|
|
Be open to the possibility that the future holds more opportunities, connections and meaning than you ever imagined. Wherever you are on your journey, there's a supportive community here to lean on.
This November, join us for events on vision boards, travel, sleep hygiene and more. We hope you'll find something that sparks an idea, builds a connection or simply brightens your day.
And a friendly reminder that all times are listed in Pacific time, PCT (UTC-7). With British Columbia now observing Pacific Time year-round, there's no need to worry about changing your clocks.
SCI BC's Marketplace: Scroll down to the very bottom of this newsletter for SCI-related equipment, supplies and accessible housing.
| | Join us for Webinars, Peer Meetups and Fitness Classes! Find details for each event below. | | |
Virtual Discussion on Intermittent Catheterization
MON, NOV 2; 3 - 4:30 PM | Register for the discussion.
Join the discussion! SCI BC, in collaboration with Coloplast Canada, is inviting individuals who use intermittent catheters to participate in a virtual discussion group.
If you use intermittent catheters, your experiences can help improve understanding of bladder management and inform future education, resources, and product development. Together, we’ll discuss the day-to-day realities of intermittent catheterization, including catheter selection and use, challenges and concerns, the impact of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and the relationship between bladder emptying, residual urine, and UTI risk.
We are seeking 12 individuals who currently use intermittent catheters to take part. The session will be held virtually via Zoom, with Coloplast representatives attending as observers to listen and learn from participants’ experiences. An honorarium will be provided in recognition of your time and contributions.
Can’t attend but still want to have your voice heard? Complete the online survey.
| | |
Travel Talks
MON, NOV 2, 9, 16 & 23; 6:15 - 7 PM | Join via Zoom.
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!
Whether you want to discover something new in your own area or plan a big trip across the country or the ocean, the world remains open and full of possibilities.
November schedule:
- 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
If you’re interested in sharing your travel experiences in a future session, please contact mfetterly@sci-bc.ca.
| | |
30-Day Sleep Hygiene 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 | Register online.
Build healthier sleep habits, together!
Sleep is not simply a time when we switch off. It is an active, essential process that allows our brains and bodies to rest, repair and restore themselves. That’s why we’re inviting you to join a community of peers for a 30-day exploration of sleep hygiene.
Sleep hygiene refers to the daily habits and environmental conditions that support healthy, restorative sleep. These include maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, creating a comfortable sleeping environment, managing caffeine and evening screen time, getting appropriate daylight exposure, engaging in regular physical activity and developing a relaxing bedtime routine.
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. Rather than striving for perfection, approach this challenge with curiosity. Notice how your sleep affects your energy, concentration, mood and well-being, and build habits that are realistic and sustainable.
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 | Register online.
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 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.
You’ll learn why vision boards can be powerful tools for motivation and self-reflection and how to create your own physical or digital vision board. In the final session, you’ll be invited to share your vision board (if you wish) and take part in guided manifestation exercises.
| | |
Ask an Expert: The Right Fit Program
WED, NOV 25; 5 - 6 PM | Register online.
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.
They provide peer-led navigation to wheelchair users and their families, including an assessment of disability support needs and match eligible clients to appropriate housing. Additionally, they identify wheelchair accessible housing stock and define “accessible unit” features with their Accessibility Checklist.
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.
| | |
SCI BC Marketplace! Your one-stop hub for disability-related items and accessible housing.
Check out the latest listings:
| | |
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. The deadline to apply is Nov 15, 2026.
| | |
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.
| | |
Mental Health and Mindfulness Playlist: Your mental well-being matters. Hear from peers about their experiences after SCI, explore disability-informed mindfulness practices,and discover practical tools to support coping, adjustment, resilience and well-being.
| |
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!*
| | | | |
