|
|
View our online events calendar to see what's happening this month!
|
Connect Online
Videos, news, articles!
|
|
In this issue, you'll find recommendations on gloves for winter wheeling, the best ways to be seen when wheeling on these dark and gloomy nights, and exciting new research studies from Dr. Borisoff, Dr. Claydon and others!
Starting this month, we're including SCI BC in-person and special new events in our newsletter. If you're looking for our regular weekly coffee & exercise groups, reading, trivia and games nights, you can find them online! A Weekly Update will also be sent to your inbox every Friday so you can tune in!
|
|
|
|
|
NORDIC SKI DAY!
SAT, FEB 5 & SAT, MAR 12 | 9:30 AM - 3 PM | WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK
Ever wanted to try nordic sit-skiing? Now's your chance! Join SCI BC and Whistler Adaptive Sports for a day on the groomed cross-country ski trails of Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley! Contact Peter by email at pchisholm@sci-bc.ca to find out more, or reserve a spot.
|
|
|
|
NEW! PARENTING WITH SCI
THU, FEB 10 | 4 - 5 PM | ONLINE
Join peer, Kristi Leer, mother of two, and our host for this new online session happening on the second Thursday of each month. In this group, she would love to share the experiences of parenting together, and find out what parenting after SCI has been like for you.
On FEB 10th this discussion will also include making a special valentines gift! Click here to see what she has in mind.
|
|
|
|
ONLINE PAINT NIGHT WITH NICOLE
FRI, FEB 11 | 7:30 - 9:30 PM | ONLINE
Get your Bob Ross on, and join Nicole for an evening of painting! Tune in to try something new and meet your inner artist! Follow along as Nicole provides step-by step instructions on how to paint a beautiful landscape. You'll need some supplies, so click on the link to find out more.
|
|
|
|
CREATIVE WRITING 101 — ONE WEEKEND ONLY!
SAT, FEB 19 & SUN, FEB 20 | 2 - 5 PM | ONLINE
Whether your goal is to write a non-fiction piece decrying inspiration porn, a flash fiction story for a magazine, or your own scandalous memoir, a few tricks of the trade can make the blank page before you a little less intimidating. New and seasoned writers are welcome to join Lisa Hislop, a professional fiction editor, to learn a little bit about all the stages of the writing process.
|
|
|
|
LOOKING FOR YOUR FAVOURITE ONLINE GROUP?
Just check your email every Friday! Your Weekly Update will provide a list of all the online coffee and exercise groups, book clubs, games and trivia nights with zoom links for quick access to fun!
|
|
|
|
GLOVES FOR WINTER WHEELING
Snow, slush and atmospheric rivers! Have your hands and fingers had enough of this winter weather? Are there a pair of gloves that keep hands warm, dry AND have good grip for wheelchair users? In our latest blog, check out these great peer suggestions and clever hacks!
|
|
|
|
AN ACCESSIBLE HUNTING ADVENTURE
Frank LaBounty grew up surrounded by wilderness in Prince George. Spending time in the backcountry was a big part of his life, and that included hunting deer and moose. For the first time since his injury in 1998, he visited the backcountry with the Annual Rempel Builders Accessible Hunting Trip, and he couldn't be happier!
|
|
|
|
BE SEEN & GET A BRAKE! THE BEST LIGHTS FOR VISIBILITY
How you can avoid becoming a statistic on our wintry, rainy and dark streets? Research from ICORD confirms that adding visibility elements to your wheelchair is the best way to stay safe at night. Check out the best visibility options for your wheelchair.
|
|
|
|
BUILDING A BETTER FREEWHEEL
An inside look at how BCIT and ICORD researcher Dr. Jaimie Borisoff is taking one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons ever created to the next level. Like others, Borisoff loves the FreeWheel concept—but has long lamented its shortcomings. His creation, called the SWIVL, solves these by using the space under the chair and between the users shins to stow the SWIVL wheel.
|
|
|
|
DID YOU MISS THE ADVOCACY DISCUSSION PANEL?
