommendations will form the basis of future accessibility regulations in BC. Sharing your voice is essential for ensuring the Act leads to meaningful change.


Join one of the SCI BC Online Focus Groups to share your perspective and experience in a safe, comfortable environment.

ACCESSIBLE BC ACT STANDARDS ONLINE SURVEY


Can't attend a focus group? Want your voice to be heard? You can provide feedback on the Accessible BC Act Standards through an online survey.


The survey closes Jul 31 at 4 pm.


LEARN MORE

THANK YOU CHARITY CHALLENGE CORPORATE TEAMS


We are blown away by the support we received from our Charity Challenge corporate teams! Collectively, they contributed 35% of our fundraising goal—wow!


We are grateful for these incredible businesses and their dedication to helping people with SCI and related disabilities adjust, adapt and thrive!


Thank you to...

 
RESEARCH
 
PRIORITIES FOR RECOVERY FOLLOWING SCI

Individuals living with SCI, healthcare professionals/clinicians, and researchers/scientists are invited to complete a survey. The goal is to assess the SCI community’s priorities for recovery as well as to assess the understanding of recently developed technologies, in particular, spinal cord stimulation as a rehabilitation strategy.

ICORD STUDY
SLEEP ROUTINES AND SLEEP DISTURBANCES AFTER SCI

ICORD researcher Dr. Claydon and community partner SCI BC are interested in learning more about the sleep routines, disturbances, and barriers to sleep supports experienced by individuals with SCI. The survey asks about sleep quality, sleep routines (i.e., turning), and sleep problems (i.e., sleep apnea, neuropathic pain, autonomic dysreflexia) as they present in the nighttime. They will also ask how your sleep affects your quality of life.

BURDEN OF INTERMITTENT CATHETERIZATION


Researchers in Dr. Andrei Krassioukov’s lab are interested in exploring the effect of intermittent catheterization in the health of individuals with SCI, specifically in regards to the presence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and episodes of autonomic dysreflexia (AD).


For the study, participants (or aided by a caregiver/family member/partner) will use intermittent catheterization and a swab for bacteria over a 3 day period.


FIND OUT MORE

SEX DIFFERENCES IN CARDIAC FUNCTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH HIGH-LEVEL SCI

ICORD researchers are investigating whether there are differences between the male and female heart in individuals with SCI between the C4 and T6 levels. They want to know whether these sex-related differences in the heart exist at rest, and also when your posture changes. The study involves a 1-time laboratory visit and they are recruiting people with SCI, as well as uninjured participants.

HEART RATE VARIABILITY AND ANXIETY DURING URINARY BLADDER CATHETERIZATION

Intermittent catheterization following SCI is the preferred method for emptying the bladder. However, the experience of intermittent catheterization can be a challenging one, for instance, giving rise to autonomic dysreflexia or feelings of anxiety and stress. ICORD is interested in understanding the physical and psychological response to intermittent catheterization in this study.

 
PARTNER NEWS
 

FREE COOLING VESTS

Technology for Living and the City of Vancouver and distributing 75 free cooling vests for eligible Vancouver residents.


These cooling vests help combat summer heat and provide relief, especially for those vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.


Questions? Contact Ean at eprice@technologyforliving.org.


MORE INFO

SUMMER RECREATION OPPORUNITIES

Summer programming for the Adaptive Sailing Association of BC, British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society, and Disabled Independent Gardeners Association starts soon!


Peers in the Lower Mainland can use their online booking system to secure your spot for a sailing, hiking, paddling or cycling adventure! 


MORE INFO

WORKBC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES WEBINAR

EVERY WEDNESDAY | 12:30 - 1 PM | ONLINE


Find out how the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program, operated by Neil Squire, can benefit you and your employees. Join Marketing Manager, Nate Toevs, each week for a webinar on the following topics:

  • Workplace accommodations
  • Ergonomics
  • Assistive technology
  • Available resources
  • Funding options
  • Community supports programs
  • Product demonstrations


Questions? Contact natet@neilsquire.ca or 604-355-0578.


MORE INFO

ADAPTIVE FLYING CAMP

SAT, JUL 6 - FRI, JUL 12 | VERNON


This is your chance to try adaptive paragliding! Join Adaptive Airtime in Vernon for free adaptive paragliding tandem flights, as well as a beginner-level certification course for solo pilots. Friends and family are welcome to join.


Questions? Email info@adaptiveairtime.com.


MORE INFO

SOUTH FRASER ACTIVE LIVING MONTHLY MEETING

MON, JUL 8 | 1 - 3 PM | ONLINE


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.


MORE INFO

REALWHEELS THEATRE DISABILITY TOUR BUS RADIO PLAY

AVAILABLE JUL 17 | ONLINE


Realwheels Theatre is excited to announce their new production, Disability Tour Bus, will be released as a radio play podcast and available for streaming on Jul 17.


Written for podcast platforms by Amy Amantea and Rena Cohen, Disability Tour Bus follows Shiloh, a young wheelchair-user, as they navigate their first day as a guide for “Funcouver Bus Tours”. Working alongside longtime employee and relentless dad-joker, Hugh, Shiloh struggles to stick to the “Funcouver” script when so much of “Canada’s most wheelchair-accessible city” is still so incredibly inaccessible.


People and politics collide until a new passenger, Tess, comes aboard and offers unexpected common ground. The tour must go on! Because there’s someone special waiting for Tess at the end. At least she hopes there is.


MORE INFO

ECOWISDOM ACCESSIBLE NATURE WELLBEING PROGRAM

SUN, JUL 28 | 1 - 3:30 PM | ONLINE


Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing is a fun, relaxing, and effective way to support personal wellbeing, peer support, community resilience, and care for the earth. This nature-based mindfulness practice has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and blood pressure.


This program will be led by a team of EcoWisdom Guides, most of whom live with disability/ chronic illness or with pain and fatigue associated with aging.


Space is limited in this free program.


Questions? Email anwp@ecowisdom.ca.


MORE INFO

PARC ONLINE CLASSES
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.

We hope you will join us for a workout, stretch, spin class, exercise or dance session. We look forward to seeing you!

Questions? Contact parc@icord.org.

 
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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