No problem! In this recording, Spinal Cord Injury BC and expert panelists discuss how to advocate for your health. Unfortunately, the health care system has failed many people with disabilities. This panel discussion dives into personal stories, advice on how to navigate health systems, tools and tips on how to successfully advocate for what you need, and more.
|
|
|
|
GOT THE WINTER BLUES AND NEED TO TALK?
Our Peer Program Coordinators live with SCI and understand what you’re dealing with. They are located throughout BC and are always there to lend an ear and answer questions. You can also call our InfoLine at 1-800-689-2477 to find resources about work, housing, health information, recreation opportunities and more!
|
|
|
|
TRY AN FES BIKE AT NEUROMOTION PHYSIOTHERAPY + REHABILITATION
established modality that’s widely used for rehabilitation. The FES bike (RT300 model) is used to restore muscle mass in leg or arm and core muscles. See what you think! Email or call (604) 732-8500 to register.
|
|
|
|
THANK YOU HAMMERCO LAWYERS LLP
Thank you to the legal team at Hammerco Lawyers LLP. For 20 years they've consistently helped individuals achieve positive outcomes. We're so grateful for their commitment to helping peers stay connected through our programs!
|
|
|
|
MEND THE GAP—REGENERATIVE TREATMENT FOR SCI
Mend the Gap is a UBC-led project in which SCI BC is an official collaborator. This project is about integrating recent scientific advances and accelerating efforts towards a regenerative treatment for spinal cord injury. Check out the impressive international team of 32 investigators and partners (you'll recognize some familiar names!) and find out about their approach.
|
|
|
|
PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF THE AAPLEWALK SIT TO STAND EXERCISE MACHINE
Researchers in the Borisoff lab will be engaging users who have mobility impairments to test the novel sit-to-stand exercise machine prototype and provide feedback on their experience. Participants will take part in up to 4 testing sessions exploring the fit and basic function of the prototype exercise machine and also of the NuStep exercise machine. Contact Angie Wong, by email or phone (604) 451-6934.
|
|
|
|
EFFECT OF PASSIVE CYCLING ON CARDIAC FUNCTION & SPASTICITY
The team at Dr. Victoria Claydon’s lab are investigating whether passive cycling can improve cardiovascular function following SCI. Participants will be seated in a wheelchair with feet secured to the pedalling device and placed on a treadmill, allowing the device to move their legs in a bicycle motion. Through non-invasive monitoring, researchers will record blood pressure, heart rate, cerebral blood flow, and breathing parameters. A short questionnaire will follow the cycling protocol. Contact Michael Ruiz-Peters by email or phone (604) 379-3453
|
|
|
|
TOWARDS IMPROVING AUTONOMIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH SCI IN BC'S INTERIOR
Since local factors are known to play a role in care delivery, it is anticipated that individuals with SCI living in the Interior of BC may face unique challenges for managing their health. Researchers are looking to understand where the current gaps are in relation to care for autonomic disturbances and offsetting secondary health conditions via a short survey that all people living with SCI within the BC interior will be invited to complete. Contact Lisa Renaud, by email or phone (250) 807-8891.
|
|
|
|
SURVEY: INTERFACE DESIGN PREFERENCES FOR MEASURING PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES USING LIGHT
This study is a survey to obtain opinions from women affected with neurogenic bladder about their preferences in the design of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) interfaces (minimally invasive methods to quantify the function of the bladder and pelvic floor). Contact Ameneh Madjd, by email or phone (604) 675-8881.
|
|
|
|
SURVEY: INTERFACE DESIGN PREFERENCES FOR MEASURING BLADDER FULLNESS USING LIGHT
This study is a telephone survey to obtain opinions from men and/or women affected with spinal cord injury and neurogenic bladder about their preferences in the design of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) interface to measure bladder function.
Contact Ameneh Madjd,by email or phone (604) 675-8881.
|
|
|
|
REALWHEELS AUDITIONS
Attention actors! Realwheels is currently auditioning for a production called Disability Tour Bus. If you're a male actor living with a disability in your late 20’s to early 40’s this may be the role for you. Interested? Deadlines for submissions are mid-February.
|
|
|
|
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES & FUNDING FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN BC
WEDNESDAYS | 12:30 PM | ONLINE
Find out how the Neil Squire WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program can benefit you. Join Nate Toevs for topics such as workplace accommodations, funding options, product demonstrations and more!
|
|
|
|
WORKING TOGETHER WEBINAR: STRESS MANAGEMENT
TUE, FEB 8 | 10 AM | ONLINE
Stress is an unavoidable reality that we all share. It's very important therefore that we have healthy coping strategies during times of stress, some of which you will learn about in this webinar. The following topics on stress will be included: effects, recognizing physiological signs, triggers, tolerance, combating negative thoughts and self-care.
|
|
|
|
PARA HOCKEY TRY IT SESSION
WED, FEB 16 | 7 PM | SURREY
SportAbility welcomes active and new Para Ice Hockey participants to join them at Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex for a fun evening of hockey! This session will be a great opportunity for newcomers to learn about the sport through fun interactive games and skill development activities. All levels of experience, abilities, and those ages 6+ are invited to participate. All equipment will be available for those who do not have their own equipment to participate.
|
|
|
|
WORK BC ASSISTIVE TECH SERVICES LUNCH AND LEARN
THU, FEB 17 | 12 PM | ONLINE
Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Join Neil Squire at their next virtual lunch & learn, and lunch is on them! Following the webinar, each attendee will receive a $20 SkipTheDishes voucher via email*. Join Marketing Manager, Nate Toevs, for a half hour webinar on assistive technology, ergonomics, and the services available to people who have work-related barriers due to a disability or functional limitation.
|
|
|
|
HIGH ON ICE TRY-IT PARA ICE HOCKEY AND BROOMBALL
SUN, FEB 20 | 9 AM & 9:50 AM | FORT ST. JOHN
Join in to try out the exciting sports of Para Ice Hockey and Broomball. Equipment is provided and the team of experienced coaches will be on hand to show you the ropes!
This event is open to ALL regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or physical disability. However current protocols do require proof of vaccination for everyone over the age of 12.
|
|
|
|
FORT ST. JOHN ENERGIZERS WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL JAMBOREE
SUN, FEB 20 | 11:15 AM | FORT ST. JOHN
Get out on the court for some fun wheelchair basketball skills and games. This is a great chance to try a new sport and meet new people as well as help to build a new sports opportunity for the community.
Equipment is provided and all ages and abilities welcome! All players must provide proof of vaccination.
|
|
|
|
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY HAVE A GO
WED, FEB 23 | 8 PM | PRINCE GEORGE
Join BC Wheelchair Sports for an opportunity to try the fun and exciting sport of wheelchair rugby. Everyone welcome, disability not required. All equipment provided. Contact Brandy by email to register.
|
|
|
|
MAKERS MAKING CHANGE INFO SESSION
THU, FEB 24 | 10 AM | ONLINE
Makers Making Change is a project that connects people who could benefit from assistive devices with volunteer makers. Join them to find out everything you need to know to be a part of this exciting project. This is a great opportunity to ask questions or to figure out how you want to get involved – whether it be to receive devices, volunteer to build, or whatever you think you can contribute!
|
|
|
|
PARC ONLINE CLASSES FOR FEBRUARY
Participating in PARC's online classes will help you stay healthy and will enable you to connect with the PARC community. The classes follow a regular schedule and are led by the UBC Kinesiology students. You can join the classes by using Zoom. The schedule and detailed description of classes are available on the Virtual PARC Website.
|
|
|
|
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
MAR 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 | 1825 W 16th Ave, Vancouver
Join Realwheels from March 2nd - 4th and 7th - 9th in their 6-day workshop to learn and experiment with puppetry storytelling! A small honorarium will be offered to participants offset some of the costs of attending this workshop.
|
|
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!*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
